The Nets not only had a superficial interest in Andre Roberson before settling on Iman Shumpert, but actually developed the defensive wing, a source told The Post.
Roberson’s return to the field with Thunder in the ball last season showed that he is ready to play, and his training for the Nets emphasized his health even more. Now that Shumpert has suffered a hamstring injury before playing for at least a second, we have to wonder if general manager Sean Marks would return to Roberson. A source close to the situation said that Roberson will be available and a viable option.
Roberson, 6 meters and 7 kilograms, not only seems to fit in a position of need, but has family ties with the team. Not only were she teammates with Kevin Durant (and Nets assistant Royal Ivey) in Oklahoma City, as well as Spencer Dinwiddie in college, but Arielle’s sister actually has a son Elijah with Dinwiddie.
“Yeah, I think being healthy will be a phenomenal plus for a competitor,” Dinwiddie told The Post. “And, obviously, being an extended family, he will be drugged to share that journey and those high-level aspirations with him.”
Roberson was the second full defensive team in 2016-17 and was a defensive player of the year the following season, before breaking his left patellar tendon on January 27, 2018. After a long rehabilitation, he finally returned to the field. for the Thunder during the replay of Orlando, averaging 2.9 points and 3.9 tables in 12.4 minutes in seven games.
Much has been done about the Nets’ defense craters since they destroyed the Jarrett Allen Rim Protection Center. But Dinwiddie suffered a partially broken ACL, and the Nets negotiate both Prince Taurean and Caris LeVert, leaving holes open in their perimeter defense against small attackers and larger firing guards.
With decisions on their contracts guaranteed, in part or in part, until February 24 – Shumpert, as well as Chris Chiozza, Norvel Pelle and Noah Vonleh – at least one move on the list seems feasible. If so, Roberson might be right.
Kevin Durant missed Kings’ game and will also miss back-to-back Tuesday in Phoenix.
The Nets have been linked with Cleveland center-back Andre Drummond if he is bought. But the Cavaliers have not only completely taken the veteran, but are in “active” negotiations with the Raptors over a deal according to The Athletic.