The OKC Thunder are looking forward to the return of defensive wing Andre Roberson who said he is a “full go” for training camp.
One of if not the most significant parts of the 2019 OKC Thunder Media Day was the new and improved Andre Roberson. The 27-year-old wing who has not played since game 39 of the 2017-18 season, is a full go for training camp, and absolutely dripping in confidence.
When Andre Roberson strolled up to the Fox Sports Oklahoma crew of OKC Thunder play by play and color analyst Chris Fisher and Michael Cage respectively, he had a different persona about him. In the past, Andre Roberson has usually been a humble, head down, borderline shy player. Not wanting to make waves, not wanting to grab the headlines or the spotlight. Today, however, was a different story.
After a failed one-on-one interview with the newest member of the Fox Sports Oklahoma crew due to the mic not working, he went over to the set where Chris Fisher informed him the mic was “hot” a term to describe the mic is on. Dre responded “This Mic is HOT, that’s what I like as he settled into his chair.
When Fisher asked Andre if he would be a full participant, a full go, in OKC Thunder training camp that starts on Tuesday Roberson quickly and joyfully replied: “That’s the plan!”
At the desk, with the guys, Roberson also joked around with starting center Steven Adams saying that there is “No way in He-Heck that Steven Adams could” be on the plant-based diet that most of the team, including star point guard Chris Paul, are doing right now.
Even before that, in the big media room with almost every reporter who will come in contact with the OKC Thunder this season, Roberson held that same confidence.
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Andre Roberson said the one thing he misses most from playing is “Locking people up…let’s just put it this way, some of these guys have been too happy, too free.” Roberson reiterated that he “Feels great.” and is a “Full go.” mentioning that the only thing left in his rehab process is to “Drop a couple of lbs, and get in-game shape.” I surly relate there, Dre.
When reporters asked Roberson about starting or coming off the bench the forward said: “No matter if it’s coming off the bench or starting, I am going to do my best to help us win.” Roberson also talked about this teams new identity saying that “This year, we have to play more as a unit. We have to have more of a motion to it, not so much iso.” When asked about the offense now missing two of the league’s best scorers in Paul George and Russell Westbrook.
After being asked who Roberson would like to defend more between the Rockets new power duo of James Harden and Russell Westbrook Roberson without hesitation said: “Honestly I’ll be doing both, but I think It will be cool to go against Russ.”
It seems like Andre Roberson will see action this preseason, and with the Blue and White scrimmage tipping off at 2 P.M. CST on Sunday, we might see Dre return to the floor sooner rather than later.