Andre Roberson, once recognized for his place on the All-NBA Defensive Second Team in 2017, faced a significant setback due to a severe injury that sidelined him for nearly three years.
“Ultimately, it cost me almost three years of my career, and at that point, you really start to reflect on your journey and everything it took to get there,” Roberson stated in Basketball Sphere. “You wonder if you want to take another shot and risk it all once you’ve recovered, or if you’ll let that injury define your career and choose to stop altogether.”
“For me, the decision was to return to the court and continue doing what I love: playing basketball. During those three years, I was injured for two of them, but I was still under contract with Oklahoma City. Watching games from the sidelines, especially during the playoffs when we had a real shot at the title, was incredibly difficult. Knowing I could have been on the court helping the team made the situation even more frustrating. Those moments deeply impacted me and became a huge source of motivation when it came time to make that decision: to return or retire. Ultimately, they pushed me to come back and try again.”
“Now, I take much better care of my body, and I don’t forget anything. Every time I step onto the court, I try to enjoy it and play with a smile, aware of the fragility of life. I cherish the relationships and connections I build, and this experience has given me a different perspective, not just on basketball, but on life.”
When asked about his choice to play in Russia with Zenit Saint Petersburg, Roberson explained:
“I came to Zenit because I hope to play in the Euroleague next season. We don’t know yet if it’s planned, but it was one of my main motivations, one of the reasons I came here: to have a prestigious journey and to regain consistency in that competition. Also, to continue traveling the world and discovering what life has to offer. So, it’s one of the reasons I’m continuing my basketball career. It’s a true blessing to be able to play basketball again after my tragic injury. In short, everything has gone very well. I hope we can win the VTB championship.”
He added:
“I can’t deny my apprehension; venturing into the unknown, whether it’s Russia, France, or simply leaving your American comfort zone, is always a significant decision. But looking back, I am happy and grateful for this opportunity. It has brought a lot of positivity into my life.”
