OKC Thunder season grades: Isaiah Roby showed why Presti traded for him

When the OKC Thunder traded for Isaiah Roby last season, they were doing so on potential. Taken with the 45th pick of the 2019 draft, Roby was not too highly fancied by many teams. The problem was that he was so often injured.

The Thunder traded Justin Patton and cash for Roby back in January 2020. He was unable to take the court due to injury but the Thunder helped him along with his rehabilitation and then assigned him to the G-League affiliate the OKC Blue.

What they saw there is what they are now seeing this season, the hustle, the intensity, and the all-around game which is going to see him go far in the NBA, hopefully with the Thunder organization. At the age of 23, he certainly fits the timeline. He is also 6’8″ and can play any front-court role, so is the perfect fit for positionless basketball.

The OKC Thunder have seen where Isaiah Roby has the potential for growth.

Roby was really good for the Thunder last season. He averaged 8.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 23.4 minutes per game. He shot the ball well from the field going at 48.3 percent. He was also solid from the line going 74.4 percent.

Where Roby needs to focus on growth is his 3-point shooting. He was only good for 29.4 percent of his attempts. However, when the Thunder starts getting some more quality players and chemistry, this number should go up to closer to the league average. Remember, it was pretty much Roby’s rookie season.