National Basketball Association

Andre Roberson: Is the 24-Year Old Finally a Justifiable Starter?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The potential of Andre Roberson was displayed for everyone to see during this past year’s playoffs.

Ever since Andre Roberson earned his spot in the starting lineup under former head coach Scott Brooks we all have wondered: What is it about this guy that coaches love?

Roberson meshed well with the other starters, not only because of his defense, but because he does the little things. He is that scrapper, that fighter that every team strives to have; a player who puts his own ego to the side to win basketball games. Even when he would air-ball the occasional three-pointer or pass up an open shot, the coaches and the players stuck with him.

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots the basketball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

During this past post-season, Roberson’s versatility was put to the test as he was asked to play up to three different positions on the court. He was the starting shooting guard, but there were times where he would guard the opposing teams’ power forward. In the Western Conference Finals, we saw Andre setting screens and rolling to the rim in a way a true big man would.

Roberson has also grown offensively since he entered the NBA as a defensive stopper. He can hit the occasional corner three and can finish layups and dunks with ease. Head coach Billy Donovan had Roberson constantly moving around in offensive sets. He employed this strategy to prevent stagnation and defenders slacking off of him to double-team the stars. Guess what? It worked!

So what can we expect from the fourth-year guard this upcoming season and beyond?

It’s looking like Roberson will slide over a spot to be the small forward in the starting line-up. This move will still fit for him because he has the size at 6’7 and 210 pounds. He already has a great relationship with Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams. He even visited Steven’s home country of New Zealand this past summer. With Victor Oladipo in the fold, it makes sense for Donovan to employ an ultra-defensive lineup.

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As far as his game goes, one can assume that he spent this offseason continuing to work on his offensive skills. With a consistent shot and more confidence, Roberson could be in for a big year overall. There will be more opportunities in this offense now that there is vacancy on the wing.

The Thunder have preached that they are truly predicated on being a defense first team. Since that is Roberson’s specialty, he should thrive. Questions about whether Andre is worthy of a starting spot has finally been put to rest.

Roberson lined up next to Westbrook, Oladipo, Adams and newly acquired rookie Domatas Sabonis in the team’s annual Blue vs. White scrimmage this past week. That may very well be the starting lineup they roll out on October 26th when the Thunder play their first regular season game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

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