OKC Thunder wonder: the return of Andre Roberson and Nerlens Noel remains uncertain

While the OKC Thunder continue to roll with a 26-16 record, Oklahoma City fans are wondering when Andre Roberson and Nerlens Noel will return.

Fresh off the back of a 122-112 over the San Antonio Spurs, the OKC Thunder look to make it two in a row traveling to Atlanta to take on the Hawks. After 42 games, the Thunder are wedged in third spot in the Western Conference, sporting a 26-16 record three games behind the first place Denver Nuggets and one game clear of Portland in fourth.

Despite this, Oklahoma City fans are wondering what is the status of Andre Roberson and Nerlens Noel?

Slow road to recovery

The Andre Roberson road to recovery continues as the defensive ace continues his rehabilitation of a ruptured patellar tendon he suffered in January last year against the Detroit Pistons. After requiring additional surgery in October to address inflammation issues caused by a suture, Dre was set to be re-evaluated in early January.

We are now in the middle of January and Coach Billy Donovan doesn’t know when Roberson will be returning to court.

This is a tough pill to swallow since Dre is the teams best defender by far. While Terrance Ferguson and Paul George have done a tremendous job holding the fort on the wing, Roberson possesses significant value on the defensive end. TFerg is coming into his own as a three and D player but fans need to remember the 20-year-old is not the defensive player Roberson is and suggesting the Thunder trade him raises eyebrows.

If Roberson is fit come playoff time, there is little doubt he will receive a healthy dose of minutes when the finals roll around. For now, it’s a waiting game.

Noel’s return unknown

After suffering a horrific injury against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a timetable for Nerlens Noel return is uncertain. The 24-year-old big man remains in concussion protocol with the Thunder taking their time bringing him back.

While his averages this season don’t jump off the page (5.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in just 13.5 minutes per game), Noel is an integral part of the team. His exceptional defensive skills at the rim add a dimension OKC haven’t had in years.

Fingers crossed the big man returns healthy and is starting to feel like himself again.

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With Oklahoma City right in the mix for a top playoff seeding, both Dre and Noel must be healthy when the playoffs arrive for the team to reach its full potential. While the team already possesses the leagues best defense, OKC will need all hands on deck to compensate for its uneven offense.

Noel has become a crucial piece of the puzzle and will be needed to not only support Steven Adams but provide the Thunder with line-up flexibility. His elite athleticism gives OKC an added dimension on defense, something the team has missed since the departure of Serge Ibaka.

As for ARob, we all know what he can do. He is the heart and soul of OKC’s defense, undoubtedly makes the team exponentially better. Its been a long time coming but Dre is on the comeback trail and we all can’t wait to see him grace the hardwood again.

In order for Oklahoma City to realize its dream of a championship, these two need to get healthy.

So fingers crossed and Thunder Up!