With Andre Roberson in the lineup, the Oklahoma City Thunder were one of the best defensive teams in the league and his impact was felt when he suffered a season-ending injury in January. The Thunder sorely missed their main defensive presence in the latter stages of the campaign and the playoffs. He may not offer much offensively but he's become a crucial part of the OKC team on the other end of the floor. Roberson suffered a ruptured patellar tendon against the Detroit Pistons and it was clear from the moment it happened that he'd be facing a long spell on the sidelines. The injury to the swingman cost him a chance to secure a place on the NBA All-Defensive team for the second consecutive year.

Comeback trail

But the 26-year-old has been working hard during his rehab and could be back on the court in a few months. 

In a recent interview with KABB Fox-29, he revealed when he's hoping to make a return. 

“My number one goal right now is to come back 100-percent healthy and feeling comfortable like my self in the past with my movements and my overall feel for the game,” Roberson said.

“I’m not really putting a particular time on it, but I want to come back to myself somewhere in like December.

"So, it’d be great if it happened before. Christmas, that’d be great. But like I said, not putting a time on it. Just taking it a day at a time.”

OKC's defence dropped as soon as he went down as they struggled to replace his work. 

Roberson often takes the challenge of defending the opponent's best player and spares his star teammates, such as Russell Westbrook and Paul George, from this responsibility so they can focus on their offence.

He's a valuable member of the team and news of his potential comeback later this year will certainly please head coach Billy Donovan. 

Oklahoma City has been busy in the market this summer and will be hoping to have better success next season. 

Re-signing Paul George was their big move but the acquisitions of Dennis Schroder and Nerlens Noel could prove to be underrated. 

But getting Roberson back to full health will be a priority and it looks like he's making good progress.

CLICK HERE to listen to Episode Two of the new GiveMeSport NBA podcast, featuring New York Times senior writer Marc Stein. Subscribe for all future episodes.