“It was an opportunity that I came across this summer,” Roberts said after a recent game vs. the Washington Wizards. “They said when I was traded last season that is not out of the realm of possibility they we would be interested in bringing you back at some point.”
The 6-foot-1 guard entered this season having played in 273 NBA games, with 57 starts, averaging 17.5 minutes, 7.0 points and 2.5 assists.
The Hornets brought Roberts back to provide depth at point guard behind Kemba Walker and Ramon Sessions. Roberts has appeared in seven games, averaging 6.3 minutes and 1.2 points.
“When I am not playing as much I have to be ready when my number is called,” said Roberts, a native of Toledo. “That is my image with this team and throughout the league. … I try to stay ready and be a professional.”
“I need to stay ready before and after the game, whether it is getting extra running in or playing one-on-one (with a teammate) before the game or an off day. I try to stay in that competitive mode and try to stay in shape,” he added. “I am blessed to be in my fifth year in the league.”
At Dayton, Roberts was one of 30 nominees for John Wooden Award as a senior in 2008 and finished his four-year career averaging 15.7 points and 2.8 assists.
But he went undrafted, and after appearing in the NBA summer leagues, headed overseas to play in Israel.
“I felt like after Dayton that was my goal, was to make the NBA,” he said. “It did not work out right away. In the back of my mind, when I went overseas I knew I needed to work on my game and get better. I had a great year in Israel.”
Roberts then spent three seasons in Germany.
“I was ready to make another push,” Roberts said of a shot at the NBA. “I knew my last year in Germany I wanted to make one more push. My window was closing fast. I wanted to give it one more try.”
His dream came true prior to the 2012 season when he signed with New Orleans.
Roberts spent two seasons with New Orleans, averaging 7.1 and 9.4 points per game, respectively. In 2013-14, he led the NBA in free throw shooting (94 percent, 125-of-133).
Roberts keeps in touch with the Flyers, even though he didn’t play for current head coach Archie Miller.
“Every summer I am up in Dayton for a week,” said Roberts, who sometimes works out with the Flyers. “I try to stay involved with the program as much as I can.”
He has enjoyed watching the Flyers’ recent hoop success — three straight NCAA Tournament berths.
“I am not surprised. It is great to see,” he said. “I know the kind of challenges they have. I know Archie has done an unbelievable job as far as recruiting and coaching that program. It is definitely not a surprise. It has always been a great university and school to play for.”
“My four years there were great. I can’t say enough about the community and fans there,” he added. “I really appreciate the memories of playing in front of 13,000 fans.”
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