André Roberson
André Roberson (born December 4, 1991) is an American professional basketball player who primarily plays as a small forward and shooting guard, currently competing for Zenit Saint Petersburg in the VTB United League and EuroLeague.[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) and weighing 210 pounds (95 kg), he is renowned for his athleticism, perimeter defense, and rebounding ability during his NBA career.[3][4] Roberson honed his skills at the University of Colorado, where he played from 2010 to 2013, earning two First-team All-Pac-12 selections (2012, 2013) and the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award as a junior.[1] He declared for the 2013 NBA draft after his junior year, where he was selected 26th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves before his rights were traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on draft night.[3][4] Over seven NBA seasons primarily with the Thunder (2013–2020) and briefly with the Brooklyn Nets (2020–2021), he appeared in 307 regular-season games, averaging 4.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 47.3% from the field.[1] His most notable NBA contributions came on defense, culminating in an All-Defensive Second Team selection in the 2016–17 season, during which he averaged 6.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game alongside elite perimeter stopping ability against stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.[3][1] However, his career was significantly impacted by injuries, including a ruptured left patellar tendon in January 2018 that caused him to miss the entire 2018–19 season and limited his play thereafter, leading to just 15 games with the Nets in 2020–21.[4][1] After a stint in the NBA G League with the Oklahoma City Blue in 2023 and appearances in The Basketball Tournament in 2024, Roberson transitioned to European basketball, signing with Cholet Basket in France's LNB Pro A for the 2024–25 season, then with LDLC ASVEL in November 2024 for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, before joining Zenit in July 2025.[2][5][6]Early career
High school career
André Roberson attended Karen Wagner High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he played basketball for the Thunderbirds. Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, he developed his game in the competitive Texas high school scene, emerging as a versatile forward known for his rebounding and defensive prowess.[1][7] As a senior in the 2009–10 season, Roberson averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, leading his team in rebounding and blocks while contributing significantly to their offensive and defensive efforts.[7][8] Under his leadership, the Thunderbirds achieved a 39–1 record and advanced to the Class 5A state semifinals, marking their second consecutive appearance at that stage after also reaching the semifinals in 2009 during his junior year.[9][10] The team compiled an impressive 71–8 record over Roberson's final two seasons, showcasing his impact on their success.[11][12] Roberson earned first-team All-State honors in both 2009 and 2010, along with two-time All-Region recognition and selection to the All-Area Class 5A Super Team, highlighting his dominance in Texas basketball.[7] His performances drew attention from college recruiters, and he committed to the University of Colorado in April 2010, choosing the Buffaloes over offers from programs including Texas, UCLA, Clemson, Tulsa, UNLV, and Penn State.[13][14][15]College career
Roberson joined the University of Colorado Buffaloes in 2010, playing three seasons under head coach Tad Boyle and emerging as one of the nation's top defensive forwards and rebounders. His tenure coincided with the program's transition to the Pac-12 Conference, where he helped elevate the team's competitiveness, leading to NCAA Tournament appearances in his final two years. Known for his athleticism, length, and rebounding prowess—honed from his high school days in Texas—Roberson quickly became a key contributor on both ends of the court.[16] As a freshman in the 2010–11 season, Roberson appeared in all 38 games off the bench, averaging 6.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 58.0% from the field. His energy and defensive instincts provided valuable depth for a Buffaloes team that reached the NCAA Tournament, marking Colorado's first appearance since 2003. Roberson's rebounding total of 296 ranked third on the team, showcasing his potential as a physical presence despite limited starting experience.[17] In his sophomore year (2011–12), Roberson broke out as a starter in 36 of 37 games, boosting his production to 11.1 points, 10.9 rebounds (third nationally), 1.1 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game, with a 50.3% field goal percentage. His elite shot-blocking and rebounding earned him first-team All-Pac-12 honors and a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defensive team, while he recorded 20 double-doubles and set a school single-season rebound record with 393. Roberson's defensive impact helped Colorado win the Pac-12 Tournament and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, their deepest run since 1969.