Blazers Confirm Blazers G Brandon Roy's Plan For Medical Retirement
by Ben Golliver on Dec 9, 2011 3:14 PM PST
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Print*** This post has been updated. Read all the way through. ***
Portland Trail Blazers center Marcus Camby and forwards Gerald Wallace and Nicolas Batum all confirmed the medical retirement of guard Brandon Roy in comments made at the team's practice facility following the first day of training camp on Friday.
Wallace said that coach Nate McMillan delivered the message to the team. Camby said Acting GM Chad Buchanan also briefly addressed the team this morning. Batum said that McMillan and Buchanan both addressed the team prior to practice, delivering a "time to turn the page" type of message.
Here are McMillan's comments on Roy. He addressed the media roughly two hours after training camp closed.
McMillan: "Until Chad works out the details with Brandon I'll leave those questions to him." Confirms he addressed team.
McMillan on Roy: "I was surprised" ... "found out last night" ... "obviously he's disappointed" ... "he's special"
"I called him 'Oprah' one time because everything he touched turned to gold." Nate McMillan on Brandon Roy
"I hope one day I can come into a training camp and not say someone is out for the season." -- Nate McMillan
Buchanan finally commented on Friday night.
Roy's agent contacted Buchanan on Thursday night to say he will pursue medical retirement. "very, very difficult" & "very, very emotional"
Buchanan was "shocked" by call from Roy's agent on Thursday.
Buchanan said he did not try to talk Roy out of his decision.
Will Blazers amnesty Roy? Buchanan: "We're looking at all options."
Unless Blazers amnesty Roy they do not recover full MLE
Buchanan refused to discuss specific pros or cons of amnesty versus medical retirement. Seemed to be leaning towards beginning the medical retirement process.
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter
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Anyone else think this was kinda planned out?
Roy still gets paid as it is, and the Blazers get to save face by not using their amnesty on him. Just a thought. Crossed my mind when I got the text from someone saying Roy is retiring.
by Oden_Favre_28 on Dec 9, 2011 3:24 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
In light of the news today,
and as a supporter of the amnesty, I wish we could see Roy in another jersey just to know he was still able to play. The man’s one of the most respected players in the game, on and off the court, and he deserves his rings. If some miracle allowed him to come back, I wouldn’t care if he signed with the L*kers or the Heat, as long as it meant he got to finally complete his career with the jewelry he deserves. It’s a sad day, but it’s hard not to disagree with the decision knowing how this injury may effect him later in life. I see the occasional murmurings of conspiracy about the timing of the announcement and what not, but I think for just a moment we let all that go and just remember what a truly marvelous opportunity, truncated as it was, to witness one of the classiest, clutch-est players to ever don a Blazers uniform, or an NBA uniform. Here’s to Brandon. Here’s to what he’s meant to this organization and this city. Thank you for what you brought to us. The memories are strong, and soon we’ll look into the rafters and smile proudly at #7 beside #22, 32, 20, 30, et al.
by win_heartless on Dec 9, 2011 7:37 PM PST up reply actions
I don't.
I think the doctor gave him the news after his evaluation yesterday. And that led to the most painful thing he’s ever done.
"Anybody might guess beforehand that there would be blunders of the ignorant. What nobody could have guessed, what nobody could have dreamed of in a nightmare, what no morbid mortal imagination could ever have dared to imagine, was the mistakes of the well-informed." - G. K. Chesterton, The Common Man
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by T Darkstar on Dec 9, 2011 3:55 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I thought it was a conspiracy until I heard that this afternoon
At least I don’t have to add total distrust of the management onto this news!
I agree...
I don’t think it was planned out. If BRoy could still play basket ball the way he was able too, he would be playing….NOT Retiring.
"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes, but no plans."
I can't believe this...
"Im ready for a fight..." -Joel Przybilla
by KillaPrzydollaBILLA on Dec 9, 2011 3:27 PM PST reply actions
I hope
he gets a job with the organization.
by Waynearchetype on Dec 9, 2011 3:29 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
He wont be able to stay away...
but it may sting too much for him to be around his old teammates this soon after retiring. He’ll need awhile to adjust to non-playing life before getting back in the game.
