Forward’s NBA draf t gamble pays off

3 - y -

Roberson is lengthy, with a 6foot-11 wingspan, regularly disrupting offensive flow with deflections.

He averaged 2.2 steals per game last season (second in the conference) and 1.3 blocks (eighth in the conference).

“His defensive impact is certainly supported by the numbers, as well as what you’re seeing when you evaluate a player on film or in person,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti said.

“Andre is someone who caught our attention a few years ago. His persistence, his activity and his endurance within the game as a competitor are all signs of a player that’s going to continue to improve with hard work and development.”

Of the three rookies, Roberson may have the best chance to make an immediate impact.

At 21, he’s a more older and polished than the Thunder’s two 19year-old rookies and, as Presti said, already “knows his game” and “understands his role.”

Part of that role will be guarding the stars in practice, including three-time scoring champ Kevin Durant, who earlier this week said: “It’s not like any rookie is going to come in and have an immediate impact, especially on our team.”

“I guess that’s a challenge to us,” Roberson said when told of that statement. “I’m willing to take that on for sure. He hasn’t seen any of us play yet, I don’t think, so he’ll be shocked.”