[18][16] During his junior season (2012–13), Roberson started all 35 games, averaging 10.9 points, 11.2 rebounds (second nationally), 1.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game on 48.0% shooting. He repeated as a first-team All-Pac-12 selection and was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Year, leading the Buffaloes with 392 rebounds and 45 blocks en route to another NCAA Tournament berth, where they fell in the first round to Illinois. Roberson's consistency on the glass—averaging double-digit rebounds all three years—solidified his reputation as one of college basketball's premier interior defenders.[16] Over his three-year college career, spanning 110 games, Roberson averaged 9.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game, finishing with 1,058 points, 1,081 rebounds (eighth in CU history), and 177 blocks (third in program history). His rebounding ranked among the top five nationally in each of his last two seasons, and he shot 51.6% from the field overall. Following the season, Roberson declared for the 2013 NBA draft on April 28, forgoing his senior year after consulting with NBA advisors and participating in pre-draft workouts with multiple teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder.[19]Professional career
Oklahoma City Thunder (2013–2020)
André Roberson was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NBA draft before his draft rights were traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on draft night in exchange for multiple future draft picks and players.[20][21] During his rookie season in 2013–14, Roberson had a limited role off the bench for the Thunder, appearing in 49 games and averaging 1.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.5 steals in 10.2 minutes per game.[22] He showed early promise as a defender with his length and athleticism, starting 16 games amid injuries to other players and contributing in the playoffs, including a notable chase-down block on Ray Allen during Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat.[23] Roberson broke out as a full-time starter in the 2015–16 season, playing all 68 games he appeared in and averaging 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 block per game while shooting 43.7% from the field.[22] His elite perimeter defense became a cornerstone of the Thunder's identity, using his 7-foot wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots effectively, which helped Oklahoma City reach the Western Conference Finals.[24] In the 2016–17 season, Roberson solidified his reputation as one of the league's top defenders, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors after starting all 79 games and averaging 6.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 block in 30.1 minutes per game.[25][22] He was particularly effective in guarding elite scorers, such as holding Houston Rockets star James Harden to below his season averages during the playoffs, where Harden shot 41.1% from the field and 24% from three-point range over five games.[26] Roberson's career with the Thunder took a devastating turn on January 27, 2018, when he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee during the third quarter of a game against the Detroit Pistons, requiring season-ending surgery and sidelining him for over two years.[27][28] The injury led to multiple setbacks, including additional procedures and rehabilitation complications, limiting his participation in the 2018–19 season entirely. After extensive recovery, Roberson attempted a return in the 2019–20 season, playing in seven games off the bench and averaging 2.4 points and 2.9 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game before the season was suspended on March 11, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[22] He made his long-awaited comeback in the NBA bubble, appearing in four games and showing flashes of his defensive tenacity with 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block in 12 minutes during his debut on August 1, 2020.[29] In October 2016, Roberson turned down a reported four-year, $48 million extension offer from the Thunder ahead of the deadline, opting to test restricted free agency the following summer.[30] He ultimately signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with Oklahoma City on July 14, 2017, securing his future with the team through the 2019–20 season.[31][32] Following the conclusion of the 2019–20 season, the Thunder waived Roberson on November 21, 2020, as part of roster restructuring.[33]Brooklyn Nets (2021)
