The Thunder’s Lost Man

By Ellie Cross

Video of Andre Roberson’s Injury

This clip is illustrative of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s season as of late not because of what it gained, but because of what it lost. On a routine alley-oop play involving Russell Westbrook and Andre Roberson, Roberson slips on the hardwood and ruptures his left patellar tendon. Unfortunately given to the Thunder’s premier stout defender, the injury has proved detrimental as the team’s defensive rating falls from a 95.9 with Roberson to a 114.5 without.

According to espn.com, Oklahoma City allowed its opponents 100.9 points per game with Roberson, and almost 108 without. In close games like the 108–104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and the three point loss to the Denver Nuggets, the burden placed on Paul George and others without Roberson was too much to overcome. With Roberson, the Thunder retain a 95.9 defensive rating; without, it falls to 114.5.

What makes Roberson instrumental to the Thunder is his ability to guard the perimeter against the All-Stars of the Western Conference. His 6–11 wingspan provides him with coverage that his young replacement Terrance Ferguson cannot match. Compared to Roberson’s 1.6 steals per game, Ferguson’s steals per game sits at just .1.

Against the Warriors, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant were limited to only six points when guarded by Roberson and had more turnovers than assists, according to Sports Illustrated. His productivity, efficiency, and relentlessness against powers in the NBA makes him a premier defender that is irreplaceable.

After an eight game winning streak, Oklahoma City fell again to lose six out of the last eight, which many attribute to the loss of Roberson in January. There is currently no timeline for his return. This may become worrisome if the Thunder continue to slip.