Thunder’s Andre Roberson suffers setback in recovery
A Thunder spokesperson informed media Thursday night that Andre Roberson had a setback in his rehabilitation from surgery on the patellar tendon in his left knee.
A suture that was a part of Roberson’s initial surgery from January was irritating his left knee and creating discomfort, per the Thunder. Roberson had a procedure to alleviate the irritation on Thursday, and will be re-evaluated in two months.
Two months from Thursday would be Dec. 4, but does not mean that Roberson will be back at that time. The Thunder said Roberson was on pace to be back sometime in November and was progressing well from the rupture of the left patellar tendon in his knee Jan. 27. Roberson also had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee May 29. The procedure Roberson had on Thursday was not arthroscopic.
Roberson was progressing in his rehab and the initial injury was healing well. The suture was no longer needed, but was creating discomfort recently, which prompted the procedure.
Roberson had not been cleared for contact to start Thunder preseason camp, but was participating in post-practice drills with coaching staff, showing improved movement as the week progressed. The Thunder has started Terrance Ferguson at shooting guard in both its Blue and White Scrimmage and the preseason opener against Detroit this week.
Sunset uniforms making a return this season
Sunset is coming back for Christmas.
The Oklahoman learned Thursday that the Thunder will have a fifth uniform combination that will restore the “sunset” color from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons for Christmas Day on the road against the Houston Rockets.
The return of the "sunset" uniforms was first reported by Casey Vitelli.
There’s no indication if the uniform will be worn beyond Christmas Day, but it will not be a direct duplicate of the previous version the Thunder wore two seasons ago. The Thunder last wore the "sunset" uniforms in 2017, the final season of Adidas' contract with the NBA.
Since taking over as the official apparel supplier of the NBA last season, Nike has made four uniforms for each team ("Icon," "Association," "Statement," and "City" editions). Last season, eight select teams also had a “Classic” edition uniform, meant to celebrate some of the most iconic uniforms in league history.
Per Vitelli, the "sunset" return is part of Nike's "Earned" edition for each of the 16 playoff teams from last season.
George available; Nader out
Paul George missed the Thunder’s first preseason game Wednesday due to personal reasons, but will be available to play in Minnesota on Friday.
George was back at practice Thursday following the death of his girlfriend’s father this week.
George’s girlfriend, Daniela Rajic, posted an Instagram story that included childhood photos that read “RIP Daddy” and “Forever Daddy’s little girl.” Another photo showed a pair of George’s signature shoes with the message “RIP DEDI” written on the strap and multiple signatures.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan said Abdel Nader (left knee soreness) didn’t practice Thursday and will not play against Minnesota. Russell Westbrook and Andre Roberson are also out as they continue to rehabilitate from their respective knee surgeries.
Close-range cleanup
With Steven Adams and Dennis Schroder not playing in the fourth quarter Wednesday, Raymond Felton, and Nerlens Noel provided the spark for the Thunder early in the quarter in a 97-91 loss to the Pistons.
But as easy as Felton made finding teammates and scoring with 12 points and five assists, the Thunder made it tough on itself with poor finishing throughout.
Jerami Grant and Noel combined to shoot just 2-of-14. Noel missed a dunk with 36.7 seconds left with the Thunder trailing by 94-91, effectively ending its chances at a win.
“Yeah, it was crazy,” Noel said. “I don’t miss those. It’s just coming down finishing, first game since last season. Get those jitters out.”
After the game, Grant lamented what he thought were at least five missed layups. Getting to the rim wasn’t the problem for him or Noel, but finishing plays was.
“Dennis (Schroder) had some (missed shots at the rim). Nerlens missed four dunks and putbacks around the basket. Jerami missed some drives. Hami (Diallo) missed a drive, so we missed a lot of layups around the basket and didn’t finish particularly well and that’s something we have to do a better job of,” Donovan said.