Fred Roberts
A versatile forward who stuck around for 13 seasons without the spotlight.
Career Highlights
Years Active: 1983–1997
Teams: Jazz, Celtics, Bucks, Heat, and others (8 total)
Career Averages: 7.3 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 48.5% FG
Notable Season: 1988–89 (Bucks) – 10.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG in 25.6 minutes per game
College: BYU – All-WAC First Team, 2× NCAA Tournament appearances
A Basketball Nomad with Staying Power
Fred Roberts’ NBA journey didn’t begin with fireworks. After being drafted in 1982, he spent his rookie year playing professionally in Italy. But once he entered the league in earnest, he carved out a niche few foresaw. Across 13 seasons and 8 teams, Roberts proved himself to be the rare kind of player coaches trusted implicitly—capable of guarding multiple positions, hitting mid-range shots, and stepping up when starters were sidelined.
Steady Contributor in Milwaukee
Roberts’ best seasons came during a long stretch with the Milwaukee Bucks from 1988 to 1993. There, he found consistent minutes and a defined role, often as a stretch forward or plug-in starter. His 1988–89 campaign saw him average double digits in scoring while shooting nearly 50% from the field. He was never a top option, but his effort and adaptability made him a quiet asset on a team navigating post-Moncrief transition years.
The Lasting Impression
Despite bouncing between rosters—including brief stops in Cleveland, Boston, and Miami—Roberts remained a consummate pro. Teammates praised his preparation, and coaches relied on his versatility to stabilize rotations. His career wasn’t marked by stardom or stats, but by staying power: in a league constantly chasing the next big thing, Fred Roberts stayed exactly who he was—solid, smart, and ready.
Fred Roberts was the definition of a pro's pro—reliable, selfless, and always in the right spot at the right time.