OKC Thunder Sunday Social: Active week in social media
By Alex Mcewen
The aftermath of Andre Roberson’s setback
The above image is the final time Roberson ran onto the court before his health and career took a dramatic turn for the worse. On the afternoon of January 27, 2018, Roberson and the Thunder were forever changed, as Roberson went up for a common backdoor cut and slam, off a Westbrook lob pass, the play went awry. When Dre went down the feeling was immediate, his injury was bad.
Roberson required a stretcher to be wheeled off the court, the diagnosis; a ruptured patellar tendon, his prognosis; out for the remainder of the season, end scene.
Flash forward nearly 10 months, Roberson remains out of the lineup for the OKC Thunder. After Dre underwent a second procedure on his left knee in May, Roberson was on track for a mid/late November return. Yet, on Thursday, October 4, the Thunder guard had yet another setback. Let’s review the social fallout from the tough blow for Oklahoma City.
Uncertain return date
Roberson was on track to be back sometime in November from his original injury. With this setback, he’ll be re-evaluated in two months, but his return to play will likely be longer than that.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) October 5, 2018
Important to note: The Thunder doesn’t necessarily expect Roberson back in two months, but that's when he'll be re-evaluated, which would Dec. 4 if two months from today. The procedure to remove the suture was not a scope/arthroscopic.
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) October 5, 2018
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Young and Horne both echoed just because Roberson will be evaluated in two months, there is no assurance he will return within two months. Oklahoma City is fortunate, in 11 years only three of their players have suffered severe injuries.
In addition to Roberson’s injury, Westbrook tore his meniscus, and Durant broke his foot. Subsequently, all three players each required three procedures in less than one year from the date they sustained their injury, to address issues from the original injury and or subsequent surgery.
Therefore, when Roberson began running in August TI stated his goal of returning in time for opening night should be considered guarded. Given Dre’s latest procedure, his return this year should be viewed as up in the air.
Takes for O’connor and Daniels
That REALLY sucks for him, I know how hard he was working to get back to 100% by December. This is a great opportunity for someone else to earn some good mins and experience....Abrines, Ferguson, TLC, Nader etc.
— Antonio Daniels (@adaniels33) October 5, 2018
Andre Roberson's absence also puts more pressure on Paul George, who wasn't as nearly as great defensively without Roberson. Someone will have to step up. Could be a big chance coming for Terrance Ferguson.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 5, 2018
Daniels and O’Connor both offer good insight and perspective. Daniels mentions the next man up mentality, which TI discussed the day the news broke. Although the team is high on Terrance Ferguson, I would rather see Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot or Diallo get an opportunity to step into OKC’s vacant shooting guard spot.
As for O’Connor, his take on the situation appeared to be on the money, until he mentioned T-Ferg. Yet, it is his opinion and everybody is entitled to their personal opinion.
Once Again, TI extends our best wishes of a speeding recovery to Andre Roberson, as the popular phrase says, this is a small setback, but he will have a large comeback.