Brian Roberts has started this preseason in great form and is looking to build upon his impressive rookie campaign.
It seems every year there is a success story emanating from the Euroleague, a player who triumphs against the odds and makes an NBA team’s roster. Last season’s most renowned success was New York’s Chris Copeland; will this season see New Orleans Pelicans’ Brian Roberts claim that spot? Roberts, like many who have gone undrafted over the years, has not had an easy road to the NBA. After spending four years at Dayton averaging 18.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG and 3.4 APG with 45.5% shooting from three in his senior year, Roberts went undrafted in 2008. After playing in Israel (1 year) and Germany (3 years) with Euroleague powerhouse Brose Baskets, Roberts found himself on the New Orleans Hornets’ 2012 Summer League roster. The coach for Brose Baskets, Chris Flemming, is a long time friend of New Orleans Assistant General Manager Tim Connelly, and he successfully orchestrated the chance for Roberts to play on the Hornets’ Summer League roster. He obviously made an impression with his consistent and strong play, averaging 13.8 PPG, 2 RPG, and 2.2 APG. With Greivis Vasquez being the only other true point guard on the roster, Roberts was given the chance to attend the Hornets’ training camp, and head coach Monty Williams came away impressed.
“He’s got big-time quickness and explosion. He can score in transition. He finishes at the basket better than I thought. He can finish around the basket and that’s eye-opening for me. And he can defend his position.”
Roberts turned down more lucrative deals from overseas and accepted a one-year veteran’s minimum contract, earning just $473,604 for the year. To put that in perspective, it was 3.5% of what Eric Gordon made last season. After a successful 2012-13 campaign averaging 7.1 PPG and 2.8 APG while proving a strong three-point shooter at .386%, the newly named Pelicans resigned Roberts to a one-year deal making $788,872, with a team option for the 2014-15 season. Robert’s success is a testament to the hard work he has put in, and I am happy that he has found success. I hope he begins to get the credit he deserves from fans and the NBA world.
So far this preseason, Roberts has played well; he has made obvious strides from last year and has made the backup point guard position his own. He has averaged 11.6 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.4 RPG, and 1.2 SPG while shooting 54% from three and hitting his free throws at an impressive rate of 93%, all while playing just 24.6 MPG. It also seems that the nights where Roberts has off shooting displays, he successfully recognizes this and increases his assist output. This shows that Roberts plays to his strengths and does not force the issue; he understands his role and tries to make plays for others. With the Pelicans competing in the stacked Southwest division with Dallas, Houston, Memphis and San Antonio, it appears they will be frequently competing against playoff caliber competition throughout the season. The Pelicans signaled that they are trying to win NOW with the trade that brought in Jrue Holiday for Nerlens Noel and a 2014 1st round pick. In order to be successful, they are going to need Roberts to keep up his impressive play. One area Roberts must focus on is his defense because in the Southwest Division, Roberts will come up against the likes of Tony Parker, Monta Ellis, Jose Calderon, and Mike Conley who are all highly skilled guards. Of course it is only preseason, so it must also be taken into account that Roberts is getting more playing time than he likely will upon the start of the season, especially with a healthy Tyreke Evans and an improving Austin Rivers. Throughout the preseason, teams notoriously give their rotation guys more playing time, so Roberts numbers may be somewhat inflated, but If he can carry the momentum over to the regular season, he should have a successful 2013-14 campaign.
Roberts past experiences may prove vital for the young Pelicans roster; there are not many on the roster who understand how privileged they are to be in the league and how hard they must work to succeed. I for one hope that Roberts starts getting the credit he deserves. He has earned his way into the NBA and figures to be a key member of this exciting, young Pelicans team.
By James Plowright
Follow @jamesplowright
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
