The Nets have been looking to tighten up their defense. Monday they gave it a boost by adding wing Andre Roberson, who was All-Defensive second-team in 2016-17 and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate the next season, The Post confirmed.
Brooklyn’s interest in Roberson had been reported by The Post in the offseason.
The 6-foot-7, 210-pound Roberson seems not only a fit in a position of need but has familial links with the team. He was teammates with Kevin Durant (and Nets assistant Royal Ivey) with the Thunder, as well as Spencer Dinwiddie in college, but his sister Arielle actually has a son, Elijah, with Dinwiddie.
“Yeah, I think him being healthy, he’s gonna be a phenomenal addition to a contender,” Dinwiddie told The Post before the season. “And obviously him being extended family will be dope to share that journey, and those high-level aspirations with him.”
The Nets requested waivers on center Norvel Pelle.
Roberson had ruptured his left patella tendon on Jan. 27, 2018. After a lengthy rehab, he finally got back on the court for the Thunder during the Orlando restart, averaging 2.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 12.4 minutes over seven games.
His return to the court in the Bubble last season showed he was ready to play, and his workout for the Nets further underscored his health.
Starting center DeAndre Jordan returned Monday after missing Saturday’s victory at Golden State due to family reasons. Kevin Durant missed the Kings tilt, and will also miss the tail end of the back-to-back Tuesday at Phoenix as well.
Jordan came off the bench while Jeff Green started in a small-ball lineup. Green had 13 points while Jordan added 10 points and eight boards.
“Obviously, DJ dealt with family over these last few days. He came in and he came off the bench and Jeff started and there was no conversation, there was no pouting,” James Harden said. “It was a mentality that, ‘All right, I’m coming off the bench, I’m going to do whatever it takes to impact the game’ and he did that.
“So from top to bottom no matter when your number is called, you’ve got to be ready to come in and contribute no matter what it takes.
The Nets have been linked with Cleveland center Andre Drummond if he gets bought out. But the Cavaliers have not only benched the veteran altogether but are in “active” negotiations with the Raptors on a trade, according to The Athletic.
With Pelle gone, the Nets are a big man down. They have several deals non-guaranteed until Feb. 24.