Denver Nuggets: No chance for Andre Roberson now
By Mathew Huff
The Denver Nuggets are in need of a replacement for Danilo Gallinari and Andre Roberson would have been a good addition.
There were a few wings on the market who could have filled the void Gallinari left on the Denver Nuggets’ roster. Otto Porter is now a Brooklyn Net, Jae Crowder looks like will be heading to Utah and now Andre Roberson will return to Oklahoma City.
Denver Nuggets
Say what you will about his offensive struggles, just remember Denver has the offensive side of things more than covered. In other words, he would not have had to worry about shouldering a load offensively.
Roberson would have been a good pick up for Denver as he would have improved their perimeter defense. I mean, just imagine a perimeter of ball hawks for the Nuggets consisting of Gary Harris and Andre Roberson!? Unfortunately, it is just a dream now for Denver.
According to an article from Bleacher Report, Roberson has agreed to return to the Thunder for a three year, $30 million contract. This is somewhat surprising given the recent trade the Thunder made to acquire Paul George as Roberson will most likely see a decline in minutes unless they go towards a small ball lineup.
He will most likely be relegated to the bench backing up George, but Oklahoma City did not want to lose the defensively versatile wing. Roberson was a restricted free agent, but that would not have deterred other teams from trying to get his services.
The Nuggets are an even more attractive core now with the addition of All-Star, Paul Millsap and they could have made a great pitch to Roberson with an open slot at the small forward position. Not to mention, Roberson played college ball in Colorado, so it would have been somewhat of a homecoming for him.
Roberson averaged about a block per game and 1.2 steals per game this past season and would have been a welcome defensive presence for Denver as a Gallinari replacement.
Next: Defensive stats Millsap will improve
For now, it looks as if Wilson Chandler and Juancho Hernangomez will carry the load at the wing spot this coming year.