Chris Paul calls Andre Roberson’s court return ‘the best thing ever’

Few people seemed happier to see Andre Roberson on the practice floor than Chris Paul.

For the first time in about four months, on Friday, the Thunder convened as a team and did something they’ve done many, many times before — they practiced.

But something was different. Andre Roberson was with them.

Roberson — renowned as one of the NBA’s best defenders before an unfortunate injury sidelined him in January 2018 — has flown under the radar. He’s been out of sight, so it makes sense for a majority of NBA fans to be somewhat forgetful about what he brings to the table.

Those that follow the team closely, though, feel differently. And on Friday, both head coach Billy Donovan and Danilo Gallinari had positive things to say about Roberson’s return to the floor.

Roberson himself declared himself to be ready back in April. Whether he’s able to meaningfully contribute in the Orlando bubble remains to be seen, but either way, Chris Paul is happy to see his teammate take the court again.

Paul addressed reporters via Zoom call on Friday and let it be known where he stood with respect to his feelings for Roberson.

“It’s the best thing ever,” Paul was quoted as saying by The Athletic’s Erik Horne.

“When I talk about a guy being consummate teammate, for a guy to go through all the things he’s been through, I’m so happy for him. He’s had some of the toughest times people wouldn’t even know.”

Indeed, what’s made Roberson’s story even more heartbreaking has been the progression of his injuries and the setbacks he’s suffered.

The 28-year-old ruptured his left patellar tendon after developing tendinitis. He needed an arthroscopic procedure on his knee to treat some inflammation before suffering a “setback” in October 2018 that required another surgery.

Thereafter, Roberson experienced some discomfort in his knee, which led to an MRI that revealed a small avulsion fracture. So his road back has been full of twists, turns and heartbreak.

Obviously, Paul is aware of those facts. That’s probably why Roberson’s return to the court, especially as he faces free agency, means so much to the team’s lead guard.