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
by Arby on Dec 9, 2011 3:37 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
This is so sad. Just days ago, Wesley mentioned how he couldn't imagine the team w/o BRoy.
I think as sports fans, we sit and torture ourselves by caring so much, but then again we can’t stop caring.
http://youthrowlikeagirl.com
by ireallylikejerrydbayless on Dec 9, 2011 3:35 PM PST reply actions
Roy seemed to be a pretty private person during his injury plagued days,
Is it possible we never see him in a press conference or public appearance again?
I hope Roy stays away for the duration of his contract.
This could really bite us in the ass.
by Oden Mad, Oden Smash! on Dec 9, 2011 3:41 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Not gonna happen. Brandon has always been a stand up guy.
"Per John Hollingers twitter - Over the final 12:45 of today's game, Brandon Roy's PER was 84.98" GM 4 vs Mavs
Well from what I've been hearing from some people today
Apparently a doctor told him that if he played again, he’d risk never walking again.
That’s what they’ve been saying on 1080 at least.
by Jonathan Wright on Dec 9, 2011 3:50 PM PST up reply actions
really ?
Good thing its "confirmed " again. Now what big free agent are we getting ? EW will be the back up 2. I <3 Roy as much as everyone else but how long do harp on it ?? No wonder the drama queens have such good ratings in Portland.
just win baby !
by FrenchieFan on Dec 9, 2011 3:55 PM PST via mobile reply actions
In a funk
All day I just feel strange.
It shouldn’t be that big a deal, right? It’s not like he’s dead.
But I just have so many incredible memories around my family and Brandon Roy.
My grandmother defended Brandon all last year, even as she battled through a stroke and passed away. There was a Roy jersey at her funeral…she loved Roy.
When I told my mom the news this morning…she started crying…even though she knows it’s probably best for all parties.
I brought my father and wife to a playoff game last year….it was the worst game I could have imagined….for 3 quarters. And then Brandon took over and I’ve never seen my Dad get so excited. It was amazing. Game 4 was legendary.
I was at my good friends’ house in Boise when Brandon hit “the shot” against Houston. They thought I was crazy for all the screaming I was doing in their normally quiet home.
I guess I didn’t realize how many good memories Brandon had created for me until today.
So thanks.
by S-dog on Dec 9, 2011 3:55 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
I wouldn't mind BRoy in Blazers broadcasting
It might do him good to good ahead and conquer his feelings on this right now. There’s a lot of respect and goodwill for #7 in this town still. Blazers also have a habit of hiring ex-Blazers and BRoy couldn’t negatively effect our broadcasting team.
by poorwebguy on Dec 9, 2011 3:55 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Rec for great idea
BROY would make a great sports broadcaster. Hes intelligent, well spoken and funny. He knows all the lingo, and all the bball terminology, all the rules. He would be great.
by cavejunctionblazer on Dec 9, 2011 4:01 PM PST up reply actions
Absolutely
If not here in PDX, I’d love to see him and Chris Webber calling national games. Nothing beats analysis by guys who actually have experience playing against current ballers, and Chris Webber is one of the most best at analytical and personal announcing. Brandon could very well match him in that same vein. Also, both simply exude a love for the game, a love that matches most of us hoops-heads watching. Imagine: C-Webb, B-Roy, Doris Burke and Hubie Brown. Soooo much better than Reggie Miller, Mike Tirico and Mark Jackson (not that he’ll be announcing any time very soon).
by win_heartless on Dec 9, 2011 7:48 PM PST up reply actions
Yes here in PDX
I don’t think Roy is gonna want to go live in ATL, the Seattle area is where his family is. He can work the sidelines or in the studio at Blazer home games, and not have to travel far, or that often. Maybe appear on Talkin’ Ball and Courtside once in awhile. Do some radio/TV for UW, etc
Sure the national gigs pay more, but it’s not like he needs the money anyway
When reached 40+ years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I agree
I think he’d actually do really well. Who knows? Maybe 45 years from now we’ll be building him a statue in PDX as a combination legendary player and broadcaster.