After a prolonged recovery from a severe knee injury sustained in January 2018, André Roberson signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Brooklyn Nets on February 16, 2021, providing the team with defensive depth during a season marked by injuries to key players.[33] The signing allowed Roberson, a former All-Defensive Second Team selection known for his perimeter defense, to re-enter the NBA alongside stars Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, where he was slotted as a reserve wing to bolster the Nets' rotation amid their push for a championship. Roberson made his long-awaited return to NBA action on February 18, 2021, in a 109–98 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, appearing for 11 minutes off the bench after more than 1,100 days sidelined—his first competitive minutes since the 2018 injury. Over his initial two games with Brooklyn, he logged limited minutes while adjusting to game speed, contributing modestly on defense but showing signs of rust from the extended layoff. The Nets waived him on February 23, 2021, as part of roster maneuvers to finalize guaranteed contracts ahead of the league's deadline, though the move was temporary.[34] Three days later, on February 26, 2021, Roberson re-joined the Nets on a 10-day contract, allowing him to continue his comeback.[35] He appeared in three additional games during this period, providing spot defense against opposing wings but struggling offensively due to lingering effects of his knee rehabilitation, which impacted his explosiveness and overall confidence on the court.[36] In total, across his five games with Brooklyn, Roberson averaged 12.6 minutes, 1.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, serving primarily as a low-usage defender in a star-laden lineup.[1] The Nets waived him again on March 8, 2021, following the expiration of his 10-day deal, as he failed to secure a more permanent role amid the team's depth and his ongoing recovery challenges.[37]Oklahoma City Blue (2023)
After being waived by the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, André Roberson joined the Oklahoma City Blue, the G League affiliate of his former NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, on February 2, 2023, marking his return to organized professional basketball following a nearly two-year hiatus due to injury recovery and limited playing time.[38] Roberson appeared in 15 games for the Blue during the remainder of the 2022–23 regular season, averaging 11.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 19.3 minutes per game while shooting 52.3% from the field.[39] His role emphasized defensive contributions and rebounding, leveraging his prior reputation as an elite perimeter defender from his Thunder days, as he worked to rebuild timing and confidence after extended time away from competitive play.[40] A notable performance came on March 16, 2023, when Roberson contributed efficiently in a close loss to the Ontario Clippers, helping to demonstrate his ongoing recovery in limited minutes. Despite solid showings, Roberson did not earn an NBA call-up from the Thunder and completed his stint with the Blue at the conclusion of the G League season in April 2023, serving as a bridge toward future opportunities in professional basketball.[41]Cholet Basket (2024)
On September 5, 2024, André Roberson signed with Cholet Basket of the French LNB Pro A for the 2024–25 season, marking his first professional stint overseas.[42] In his debut for the team on October 5, 2024, against AS Monaco, Roberson recorded 12 points and 6 rebounds while tying his career high with 6 assists.[43] Over the early part of the season, he appeared in 10 games, averaging 12.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, showcasing his defensive prowess rooted in his NBA experience.[44] Roberson's contributions helped Cholet Basket achieve a strong start, going 4–0 in their November league games before his departure.[45] He adapted effectively to the European style, which emphasizes disciplined defense and quick transition play, leveraging his athleticism and perimeter guarding skills to fit the league's pace.[44] In November 2024, Roberson's contract with Cholet was terminated to facilitate his move to another French club, LDLC ASVEL.[44]LDLC ASVEL (2024–2025)
On November 8, 2024, André Roberson signed with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, joining the team as a defensive reinforcement following an injury to key player Edwin Jackson.[44] This move came shortly after his earlier stint with Cholet Basket in the same league, allowing him to build on his acclimation to French basketball. Roberson, known for his perimeter defense from his NBA days, was expected to bolster ASVEL's backcourt in both domestic and European competitions. During the LNB Pro A regular season, Roberson appeared in 25 games, posting averages of 9.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting efficiently from the field.[43] In the EuroLeague, he played 15 games, focusing primarily on defensive assignments against elite European forwards and guards, where his length and anticipation helped limit opponents' scoring opportunities in crucial matchups.[2] His versatility shone in transition play and rebounding, contributing to ASVEL's improved defensive rating during his tenure. Roberson's impact was recognized with a selection to the All-LNB Élite Second Team for the 2025 season, honoring his consistent two-way play in the French top flight.[6] He played a role in guiding ASVEL to the playoffs, highlighted by a personal season-high of 18 points in a June 2025 matchup against Monaco.[46] Following the conclusion of the campaign in June 2025, Roberson left the club to pursue a new opportunity in Russia.[47]Zenit Saint Petersburg (2025–present)
