Injury updates on Roberson and Westbrook:
Talk among OKC Thunder fans this offseason has often been based around when Andre Roberson will be able to get back on the floor. More importantly, get back on the floor and return to his high level of defensive play.
Sam Presti provided an update on Roberson, however it was really..bland. Andre himself came out a few weeks ago and said he hopes to return to his normal form “around Christmas.” that put the expectations low for Thunder fans who expected him back quickly without missing a beat.
For Andre, if he is not 100-percent healthy he is really just a wasted body on the floor. He needs the ability to not only be a solid or good defender, but to return to his top-tier form and not be a liability on this team.
Sam said this about Andre and his expectations for the shoot guard during training camp.
Sam Presti says Andre Roberson will go through parts of training camp, primarily non-contact. “We don’t think we’re going to be without him very long,” Presti says. Doesn’t sound like he’ll be ready to go on opening night.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) September 20, 2018
For Andre it is important not to rush him back, because again, losing even a step on defense could result in Roberson being rendered meaningless for the OKC Thunder.
Sam Presti calls Russell Westbrook’s knee scope “a pretty minor thing.” But Thunder won’t rush him back.
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) September 20, 2018
In terms of the Russell Westbrook’s update, this seems like an under-sell over-deliver statement. I still think Russell Westbrook will be ready for opening night against the Warriors, but this could be Sam Presti hedging his bet.
If Westbrook is not ready to go, Presti can say: “I told you we would not rush him back.” Ultimately, no matter if Russell Westbrook does or does not miss a few regular season games, it is not the end of the world.