The road back has been long and difficult, but to a standing ovation, Andre Roberson checked into an NBA game for the first time since exiting against the Detroit Pistons in January 2018.
On Friday, with 5:33 remaining in the third quarter of the Thunder’s exhibition contest against the Boston Celtics, Roberson was tapped by head coach Billy Donovan to enter the lineup. He did so to a standing ovation from each of his teammates.
After performing impressively during the Thunder’s Orlando training camp, there began to be speculation that Roberson would be given some minutes during the Thunder’s exhibition schedule, and when Donovan continued to compliment the guard’s defensive instincts, it became obvious that Roberson would get a shot.
Donovan confirmed before the contest that Roberson would be available, so it was only then a matter of time before he got his opportunity to play.
Then, it happened. The Thunder’s official Twitter account documented the moment.
After 30 months of adversity, setback, courage, perseverance and spirit, Andre Roberson is playing in an NBA basketball game again. 🙌 @FlyDre21 | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/W5rlKsPK4r
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) July 24, 2020
Roberson would soon thereafter score the first points of his return on a layup with 2:49 remaining in the game’s third quarter.
Andre Roberson gets the first 2 out of the way.
Incredibly happy for @FlyDre21. Such a testament to hard work, commitment, and overcoming massive obstacles. pic.twitter.com/SZci6GdbHT
— Boomtown Hoops (@BoomtownHoops) July 24, 2020
Although occurring in an exhibition contest, those are probably two points that he’ll remember for a long, long time.
He followed it up by connecting on a three-pointer a few minutes later — obviously, to the delight of Chris Paul.
Andre Roberson made a 3. Chris Paul loves it. pic.twitter.com/46o9BxOlc2
— Logan Newman (@Logan_Newsman) July 24, 2020
Many people have been looking forward to this day, and it’s finally here. Andre Roberson is back.