On July 31, 2025, André Roberson signed a one-year contract with Zenit Saint Petersburg of the VTB United League, with an option for an additional season.[48] The deal marked his transition from French basketball to the Russian league, bringing his NBA-honed defensive expertise to a roster bolstered by international talent.[49] In the early part of the 2025–26 season, Roberson has emerged as a key veteran defender for Zenit, often assigned to guard the opponent's primary scorers in VTB United League matches.[50] As of November 8, 2025, he has appeared in 6 games, posting averages of 11.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per contest, contributing to the team's strong start amid a competitive schedule.[51] His physical presence and shot-blocking ability have been particularly valuable in containing high-scoring forwards, helping Zenit secure several early victories.[52] Roberson's adjustment to the VTB United League has involved navigating its intense physicality and extensive travel requirements across Russia, a contrast to his prior European stints in France.[53] Drawing briefly from his experience with French teams like Cholet Basket and LDLC ASVEL, he has focused on maintaining consistency in a league known for its demanding pace.[54] Looking ahead, Zenit's potential participation in the EuroCup could provide Roberson with further high-level exposure, while early discussions about exercising the contract option for 2026–27 reflect optimism in his integration.[48] His playing time continues to be carefully managed due to ongoing recovery from previous injuries, including a significant patellar tendon rupture sustained during his NBA tenure, ensuring long-term durability.[49]Career statistics
NBA
André Roberson appeared in 307 regular season games over his NBA career from 2013 to 2021, primarily with the Oklahoma City Thunder and briefly with the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 4.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 40.6% from the field and 25.3% from three-point range.[1] His career advanced metrics included a player efficiency rating (PER) of 12.3 and 3.2 defensive win shares, underscoring his value as a perimeter defender.[1] Roberson's scoring peaked during the 2016–17 season, when he averaged 6.6 points per game alongside 5.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists, contributing significantly to the Thunder's playoff push.[1] Earlier seasons saw gradual improvement in playing time and production, from limited rookie minutes in 2013–14 to a breakout role by 2015–16, though injuries curtailed his output in later years like 2018–19 (missed entirely) and 2020–21.[1]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | OKC | 40 | 10.0 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 | .485 | .154 |
| 2014–15 | OKC | 67 | 19.2 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.4 | .458 | .247 |
| 2015–16 | OKC | 70 | 22.2 | 4.8 | 3.6 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.6 | .496 | .311 |
| 2016–17 | OKC | 79 | 30.1 | 6.6 | 5.1 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.0 | .464 | .245 |
| 2017–18 | OKC | 39 | 26.6 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.9 | .537 | .222 |
| 2019–20 | OKC | 7 | 12.4 | 2.9 | 3.9 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.4 | .276 | .214 |
| 2020–21 | BKN | 5 | 12.6 | 1.2 | 3.0 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | .143 | .125 |
| Career | - | 307 | 18.9 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.6 | .406 | .253 |
| GP | MIN | FG | FGA | 3P | 3PA | FT | FTA | REB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 307 | 5,807 | 573 | 1,411 | 112 | 443 | 124 | 265 | 1,240 | 265 | 268 | 199 | 1,382 |
| GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 25.2 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 1.4 | .465 |
| GP | MIN | FG | FGA | 3P | 3PA | FT | FTA | REB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 655 | 104 | 210 | 19 | 55 | 14 | 51 | 146 | 21 | 34 | 37 | 241 |
G League
Roberson joined the Oklahoma City Blue, the NBA G League affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder, on February 1, 2023, following a multi-year recovery from a torn patellar tendon injury sustained in 2018.[55] In his only G League season, he appeared in 14 games during 2022–23, primarily in a reserve role to regain playing rhythm.[56] His per-game averages included 5.4 points, 5.5 rebounds (2.1 offensive and 3.4 defensive), 1.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks, while shooting an efficient 52.3% from the field on 4.6 attempts per game.[39] These figures highlighted his defensive contributions and improved shooting efficiency post-injury, with over 50% field goal shooting in several outings.[56] Over the 14 games, Roberson accumulated 75 points, 77 rebounds, 18 assists, 21 steals, and 10 blocks in 272 total minutes.[56] He averaged 19.4 minutes per game, focusing on perimeter defense and transition play rather than primary scoring. Roberson earned a spot on the NBA G League Showcase First Team after strong performances in the league's midseason event.[57]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | OKC Blue | 14 | 19.4 | 5.4 | 5.5 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.7 | .523 |
