The defensive gate that locked Durant, Robertson signed with Zenit and returned to the basketball court

When St. Petersburg Zenit's contract was placed in front of Andre-Roberson, his fingertips flashed through the terms of "Second Year Player Options", perhaps the lights of the Thunder's home court in 2017 - that year's playoffs, he was standing in front of Durant, using three consecutive steals to keep the Oracle Arena silent.

The 32-year-old defensive expert finally found a new place to stay in the Eastern European arena. A 2-year contract is not a maximum salary, but it is a heavy recognition for a player who has been away from the NBA for five years due to a serious knee injury. Last season at ASVEL, France, he used his average of 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game to prove that even if he can't jump back to the peak height, his defensive intuition is still there. The 52.4% shooting percentage and 35.7% three-pointers are a lot better than the "Ice Shooter" label in his NBA period - it turns out that after leaving the spotlight, he quietly made up for his offensive shortcomings.

Old Thunder fans will not forget his peak. In the 2016-17 season, he was a member of the league's best defensive second team, averaging 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, and soared to 2.4 steals and 3.4 blocks per game. He is the most reliable outside iron gate around Westbrook. In the playoffs against the Rockets, he pushed Harden's shooting percentage to 38%; against the Warriors, he made Curry's run without the ball repeatedly hit a wall. There was a saying in the NBA at that time: "Want to break the Thunder defense? First ask Robertson if he agrees with his palm. "

But the cruciate ligament torn on his knee was like a blunt knife, slowly cutting off his peak. From the Thunder to the Nets to the G League's struggles, his name gradually changed from "top defender" to "injury case". It was not until last year that fans realized that No. 3, who was flying against the ground while sliding on the bottom line, had not completely left the court.

Zenit signed him and was interested in that defensive gene. The VTB League is known for its fierce confrontation, and Robertson's defensive position and prejudice are the "adhesive" that Eastern European teams lack the most. Last season at ASVEL, the team's defensive efficiency improved by 7.3 points in his 18 starts - the data will not lie, and when he stands on the court, his teammates dare to rush forward with confidence.