6 OKC Thunder players to keep an eye on during scrimmages

With the OKC Thunder scrimmages beginning today questions loom for these six players.

The last six teams of the 22 participants at Orlando will play their first scrimmage today including the OKC Thunder. Each team will play two more scrimmages between Saturday and Tuesday in preparation for the official resumption of the season on Thursday, July 30th.

Every player is itching to play someone other than their teammates, however, winning the game isn’t the priority. Rather, these scrimmages much like typical preseason games will be used as a litmus test of where the team and specific players are in the process of returning to game shape.

There are six players who Billy Donovan will be watching with specific questions and goals in mind.

6  OKC Thunder players to keep an eye on during scrimmages:

Of course, the fan base is eager to witness one specific player hit the hardwood – – Andre Roberson. The only negative will be Thunder Nation won’t be able to loudly serenade Dre with welcome back cheers.

It’s been an arduous journey for Roberson rehabilitating from a horrific patellar tendon injury and setbacks that kept him off the court for almost two and a half years.

If Roberson plays – where is his game in comparison to pre-injury?

After this much time away from competitive action the biggest question is how closely Roberson resembles his pre-injury ability. At that time, Roberson was among the elite defenders in the league garnering an All-Defensive team nod in 2016-17.

His teammates have showered him with praise citing how intelligent he is on the defensive end and even noting his improvements offensively. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said ‘he’s the smartest defensive player I’ve ever been around‘ while Abdel Nader said ‘He’s shooting the ball better than he’s ever shot.’

Although it would be wise to temper our expectations, conversely it’s difficult not to project what Roberson would mean to the depth of the roster. If the defensive stalwart was even 75 percent of what he was before he would be better than half the NBA.  And, if Nader’s comments are true then – well pinch me because that would create lineup versatility for Donovan.

With Dennis Schroder leaving the bubble when his wife is ready to deliver their second child, a healthy Roberson provides the answer to two specific situations.

First, he could play with the clutch time group because he’d be the fifth option offensively but would be a boost defensively.

And, his presence could also allow Luguentz Dort time to run the point or help one of CP3 or SGA to fill in for Schroder’s absence.