OKLAHOMA CITY — Billy Donovan spoke to the media this morning via teleconference for the first time since pregame availability for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s game against the Utah Jazz on March 11.
Today marked the beginning of mandatory workouts with media availability moving forward as the NBA begins to prepare its 22 teams for the Orlando resume-to-play. As long as the NBA is able to continue play, players and coaches will be speaking to the media.
With 110 days of a communication gap, the conversation with Donovan went many directions. The question on many people’s minds has been and remains about Andre Roberson.
“All of our guys have come in to work out periodically on their own time,” Donovan said. “Andre has been here going through all that stuff.”
According to the Thunder coach, all 17 players have been back in OKC prior to the league mandated deadline of June 23. Roberson was included. However, due to league restrictions and guidelines regarding gatherings, all workouts have been individuals.
“It’s hard for me to give a real assessment for where he’s at,” Donovan continued. “The plan is that when we’re in Orlando is to get him out there 5-on-5 and see how he feels.”
Roberson has not played since January 27, 2018.
Despite the time and rehab, Donovan described Roberson’s mindset as “really good,” moving forward.
“He feels like he’s made really significant progress, so I’m really happy for him that he’s in a good place and wants to see how he feels once we start playing five-on-five.”
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Brady Trantham has covered the Oklahoma City Thunder for The Franchise since April 2018 and for Thunder Digest since 2016. He hosts a Thunder podcast with Madysson Morris “OKC-82 Podcast” which can be found on all podcast outlets, and is a co-host on the Franchise Thunder Insider’s Show on Saturdays from 10-12. Brady is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma class of 2014. Follow him on Twitter @BradyDoesSports
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