The OKC Thunder had a season of development and growth this season. They were competitive throughout the first half of the season before injury and roster management saw them plummet towards the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Throughout all of this, Isaiah Roby just played basketball to the best of his considerable ability. He even started when Al Horford had games off early in the season. Roby played so well that there was the potential that he could start alongside Horford.
It was good to see Roby on the floor this season. He missed most of his rookie season due to injury after the Thunder traded for him from the Dallas Mavericks. He did spend some time in the G-League last year where he showed all the right things but nothing could have prepared us for what Roby did this season.
The OKC Thunder liked what they saw from Isaiah Roby this season
Roby averaged 8.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. He did a little bit of everything on the court which was a big reason that he is either going to be a big part of the Thunder’s future or an interesting piece for trade.
The Thunder tried to play him a lot at the pivot before the emergence of Moses Brown and he is a little undersized a 6’8″. This was pointed out by Draymond Green in a late-season loss. Roby responded by dunking over Green in transition the next time they made it down the court. This is a big reason the Thunder like what they see in Roby, he does not back down.
Now, let’s take a look at the improvements Isaiah Roby needs to make prior to next season.