Hot takes from the start of the OKC Thunder training camp feature Andre Roberson finally back on the hardwood and Chris Paul embracing his leadership role.
Following the first day of the OKC Thunder training camp, Andre Roberson and Chris Paul offered insights to the time on the hardwood and the team in general.
Sports reporter Dylan Buckingham of Oklahoma’s News 4 provided the videos from post practice media sessions via Twitter.
Andre Roberson:
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For Andre Roberson specifically this day couldn’t arrive fast enough. After his horrific patellar tendon ruptured in a game versus the Detroit Pistons on January 27, 2018, his road to recovery has taken a bunch of left turns.
Last season the hopes were he would be ready to join the club at season start but another injury sent him back to the drawing board. In fact, Roberson was sidelined twice after the main injury. The resulting effect of the setbacks was ARob missed the entire 2018-19 season. In all, the 27-year old missed 125 regular-season games and both playoff series from the last two seasons.
The popular teammate is back participating fully in training camp this season and no one is happier than the defensive wing.
Andre Roberson was a full go in day one of #Thunder training camp, "other than a few reps." His thoughts after his first practice back. pic.twitter.com/9vFFVM2REi
— Dylan Buckingham (@DylanBuckingham) October 1, 2019
In the above video, Roberson speaks to having no restrictions and how excited he is to be back on the floor interacting with his team.
Chris Paul:
Chris Paul makes is taking his second go round in OKC seriously and is embracing his leadership role.
Many presume General Manager, Sam Presti will spend time right up the trade deadline shopping Paul seeking young assets and more draft picks. For now, everyone is on the same page to make things work.
The point guard isn’t listening to outside voices stating how excited he is to be in Oklahoma.
Chris Paul breaks down his first day of practice with the #Thunder. CP3 mentioned he's played with Steven Adams in previous offseason workouts. He also addressed his shooting struggles from last year as well as what OKC is trying to accomplish the first few days of camp. pic.twitter.com/YdwyF27Ndc
— Dylan Buckingham (@DylanBuckingham) October 1, 2019
Following their practice, Paul spoke to the media and showcased why his presence is so vital to this iteration of the OKC Thunder.
Specifically, Paul spoke about how important building camaraderie and chemistry is. Moreover, the point guard noted everything starts with communication specifically on defense.
In many ways having CP3 on the court is akin to having a player-coach out there and that bodes well for the numerous youngsters on this club.
The team will hit day three of training camp on Thursday.