OKC Thunder – Roberson remains hot topic following his return

OKC Thunder defensive savant Andre Roberson’s return remained the hot topic following practice Saturday.

The OKC Thunder followed up their first scrimmage session with practice on Saturday and everyone still abuzz over the return of Andre Roberson.

The practice session no doubt was lighter in nature given the team’s first action against an opponent occurred Friday in the scrimmage versus the Celtics. Additionally, the second scrimmage is set for today with an extremely early start (11:00 a.m. CT).

As per the typical routine, head coach, Billy Donovan met with the media virtually while Mike Muscala and Hamidou Diallo popped by to provide their insight.

OKC Thunder post-practice media:

Questions for the bench boss covered the gamut of the win over the Celtics, practice Saturday, and the upcoming early tip scrimmage versus the Philadelphia 76ers.

Billy Donovan:

As the OKC Thunder progressed through12 practice sessions in the bubble Billy Donovan was looking ahead to the three scrimmages they would undertake. He noted every opponent has a different style and talent level at different positions that present unique challenges for the Thunder. The Celtics provide interchangeable wing depth while the 76ers provide size across the board.

On what role he envisions for Roberson:

Donovan, like everyone on the team (and in the fanbase) was delighted primarily just to witness Andre Roberson finally step on the court after his long journey back. Dre participated in practice Saturday with no restrictions and is expected to be available for the 76ers scrimmage.

In terms of the long term plans Donovan was more eager to discuss the overall effect of having a defensive player of Dre’s ability back in the rotation. He pointed to the numerous quality superstars with length and talent that present major matchup issues such as Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Paul George, and Jayson Tatum.

‘The team missed having a really long, rangy, athletic smart defender like Andre. Not only does he have great feet and can slide through screens  it’s very difficult to play over Andre.‘

The coach pointed to the progress Luguentz Dort and Terrance Ferguson have made and cited Roberson’s tutelage in their development.

In terms of a specific position for Roberson, he refused to isolate on any one role. Rather, Billy D is content to leave the semantics open for how Dre can best help the team and individual matchups. As a precaution, he also reminded the team will need to monitor Roberson’s progress as he works through the next two scrimmages, practices, and build upon each step

Brad Steven comments about CP3:

Following the game Celtics coach Brad Stevens stated Chris Paul was the one voice heard throughout his minutes on the court. Stevens said CP3 dominated the game simply by using his voice.

Donovan pointed to how the club stresses how critical communication is. He further noted veterans tend to be better based on experience but Paul is an elite communicator with that being one of his greatest strengths. The bench boss feels CP3 has instilled confidence in his teammates following his lead. Donovan hopes the team will get even better at communicating since it will play such a large factor in this environment.

Noel and Roberson both expected to play:

As noted above Roberson had no restrictions in practice and neither did Nerlens Noel with both expected to participate Sunday

Most important takeaways from Celtics scrimmage:

A common refrain from Donovan is the spirit and togetherness of the crew which he continues to praise.  He pointed to the fact Roberson hasn’t played with many of his new teammates but the relationship he’s built with the new guys is unique and special. The goal is to play to an identity that he felt the team accomplished. Other elements he liked were the pace and tempo.

Areas tapped for improvement are execution and fewer turnovers. Donovan said the talent in the league leaves little margin for error so high turnovers result in the squad bleeding points to the opponent.

Mike Muscala:

The reserve big is getting a lot of burn in the media sessions of late.

Playing Friday and pending Sunday match:

He emulated everyone’s thoughts on how great it was to play someone other than each other. As for the 76ers, Muscala noted their size and physicality saying it will be a good challenge and fun.

Importance of communication:

Muscala said talking is always important, especially on the road, and in the bubble, he pointed to communication being good for morale and to hype each other up. Additionally, he confirmed everyone’s voice is amplified in this setting without fans.

Roberson observations:

Everyone was asked about Roberson — as they should be. If not for this pandemic – Andre returning in front of the fans at Chesapeake would’ve likely lead to a long standing ovation from the Thunder faithful.

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Although Muscala is new to the team and Andre he developed a bond with him in their few meetings which is typical of what every teammate has said of Dre. The Bucknell alum emulated his teammates’ thoughts on how happy they were for Dre and respect for his long journey in returning to the court.

‘To see his emotion – his pure emotion after the game, it was emotional for me too and it couldn’t happen to a better guy. I’ve only been here a year but just every time he’s been around he’s been very nice and very supportive even though he wasn’t able to play.’

Hamidou Diallo:

Likewise, Diallo was asked also asked about Roberson’s return,  with the added note Dre served as a mentor to Hami so he was asked how emotional it was for him given that bond.

‘Oh, it was great. He’s been through a rough path and only he knows all the hard work and the dedication you have to put into this game and it’s great for him to get out there and actually get a feel for the game again and for him to actually play well was really good man, and I’m happy for him.  – -. He brings us that energy as you saw yesterday he did a great job. I feel like we’re glad to have him back, and it’s going to be exciting to see what the future holds.’

The other key questions focused on Diallo’s role and the competition at the wing for playing time. Diallo stuck to the same theme refusing to bite on the ‘competition factor’. Instead, Diallo repeatedly said he relies on the coach to do what’s best and doing what helps the team as winning is his first priority.

As noted it’s an early tip today so make sure you tune in early.