Thunder Hoping To Find 'Common Ground' With Andre Roberson

[RealGM Wiretap]

Andre Roberson and the Oklahoma City Thunder have mutual interest in a deal in restricted free agency.

“Every indication we've had from Dre and from his people, his agent, is that he loves playing here,” Sam Presti said. “And I've always said this to everybody before: When the player shows an interest in being here, it really exponentially helps your opportunity to get a contract done, if you would like to.”

Presti also said another team's offer sheet “decreases the chances” of re-signing a free agent.

“We need them to be fair with us,” Presti said. “We have to be fair with them and try to find a common ground.”

Via Brett Dawson/Oklahoman

[Hoopzilla]

In other words, if he doesn't agree to a team-friendly deal he will probably be wearing another uniform next year. Or is this his way of rewarding loyalty by going public and stating that he had better be reasonable when he comes to the negotiating table. Classy. If another team gives him a decent offer sheet, bye bye.

[draftnightsuit]

Honestly, the Thunder should bring him back. If he can master the corner and at least make free throws at a semi-respectable clip he can be Bruce Browen.

[macNcheese3]

They should move. Maybe at a decent price retain him but for a 2/3 who fails to hit free throws and do anything but defend. I think he is an overrated defender to be fair.

When HOU kept sending him to the line as a "hack-a-Andre" he failed to connect on any FTs - yet BD kept him in the game for his D - in turn it didn't seem to make a difference and by him staying on the floor cost them a couple of easy baskets. He also misses his fair share of dunks.

[macNcheese3]

Edit: Move on.

They need an impactful wing player to go beside VO.

[ThunderBolt]

In other words, if he doesn't agree to a team-friendly deal he will probably be wearing another uniform next year. Or is this his way of rewarding loyalty by going public and stating that he had better be reasonable when he comes to the negotiating table. Classy. If another team gives him a decent offer sheet, bye bye.

"Rewarding loyalty"? What has Roberson done that demonstrates loyalty? If anything, the thunder have demonstrated more loyalty than he has. If he re-signs cheap and then the thunder trade him, you would have a point. As it stands now, it's been a fair agreement by both parties and now it's time to negotiate and second one. That's called business.

[macNcheese3]

Could not have agreed more. The Thunder have or are being loyal to him if anything- by repeatedly saying they want to bring him back, during the season and now.

I never bash on any player- everyone has their skills and attributes but with all due respect- how on earth is he even a starter? It remains to be seen.

[grindtime22]

When HOU kept sending him to the line as a "hack-a-Andre" he failed to connect on any FTs - yet BD kept him in the game for his D - in turn it didn't seem to make a difference and by him staying on the floor cost them a couple of easy baskets. He also misses his fair share of dunks.

Leaving him on the court at that time was inexcusable. The guy's recent performance at the line was terrible and his season FT% was 42%. You have to sacrifice his defense for 2 minutes and then bring him back. We are not talking about a bad 55-60% free throw shooter. 42% for an entire season and you want to show confidence now?

[hyberx]

Roberson is actually quite good. He has good FG% for several years, even though 3pter is not his thing. His defense is top rated and can guard multiple positions. He is similar to Iguodala on that regard. FT% can be fixed given he was good the year before.

OKC should look for a better coach. Billy D's pick&roll system for most of the games is as bad as it gets.

[macNcheese3]

Roberson is actually quite good. He has good FG% for several years, even though 3pter is not his thing. His defense is top rated and can guard multiple positions. He is similar to Iguodala on that regard. FT% can be fixed given he was good the year before.

OKC should look for a better coach. Billy D's pick&roll system for most of the games is as bad as it gets.

Billy has done a decent job- just don't think he's the right guy for OKC.

[Hoopzilla]

In other words, if he doesn't agree to a team-friendly deal he will probably be wearing another uniform next year. Or is this his way of rewarding loyalty by going public and stating that he had better be reasonable when he comes to the negotiating table. Classy. If another team gives him a decent offer sheet, bye bye.

"Rewarding loyalty"? What has Roberson done that demonstrates loyalty? If anything, the thunder have demonstrated more loyalty than he has. If he re-signs cheap and then the thunder trade him, you would have a point. As it stands now, it's been a fair agreement by both parties and now it's time to negotiate and second one. That's called business.

