NBA Rumors: Thunder Defender May Not Get Chance To Make OKC Return

The Oklahoma City Thunder are rolling, with most focusing on Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari. OKC has surprised many by holding a respectable 37-22 win-loss record in the Western Conference despite technically in rebuild mode. In all, they have been one of the revelations this season and can only better.

The Thunder are getting the job done on the offensive side but could do better with better defense. One player who most may have already forgotten is Andre Roberson. The 28-year-old remains in the sidelines as he continues his recovery from a ruptured left patellar tendon he suffered during the 2017-18 NBA season. He played only 39 games that season, averaging 5.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists, per Basketball-Reference.com.

Roberson's numbers may not be that important, but this is because he plays more as a defender than a scorer. He is one of the team's best stoppers, a reason why he made the 2017 NBA All-Defensive Second Team. There is no word yet on when he could return. However, he is working his way back, but it may still take some time.

According to Thunder Beat writer Maddie Lee, Roberson has yet to join Thunder practices but has gone through individual workouts. Head coach Billy Donovan has no update on when the 6-foot-7 swingman would be ready to return. But once he does, the Thunder can only get better especially when it comes to having someone who can guard the best player/s of opposing teams.

Seeing him return this season is unlikely. Even if Roberson were to return, he is unlikely to get heavy minutes. His injury is serious and breaking him in gently would be recommended. But the twist here is if he does not return, his future hangs in the balance.

Roberson is in the final year of his three-year $30 million contract. He becomes an unrestricted free agent and the Thunder may not bring him back. Hence, he could be another curious free agent on the prowl for a new home this summer. The only problem is that teams may be wary of his state, aware that his injury will likely slow him down. If that happens, the only way Roberson can get back to playing NBA ball is via the long route. It won't be easy, meaning it is imperative he returns 100-percent healthy.