When Andre Roberson – who ruptured his patellar tendon last January then suffered a setback in October – suffered another setback in November, the Thunder said he’d miss at least six weeks.
That was more than six weeks ago.
Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman:
Billy Donovan on Andre Roberson: “He’s not anywhere near playing, so it’s not like I have any idea of when he’s coming back.” pic.twitter.com/2assjglbEe
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) January 14, 2019
What a disappointing year for Roberson. He just can’t get healthy.
Even already possessing the NBA’s best defense, Roberson would help the Thunder. He’s a lockdown perimeter defender. Paul George has stepped up defensively, but a George-Roberson wing pairing would scare the daylights out of opposing offenses.
That said, Roberson is a tricky fit due to his dismal shooting. He’d disrupt Oklahoma City’s offensive spacing. The Thunder would need time to adjust, and if Roberson isn’t close to returning, there might not be time to establish chemistry before the playoffs.
George, Terrance Ferguson, Alex Abrines and Hamidou Diallo have been fine on the wing in Roberson’s absence. Continuing to rely on that group sans Roberson doesn’t maximize Oklahoma City’s production, but at least it’s a simple and workable solution.
