NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason targets for the Denver Nuggets

3. Andre Roberson

Andre Roberson is difficult player to evaluate. In the Thunder’s series against the Rockets for example, he showcased both the best and worst facets of his game. He’s a fantastic defender that can bother elite offensive players and make them work hard for every basket. Throughout the series Roberson forced heaps of turnovers, blocked shots and pestered James Harden, holding him to some of his worst shooting nights of the season.

At the same time however, his inability to shoot often killed the Thunder’s offensive output. In both the 2016 and 2017 playoffs, opponents of the Thunder just refused to guard him on the perimeter. The nadir of his 2017 postseason came when the Rockets continuously hacked him in Game 4 and he went an unthinkable 2-of-12 from the free throw line. Roberson’s poor shooting and offensive inconsistency were especially detrimental on a bricky Thunder team that lacked spacing.

The Nuggets should be able to hide his offensive better than most teams. They were a top ten team in both 3-point attempts and makes (per Basketball-Reference). So Denver might just have enough spacing to absorb Roberson’s wildly inaccurate shooting. In addition, Roberson has often demonstrated an ability to get open off of crafty cuts, which an excellent passer like Nikola Jokic can consistently take advantage of. If Denver can integrate Roberson into the offense and play him for extended minutes, its defense should improve substantially. He can legitimately guard four positions against most teams, which would be a valuable skill on this defensively challenged Nuggets squad.

Roberson is a restricted free agent, but the Thunder might be willing to part ways with him if a big offer comes his way. With the extensions of Steven Adams and Victor Oladipo kicking in this summer, avoiding the tax will likely be a priority for Oklahoma City. Perhaps an offer of $55 million over three years for the 25-year-old Roberson could do the trick.