After two surgeries in a span of five months, OKC Thunder starting shooting guard Andre Roberson is finally able to run at full speed.
OKC Thunder starting shooting-guard Andre Roberson is up and running again literally. Nearly eight months after Roberson’s initial injury the defensive stopper is making definitive progress. The Thunder wing man posted a video of himself running at full speed on instagram highlighting his progression on his road to recovery.
On January 27, 2018, Roberson ruptured his left patellar tendon in the second quarter in a contest against the Detroit Pistons. Dre underwent surgery the next day and as a result he missed the remainder of the 2017-18 campaign.
During his exit interview in April, Roberson stated he could begin running around the five-month mark of his rehab process. However, that got delayed because Roberson underwent a second procedure on his left knee to address excess swelling.
DRE! pic.twitter.com/0S5qGLmLNw
— Boomtown Hoops (@BoomtownHoops) August 11, 2018
Earlier Saturday August 11, Dre posted an Instagram story (with video) as per Up The Thunder’s tweet above. As Roberson stated in his caption getting to run has been a long time coming. At this point, it’s unclear whether or not Roberson will be ready for the start of the regular season, though all previous indications were that is his intention.
Since the NBA released the regular season schedule it’s known the season will start in 65 days. Because Roberson just began running, it’s a safe bet he hasn’t participated in contact basketball activities. Therefore his goal of returning in time for the season opener should be considered guarded.
Second surgery woes
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Until news of a second procedure, I was a steadfast believer Roberson would be in the starting lineup on opening night. But, Dre’s second procedure is a bit concerning. Not all players are like Russell Westbrook, as Russ had three knee surgeries in a span of roughly eight months and he never missed a beat.
Furthermore, the mental hurdle Dre must clear is what may hamper him when he returns. This is a common situation for athletes coming back from major injury rather than the physical aspect. You’ll often hear athletes say there is a slight subconscious hesitation involved in trusting the injury is healed or that a sudden movement won’t result in another injury.
Upon clearing that mental hurdle they know they are 100 percent back. Once Dre sees and more importantly feels his knee is okay, he will resume reeking defensive havoc on the opposing teams best player.
Ultimately, when Roberson steps back onto the hardwood, OKC just need him fully healthy.
OKC won’t be eager to test the theory again, so the goal is for Roberson to come back 100 percent healthy for the 2018-19 campaign.