Small market teams that have players they like that actually want to stay is a bit rare. He has been a steady piece of their team, starting half the games as a rookie, and has already stated an interest in sticking around. This is rewarded by the GM coming out and publicly stating he better be reasonable on this contract. Management hates when players use the media to strengthen their position, Andre did not deserve this from the management group he has done nothing but be a good cog in the system for. Poor business tactics.

[ThunderBolt]

In other words, if he doesn't agree to a team-friendly deal he will probably be wearing another uniform next year. Or is this his way of rewarding loyalty by going public and stating that he had better be reasonable when he comes to the negotiating table. Classy. If another team gives him a decent offer sheet, bye bye.

"Rewarding loyalty"? What has Roberson done that demonstrates loyalty? If anything, the thunder have demonstrated more loyalty than he has. If he re-signs cheap and then the thunder trade him, you would have a point. As it stands now, it's been a fair agreement by both parties and now it's time to negotiate and second one. That's called business.

Small market teams that have players they like that actually want to stay is a bit rare. He has been a steady piece of their team, starting half the games as a rookie, and has already stated an interest in sticking around. This is rewarded by the GM coming out and publicly stating he better be reasonable on this contract. Management hates when players use the media to strengthen their position, Andre did not deserve this from the management group he has done nothing but be a good cog in the system for. Poor business tactics.

Okc doesn't have the cap space to pay him big time money. Presti simply told the truth. These are grown men and this is a business. Unless he's still on his mothers teat, he should be aware that the thunder have limitations.

[ThunderBolt]

Roberson is actually quite good. He has good FG% for several years, even though 3pter is not his thing. His defense is top rated and can guard multiple positions. He is similar to Iguodala on that regard. FT% can be fixed given he was good the year before.

OKC should look for a better coach. Billy D's pick&roll system for most of the games is as bad as it gets.

Sixty one percent free throw shooting is far from good for a shooting guard. I do agree that Donovan isn't very good.

[hyberx]

Roberson is actually quite good. He has good FG% for several years, even though 3pter is not his thing. His defense is top rated and can guard multiple positions. He is similar to Iguodala on that regard. FT% can be fixed given he was good the year before.

OKC should look for a better coach. Billy D's pick&roll system for most of the games is as bad as it gets.

Sixty one percent free throw shooting is far from good for a shooting guard. I do agree that Donovan isn't very good.

FT maybe not good at 61% but decent enough to deter teams from hacking you. When he came into the league it was 70% which is not too bad. His size and strength makes him more a 3 than a 2, but they use him at 2 which is funny for a guy who can't really shoot from far.

[ThunderBolt]

Roberson is actually quite good. He has good FG% for several years, even though 3pter is not his thing. His defense is top rated and can guard multiple positions. He is similar to Iguodala on that regard. FT% can be fixed given he was good the year before.

OKC should look for a better coach. Billy D's pick&roll system for most of the games is as bad as it gets.

Sixty one percent free throw shooting is far from good for a shooting guard. I do agree that Donovan isn't very good.

FT maybe not good at 61% but decent enough to deter teams from hacking you. When he came into the league it was 70% which is not too bad. His size and strength makes him more a 3 than a 2, but they use him at 2 which is funny for a guy who can't really shoot from far.

That 70% isn't what you think. He only shot ten free throws the entire year. Andre seems like a team player and great locker room guy but his shot is broken and can't be fixed.

[hyberx]

Sixty one percent free throw shooting is far from good for a shooting guard. I do agree that Donovan isn't very good.

FT maybe not good at 61% but decent enough to deter teams from hacking you. When he came into the league it was 70% which is not too bad. His size and strength makes him more a 3 than a 2, but they use him at 2 which is funny for a guy who can't really shoot from far.

That 70% isn't what you think. He only shot ten free throws the entire year. Andre seems like a team player and great locker room guy but his shot is broken and can't be fixed.

Not really. If you actually look at how he shoots FT, his form is good. Not much random body motion, knees/wrists/elbow all have minimum motion with good form, and he gets the ball straight. He is missing way long or way short, those are more mental than actual broken shooting form.

That 61% is only 5 made away from 70. Even Iguodala a few years back were at 57% FT, now he is up to a respectable 70%. Long as as it's not some ugly FT shooting form like Chuck Hayes, it's fixable.