June 20, 2014

Ronald Roberts - Roberts was one of the best athletes in this draft, or indeed in any draft. He has a decent frame, decent wingspan and decent strength, terrific leaping ability, good speed, and a LONG first step. His athleticism is magnetic and tantalising, because few can impact a game through their ability to jump alone in the way he can.

There is a modicum of skill to go with it, but not as much as the athleticism. Roberts shoots a mid-range jumpshot, but he shoots it flat and he does not shoot it very well, things both also true of his free throw stroke. He occasionally drops a hook shot, but is not asked to isolate down low often at all. Rather, he is a finisher on offense, not a creator. Roberts will clatter his way to the rim at times with that long first step of his, and draws plenty of fouls called on him as he is completely unafraid to take it at people, but the offense is a continued work in progress. The best part of his offensive game is the offensive rebounding, yet Roberts negates this by being a distinctly poor defensive rebounder, born out of a lack of desire to box out. He remains very much a project, then.

Defensively, things are going better. Through his speed alone, Roberts is a weak side presence and constant help defender, who plays tough. He moves around well - how could he not? - and generally plays hard without committing too many fouls, save for occasionally quitting when beaten. He projects well on this end, as long as he can clean the glass and develop the offense a bit. Roberts's athleticism, speed, hands and transition game already translate, but he needs to develop his skills and cut down the mistakes. It will be interesting to see if this summer league spot is a precursor to a training camp contract on a small guarantee, itself a precursor to a season in the D-League, where the Sixers can monitor him, develop him, and be ready to pounce. In fact, I think I expect this.

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