Blazers Release Statements From G Brandon Roy, Owner Paul Allen, President Larry Miller

What a solid young man. Thank you for playing this game like no other.

no one will ever forget what he did for portland, i promised myself that one day i would see him holding that trophy at the end of the year on top of the year… i guess the only way i will see that is on nba 2k12 but i will see you hold that trophy brandon!! you deserve that much. I hope there is a spot on the bench for coaching for brandon. Forever got love for you brandon never forget you, wish you and your family well. dont remember something that hurt so much that didnt even happen to me

If he is indeed missing menisci in both knees (previously reported as missing “all” menisci – which probably means missing all the lateral menisci in each knee), then Roy risks Grade IV lesions in the articular cartilage.

Grade IV lesions create a literal bone on bone condition – which would be debilitating. The problem is that without menisci, Roy is not a candidate for microfracture surgery – the only known method for regrowing articular cartilage.

The notion that Roy would risk never walking again is a bit of an exaggeration – but without the ability to regrow cartilage via microfracture, Roy would be a candidate for transplant or knee replacement. Neither are conducive to NBA basketball.

We do not know whether Roy is currently suffering from Grade I lesions or worse – but the risk of any lesion is probably sufficient to warrant determination of a career-ending injury.

Roy’s condition is degenerative – meaning that it can never get better on its own. Playing will increase the rate of degeneration. Intervention will not heal the problem of articular cartilage rubbing on articular cartilage.

As such, we always knew that Roy had a limited window to continue playing. As it turns out – that window was one season within the context of risk management. Roy might be able to play, for a bit – and even be productive for that bit. Or, he may have learned that he has a lesion that would develop in to a more severe lesion in a short time.

What we have really learned is that once “all” of a meniscus is gone – a player’s days are probably limited to one or two seasons.

Portland will miss you-I promise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESuw-KXaxRY&lc=1bSdRgouceIiT3Axs_nvklvRBJu0l4d0kIs0828ZAKQ&feature=inbox

Look at this video i made for Brandon Roy’s retirement. Please share it. thanks!

I remember thinking a few years ago how hard it would be when Brandon was at a place when his game would start to deteriate because of age – I expected this when he would be in his mid 30’s…it just all happened too soon.

Brandon’s personality made it easy to root for him, and in turn in the team again. I’ll miss watching him play on the court – he is one of the best leaders this team has had – Walton was probably the most gifted basketball player to play for this organization, Clyde was the most gifted athlete, and Brandon one of the best leaders and clutch players to have played. Brandon led by example and helped bring about a culture that was enjoyable to watch and have your kids exposed to.

Thank you for good memories and being a healthy role model for others.

I always thought straight up guys like Roy should become refs and contribute to the game that way. I think he’d make a great ref and believe me, the nba needs new blood in the ref pool. Let Joey Crawford retire and give Brandon Roy a whistle!

I also want to show appreciation for Brandon and all he’s done for the Blazers. Other guys who would make good refs would be Nash, Hill, Stockton, Brandon should be a Hall of Famer even with his shortened career. I’m still excited about this team.Nate is a veteran at adjusting the roster. The question mark I’ve wondered about is that throughout this lockout and transition I’m hearing more about Luke Babbit than Gerald Wallace. Makes one wonder. Wallace is a game changer and it’s Batum’s time to shine.

Roy was an amazing player, and it’s total garbage that he has to retire. I wish him and the Blazers nothing but the best [well, except when the Blazers play the Bulls, but that’s another matter entirely].
There’s stuff more important than the game. Really, most things are. But it sucks to see someone who was so good at basketball – and who is still pretty dang good at it – have to hang it up because of this.