College
André Roberson played college basketball for the University of Colorado Buffaloes from 2010 to 2013, emerging as a key contributor on both ends of the court during his three seasons. As a highly touted recruit, he quickly adapted to the collegiate level, showcasing elite rebounding and shot-blocking abilities that anchored the Buffaloes' frontcourt. His defensive prowess laid the foundation for his professional career as a perimeter defender.[16] In his freshman year (2010–11), Roberson came off the bench for all 38 games, providing energy and versatility while helping Colorado reach the NCAA Tournament. He demonstrated strong efficiency inside the arc and contributed significantly to the team's rebounding efforts. During his sophomore season (2011–12), Roberson earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors and led the conference in blocks (1.9 per game) and rebounds (11.1 per game overall, with even stronger conference splits of 12.4 rebounds per game in Pac-12 play), while also ranking among the national leaders in rebounding (third nationally).[19][16][58] As a junior in 2012–13, Roberson captained the team to a 23–11 record and another NCAA Tournament appearance, where Colorado faced Illinois in the first round (a 57–49 loss); in that game, he recorded 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block despite the team's offensive struggles. He again earned first-team All-Pac-12 selection and was named the conference Defensive Player of the Year, leading the Buffaloes in rebounds (11.2 per game) and steals (2.2 per game), with non-conference averages of 10.5 rebounds per game compared to 11.7 in Pac-12 play. His junior year highlighted improved perimeter shooting and playmaking, though he maintained his interior dominance.[19][59][16] Roberson's per-game statistics across his college career are summarized in the following table:| Year | Team | G | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–11 | Colorado | 38 | 22.3 | 6.7 | 7.8 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 1.1 | .580 | .343 |
| 2011–12 | Colorado | 36 | 30.2 | 11.6 | 11.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.9 | .510 | .380 |
| 2012–13 | Colorado | 31 | 33.4 | 10.9 | 11.2 | 1.4 | 2.2 | 1.3 | .480 | .328 |
| Career | 105 | 28.2 | 9.7 | 10.0 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 1.4 | .523 | .350 |
International
André Roberson began his professional career in Europe during the 2024–25 season, showcasing his defensive prowess and rebounding ability across multiple leagues. In the French LNB Pro A, he demonstrated consistent scoring and rebounding contributions, while his performances in the EuroLeague highlighted his adaptation to high-level international competition. By the 2025–26 season, Roberson transitioned to the Russian VTB United League with Zenit Saint Petersburg.[60][61]LNB Pro A Statistics
Roberson's stint in the LNB Pro A spanned two teams in the 2024–25 season. With Cholet Basket, he appeared in 4 games, averaging 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. Later, with LDLC ASVEL, he played 24 games, posting 9.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, contributing to the team's mid-table positioning in the league.[62][61]| Team | Season | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cholet Basket | 2024–25 | 4 | 22.0 | 10.5 | 5.5 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 0.5 | .515 | .300 |
| LDLC ASVEL | 2024–25 | 24 | 24.2 | 9.7 | 6.4 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 0.2 | .557 | .361 |
EuroLeague Statistics
In the 2024–25 EuroLeague season with LDLC ASVEL, Roberson competed in 25 games, averaging 8.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. His role emphasized defensive versatility against elite European forwards, though scoring opportunities were more limited in this premier competition compared to domestic play.[63]| Team | Season | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDLC ASVEL | 2024–25 | 25 | 25.8 | 8.4 | 6.2 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.1 | .457 | .357 |
VTB United League Statistics
Roberson joined Zenit Saint Petersburg in July 2025 for the 2025–26 VTB United League season. As of November 15, 2025, he has appeared in a limited number of early-season games, focusing on defensive contributions and rebounding in a league known for physical play. Detailed per-game averages are emerging, with initial outings highlighting his shot-blocking presence.[64][51]| Team | Season | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zenit St. Petersburg | 2025–26 | 1 | 12.7 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |