Roberson goes gown with a major injury
Remember when the entire sports world was freaking out over the OKC Thunder and their inability to win games a few weeks ago? Well, in that time, the Russell Westbrook-led team had improved their record, drastically, moving up 5th in conference standings for a 29-20 record.
Unfortunately, that run may come to an end, as the Thunder has now lost their best defensive player. Saturday afternoon, OKC was in Detroit for a road game against the Pistons and suffered a major injury. During the midst of a 25-point blowout of their opponents, Andre Roberson went up for an alley-oop on a routine fast-break and his left leg gave out.
If you remember, Roberson previously missed eight games earlier in the year, with a patellar tendinitis in his left knee. The preliminary report, revealed that Andre suffered ruptured patellar tendon and is expected to have season-ending surgery. Before this injury, the Thunder were finally starting to synch together offensively and more importantly, defensively – largely in help from Roberson. Paul George was even intrigued by the team’s future, citing that he was getting comfortable with his teammates, coaching and even the town of Oklahoma City.
However, he may be rethinking his long-term plans, as we expect the Thunder to remain as the fifth seed in the west; with a possible first-round exit looming. On defense, Roberson inspired both George and Carmelo Anthony to step up their play for on and off-ball coverage.
With that likely coming to an end after this injury, we’re having doubts that PG-13 will commit to staying with the franchise beyond the post-season. This could likely lead to his eventual purple and gold paring with LeBron James in Los Angeles; like we’ve believed was the plan this entire season.
Considering, Rich Paul has already moved clutch sports to LA, as well as Mrs. Savannah James decorating a family west coast mansion; it’ll be an interesting next few months to see what unfolds in free agency. We really send our thoughts to Andre Roberson and wish him a speedy recovery.
Sources: Andre Roberson will be examined upon return to OKC, but expectation is that he will need to undergo season-ending surgery for a ruptured patellar tendon in his left leg.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2018