Ron Chenoy – USA Today Sports Images
The Oklahoma City Thunder went into the 2013 NBA Draft with only one pick in the first round. However, after pulling off some draft-night trades, they ended up with the 26th overall pick in the draft. The Thunder then used that pick to select guard/forward Andre Roberson out of Colorado.
In his final season with Colorado, Roberson did some pretty impressive things. Roberson averaged only 10.9 points and 1.4 assists per game, but also put up 11.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor.
Watching Roberson play at the Orlando Summer League, he really didn’t do much to turn heads for Oklahoma City. In four games he averaged only 4.8 points and 0.5 assists per game, but he did put up eight rebounds and 1.5 steals per game and also shot a respectable 47.4 percent from the floor.
Though Roberson hasn’t put up the greatest offensive numbers, there’s no denying his potential has a player. He has a ton of versatility and athleticism that could transform into above-average playmaking ability, but he also needs to hone his offensive skills and become more consistent. There were plays at Summer League when he would do something where you would question why he would do that, but then he would do some things that not many players in the league are able to.
OKC needs depth on their wings this season, but Roberson isn’t ready to fill that role. Ultimately, it seems like Roberson needs time to further develop his game in the D-League this season. Though that sounds like a demotion, it will actually benefit Roberson in the long run.
