Not only did the Nets have a cursory interest in Andre Roberson before settling on Iman Shumpert, they really worked out the defensive wing, a source told The Post.
Roberson’s return to the field with the Thunder in the bubble last season showed he was ready to play, and his training for the Nets further underlined his health. Now that Shumpert has sustained a hamstring injury before even playing for a second, you have to wonder if general manager Sean Marks would return to Roberson. A source close to the situation said Roberson would be available and a viable option.
The 6-foot-7, 210-pound Roberson not only seems like a fit in a position of need, but has family ties to the team. Not only was he teammates with Kevin Durant (and Nets assistant Royal Ivey) in Oklahoma City, as well as Spencer Dinwiddie in college, but his sister Arielle actually has a son Elijah with Dinwiddie.
“Yes, I think he is healthy, he will be a phenomenal asset to a contender,” Dinwiddie told The Post. “And it is clear that as an extended family he will be dope to share that journey and those high-level ambitions with him.”
Roberson was the defensive second team in 2016-17, and was a defensive player of the year candidate the following season before breaking his left patellar tendon on January 27, 2018. After lengthy rehabilitation, he finally got back on the court for the Thunder during the restart of Orlando, averaging 2.9 points and 3.9 boards in 12.4 minutes over seven games.
Much has been done about the Nets’ defense craters since they took the Jarrett Allen Edge Protection Center away. But Dinwiddie is suffering from a partially torn ACL, and the Nets trading both Taurean Prince and Caris LeVert have left gaping holes in their defenses against petty assailants and larger gun guards.
With decisions on their non- or partially guaranteed contracts on Feb. 24 – Shumpert, as well as Chris Chiozza, Norvel Pelle and Noah Vonleh – at least some roster change appears feasible. If so, Roberson could be suitable.
Kevin Durant missed the Kings game and will also miss the end of Tuesday’s back-to-back in Phoenix.
The Nets have been linked with Cleveland center Andre Drummond when he is bought out. But the Cavaliers have not only put the veteran on the bench, but are in “active” negotiations with the Raptors about a trade, according to The Athletic.