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The Nets didn’t just have a superficial interest in Andre Roberson before settling on Iman Shumpert, they actually worked on the defensive wing, a source told the Post.
Roberson’s return to the field with the Thunder in the bubble last season showed he’s ready to play, and his training for the Nets has further underscored his health. Now that Shumpert suffered a hamstring injury before he even played a second, one has to wonder if general manager Sean Marks would return to Roberson. A source familiar with the situation said Roberson would be available and a viable option.
The 6-foot-7, 210-pound Roberson not only seems a fit in a position of need, but has family ties to the team. He was not only 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 he’s healthy, he’s going to be a phenomenal addition to a candidate,” Dinwiddie told The Post. “And obviously, as an extended family, he will be crazy to share this journey and these high-level aspirations with him.
Roberson was fully defensive second team in 2016-17, and was a defensive player of the year, a candidate the following season before he ruptured his left patellar tendon on January 27, 2018. After a lengthy rehabilitation, he finally returned to the field. for the Thunder in the Orlando restart, averaging 2.9 points and 3.9 boards in 12.4 minutes in seven games.
Much has been said about the Nets’ defense craters since they took out rim protection center Jarrett Allen. But Dinwiddie suffers from a partially torn ACL, and the Nets trade both Taurean Prince and Caris LeVert left gaping holes in their perimeter defense against smaller forwards and bigger shooting guards.
With rulings due on their unsecured or partially guaranteed contracts by February 24 – Shumpert, as well as Chris Chiozza, Norvel Pelle and Noah Vonleh – at least one list move seems possible. If so, Roberson could be a fit.
Kevin Durant missed the Kings game and will also miss the end of the back-to-back game on Tuesday in Phoenix.
The Nets have been linked with Cleveland center Andre Drummond if he is redeemed. But the Cavaliers have not only completely benched the veteran, but are in “active” negotiations with the Raptors on a trade according to The Athletic.
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