The Nets not only had a superficial interest in Andre Roberson before they took on Iman Shumpert, but they actually worked with the defensive wing, a source told The Post.
Roberson’s return to the court with the Thunder in last season’s bubble showed he was ready to play and his training for the Nets further underscored his health. Now that Shumpert has suffered a hamstring injury before playing a second, one wonders if general manager Sean Marks would meet Roberson again. A source close to the situation said Roberson would be available and would be a viable option.
The 6-foot 7 and 210-pound Roberson seems not only a fit in a position of need, but has family ties to the team. Not only was he a teammate 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.
“Yeah, I think being healthy will be a phenomenal addition for a candidate,” Dinwiddie told The Post. “And obviously being an extended family will be a drug to share that journey and those high-level aspirations.”
Roberson was the second fully defensive team in 2016-17 and was the next year’s defense candidate the following season before breaking his left patellar tendon on January 27, 2018. After a lengthy rehabilitation, he finally went return to the track for the Thunder during the Orlando restart, averaging 2.9 points and 3.9 boards in 12.4 minutes over seven games.
Much has been done about the Nets ’defensive crater since they removed the Jarrett Allen edge protection center. But Dinwiddie suffers a partially torn ACL, and the Nets exchanging both Prince Taurus and Caris LeVert have left holes open in their perimeter defense against small attackers and larger shooting guards.
With decisions pending on his unsecured or partially secured contracts on Feb. 24 – Shumpert, as well as Chris Chiozza, Norvel Pelle and Noah Vonleh – at least some list move seems feasible. If so, Roberson might be a suitable form.
Kevin Durant missed the Kings game and will also miss last Tuesday’s final in Phoenix.
The Nets have been linked with Cleveland center-back Andre Drummond, if bought. But the Cavaliers have not only fully secured the veteran, but are in “active” negotiations with the Raptors over a trade according to The Athletic.