Oklahoma City Thunder: A healthy Andre Roberson is a necessity in 2018-19
The biggest reason why the Oklahoma City Thunder will be better in 2018-19 is Andre Roberson, not the departure of Carmelo Anthony
Many are quick to point to the departure of Carmelo Anthony as possibly being the biggest reason why the Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to improve in 2018-19. However, a healthy Andre Roberson might best a better answer.
When he was lost for the season in January, he was clearly missed. And the team was never the same, as was evidenced by their disappointing first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs.
Before his injury, Roberson was making a serous case to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award. During the 2017-18 NBA season, Roberson had an impressive 9.0 plus/minus per 100 possessions.
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With Roberson in the lineup, the Thunder had a defensive rating of 103.7 in the first half of the season. When he was lost for the year, OKC had a 106.7 defensive rating. Three points. Even though that may not seem like a big number, it is for a stat such as defensive rating.
On the offensive end, there’s no question that Roberson leaves much to be desired. He only averaged five points per game last season, but did shoot a career best 54 percent shooting from the field. He only shoots 22 percent from 3-point range, which is extremely poor. However, he more than makes up for it on the other end of the floor.
Plus, Roberson is athletic enough to create other forms of offense as a slashing forward. And his presence on the wing on the defensive end will lift the spirits of this team as soon as he makes a return to the lineup.
Having two talented wings such as Paul George and Roberson on the floor at the same time also changes the complex of a team’s defense, not to mention that they also added Nerlens Noel this summer too.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to be better in 2018-19, and perhaps the biggest reason why is Andre Roberson who is hoping to make a return to the court before the midway point of the season.