The Oklahoma City Thunder and forward Andre Roberson have reportedly agreed to a new contract keeping him in OKC. Roberson is an exceptional perimeter defender.
According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Oklahoma City Thunder and forward Andre Roberson have agreed to a three-year contract worth $30 million. Last year, Roberson earned Second Team All-Defensive honors while starting for the Thunder.
The signing of Andre Roberson ensures that the Thunder will retain one of the elite perimeter defenders in the league. OKC already made a huge splash by trading for forward Paul George. Now, they must look to solidify their role players and try to surround George and MVP Russell Westbrook with as much talent as possible.
The Golden State Warriors have set the standard of the modern-day NBA with their athleticism and up-tempo style of play. The addition of George and the re-signing of Andre Roberson help close the gap between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Warriors. Roberson started and played in 79 regular-season contests and every playoff game, displaying his durability.
The NBA recognized Roberson’s defensive efforts last year by naming him to the All-Defensive Second Team. At age 25, Roberson still has plenty of room to grow and develop all areas of his game. Last year, he was able to improve his rebounding average from 3.6 per game up to 5.1. He was also able to post career-high numbers in steals and blocks.
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While the Thunder are counting on Roberson continuing to progress on the defensive end, it is his offense in game that needs the most work. Last year for the Thunder, Roberson shot 60.9 percent from two-point range. This number is highly misleading however, as his three-point and free throw shooting percentages are more indicative of his shooting ability.
Roberson saw his woeful regular season free throw average of 46.3 percent plummet down to 14.3 percent during the Thunder’s first round playoff exit. He was able to bump his three-point shooting average from 24.5 percent during the regular season to 41.2 percent in the playoffs. If Roberson is able to make even marginal improvements in his shooting, he will become more dangerous for the Thunder.
Fortunately, Andre Roberson will not be relied upon for consistent offense, since reigning league MVP Russell Westbrook and newly acquired All-Star Paul George will be the focal points of Oklahoma City’s offense. Within that offense, Roberson will be asked to make open shots, cut to the basket and make smart passes.
The Oklahoma City Thunder understand what Andre Roberson brings to the table and the potential that he carries. While they are looking to win now, re-signing Roberson is essential to their present and their future. Skilled defensive players like Roberson are rare in the NBA and highly sought after. Players such as Andre Iguodala and Bruce Bowen are excellent examples for him to model his game after. Both players are rightfully known for their defensive prowess, but developed enough offensive game to demand coverage.
Overall, the Oklahoma City Thunder made an excellent deal with one of their rising young players. The salary cap hit to the Thunder is relatively small for the type of player that Roberson could develop into within three years. Roberson secures himself a pay raise and a chance to prove that his next contract should be more lucrative.
Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far
Grade: A