I don’t want to see #7’s story end this way in PDX. The players and the fans still love him here. I believe there’s still a way for BRoy to add to his legacy here and continue the good influence he’s had on the franchise.
It's been a rough couple years for the organization
PA’s had cancer. Mo passed away after his battle. The coaching staff lost Monty and Bayno. Pryz was injured, dealt, and now is probably going to retire. All the personnel turmoil in the FO. Now this. Sad, sad times.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
it will make a championship that much sweeter
adversity and perseverance of teams and players is what makes sports so interesting in my opinion.
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
I can't stop thinking about
how for the last 5 years B roy made me jump up off my couch screaming 82 days a year and now I will never get to have the experience again. I am stunned.
by sannh on Dec 9, 2011 3:58 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Start doing that for LA ... He carried the team last season and will have to again
And I think he will … BRoy’s story is tragic and no one will ever forget him but the Blazers will keep going without him.
What a bittersweet day . . .
Last night was crazy with the CP3 fiasco, but seeing the Roy retirement this AM after hearing Nate say he might start earlier this week is way more crazy as a Blazers fan.
Best of luck B Roy. You’ve done more than ever expected of you for the Blazers and us fans. More good basketball memories than can be counted.
(PS: I hope Elliott Williams is ready to play.)
put a body on 'em
If there is a winner coming out of all of this it has to be EW.
by Oden Mad, Oden Smash! on Dec 9, 2011 4:01 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Matthews, and Batum
it’s time for them to step up, Felton too
When reached 40+ years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Wow - things just got more looney-tunes with the Oden announcement
What the Hades is in the water around here?
(don’t forget to add Martell and Outlaw to the casualties list)
put a body on 'em
This just in--David Stern to veto Brandon Roy's retirement, so he now has to play all year.
A displaced Sonics fan that has somehow emerged as a Blazers fan (and loves it).
by anitachampionship on Dec 9, 2011 3:59 PM PST reply actions 4 recs
#basketballreasons
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
We need to retire #7 as soon as possible
Brandon was the heart and soul of this team his entire career. What better way to honor his contributions than to see his jersey hung up on the rafters?
Porter, Drexler, Kersey, Williams, Duckworth. The greatest starting 5 ever.
by Bib Fortuna on Dec 9, 2011 4:00 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
and the hits keep on coming...
https://twitter.com/#!/jwquick
jwquick Jason Quick
Breaking: Blazers determine center Greg Oden has suffered setback, and restructure his one-year deal for a lesser amount
"But if Ding Dongs and prime rib were the path to NBA pivot stardom we'd all be wearing the uniform." -Dave
i JUST read that...
#basketballreasons
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
can't figure why Oden would willingly take less?
"But if Ding Dongs and prime rib were the path to NBA pivot stardom we'd all be wearing the uniform." -Dave
I didn't even know that was an option...
Sounds weird though. Why did he get cleared for non-contact bball activities, but simultaneously determined to have suffered a setback and is less likely to play this season?
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
just weird
I still can’t figure why he would agree to take less than the QO amount, unless there is more years involved
"But if Ding Dongs and prime rib were the path to NBA pivot stardom we'd all be wearing the uniform." -Dave
Because he feels bad for getting paid $9M and not contributing. It’s called integrity and too few NBA players have it
by danielfarrell on Dec 9, 2011 4:11 PM PST up reply actions
It could make sense.
- Blazers withdraw QO, making Greg UFA.
- Greg decides he’s not going to get any kind of decent deal from anyone now.
- Blazers offer smaller deal.
- Greg accepts because he can’t get anything better.
yeah, if they can withdraw the QO
i know there are stipulations as to when/how they are able to do that.
