Carmel's McRoberts Looking For His Opportunity

Josh McRoberts believes he can be an effective NBA player. Now, he’s hoping for the opportunity to prove it.

The former Carmel High School and Duke University standout knows this could be a critical season for him with the Indiana Pacers. Portland selected McRoberts in the second round of the 2007 draft and traded him to Indiana before last season.

“You definitely want to show what you can do,” said the 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward. “I haven’t really got a chance my first couple years in the NBA.”

McRoberts spent much of the 2007-08 campaign in the NBA Development League with the Idaho Stampede. He only appeared in eight games with Portland, playing limited minutes off the bench.

Last season, he saw action in 33 games with the Pacers and averaged 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds. He added 16 blocks and 12 steals.

“You have to always improve and get better because there are guys coming for your job if you’re not improving,” he said. “I know I can play, so whenever I get an opportunity, I’m going to be ready for it.”

With a Pacers roster that includes big men Jeff Foster, Troy Murphy, Roy Hibbert and rookie Tyler Hansbrough, McRoberts admits playing time in the rotation could be hard to earn.

That won’t stop him from trying, though. In the Pacers preseason opener Oct. 2 against Chicago, he played 26 minutes off the bench and finished with four points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.

“I want to make it hard on them not to play me. That’s my goal,” McRoberts said. “You want to be one of the best guys out there and make them feel like they need you on the court.”

Barring an injury, there probably won’t be a starting job open at forward this season. But McRoberts intends to bring energy and toughness into the game.

“I never really look at how many minutes I’m getting. I just try to make the most of every chance I get,” he said. “My role will be similar to last year – to bring energy and pick up the little things we might not be getting.”

McRoberts, who signed a two-year contract extension with the Pacers during the summer, has become a fan favorite at Conseco Fieldhouse. Born in Indianapolis and raised in Carmel, he was overwhelmed with joy to return home.

“I always wanted to play in Indiana, I always wanted to play for the Pacers,” he said. “When I got traded, I jumped up right away and was excited. It was probably one of the best things that happened to me.

“I never really leave Indiana unless I have to. This is where I’ll be forever.”

McRoberts still has family and friends in Carmel and the surrounding areas. His sister, Sarah, is a junior on Carmel’s volleyball team, giving him plenty of opportunities to visit his alma mater.

“I go to as many games as I can,” he said. “It’s easier to follow football because football has taken over, at least at Carmel. I follow them every Friday night.”