"But if Ding Dongs and prime rib were the path to NBA pivot stardom we'd all be wearing the uniform." -Dave
there are parameters, let me look them up
"But if Ding Dongs and prime rib were the path to NBA pivot stardom we'd all be wearing the uniform." -Dave
Coon #37
Teams may also withdraw an outstanding qualifying offer in which case the player becomes unrestricted. This happened with Toronto and Keon Clark in 2002. The qualifying offer cannot be withdrawn after July 23 without the player’s approval.
Don’t know what July 23rd would be in this case.
Probably doesn't matter if Oden agreed to it
Most likely a “We want to withdraw the offer”
Agent: “Would give a one year offer for less money”
Blazers “Sure.”
But it’s soooooo weird. What kind of setback would allow you to do non-contact drills?
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Let's try that again. Agent: "Would you give one year for less money?"
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
was about to link that
Question is – what was the new date (other than July 23), given the lockout?
Since 7/23 would be about two weeks after the end of a moratorium, a good guess for a lockout comparable date would be at least 3-4 days after start of business (which is today).
Sounds like Portland pulled the offer before GO could sign it today, and offered him somethng else instead.
"But if Ding Dongs and prime rib were the path to NBA pivot stardom we'd all be wearing the uniform." -Dave
Further tweets from Quick
Oden on Thursday was examined by Dr. Steadman in Vail, and said he was given the nod to expand his activity, indicating he had made progress
But the Blazers, who didn’t comment Thursday after his appointment, determined that he is less likely to return to the court this season
I guess that means we can sign him long term
For a lot less then we expected if we still want to take that chance.
Seems unlikely
we need to sign/trade for a center asap!
preferably a starter. can we get a quality starter without giving up part of our core? hmmm…
by williamswonder on Dec 9, 2011 4:13 PM PST up reply actions
Sounds like blazers are going to have some money to swing around
at least this will be interesting
The tensions are so high because the stakes are so low!
so cp3 IS coming to PDX?
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
Time to blow it up *again*?
Maybe the promise of rebuilding a roster will attract a quality GM candidate. There won’t be many players left who PA will have a strong opinion about so maybe he’ll stay out of the way.
Or not.
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -- Albert Einstein
Good luck to Brandon on his future endeavors
Even though there are times I didn’t see eye to eye about him, he was a class act as NBA players go.
The cake was a lie.
This really hurts
I’m deeply and truly saddened by this. Best of luck for a happy post-Blazers life, Brandon. Would love for you to join the front office and/or staff. You’re truly a special man, a hero and a leader.
"Coach said to always be careful around Greg, because Greg costs a lot and even the slightest amount of basketball can damage him." -- The Onion
Roy is already one of my favorite Blazers
Considering the context of the years before him, the almost unimaginably amazing effect (in retrospect, it is truly amazing) he had on turning the franchise around, he probably is my favorite Blazer. No, he is. Not just in spite of some of his faults over the years, but to some degree because of them—he brought the team back from oblivion, he carried the franchise, he had his ups and downs, said some strange things, and in the end, as injuries were taking their toll, fought through his injuries as much as he could. I was at game 4 against Phoenix and all he did was stand up off the bench and the Blazers went on a run—Mike Barrett said he was like King Midas, all he had to do was touch the court and the Blazers came back. And then of course, through what must have been an extraordinarily difficult year last year, including all the angst over some of his comments, the historical comeback he led against Dallas was just incredible, as evidenced by his emotional press conference afterwards. Brandon, you are a legend in this town. To me, his greatness is all the more amazing considering his faults and his struggles.
While I love how much this fan base loves our players, I am not usually very much into all the posts thanking players whenever they leave, etc. But for this man, I hope we do it right. I honestly think, all around, he is the greatest Blazer to have played.
By the way...
does anyone knwo if Brandon Roy (the real one) is on twitter? I’m still fairly new to the twitterz but am wondering about this…
SILVER LINING - Roy's Retirement
One thing that has bugged me from the last few years is the heart of our players. BRoy has/had it. No1 is denying this. But, with his recent decision to retire the one silver lining i see in this muck is that it will put a fire under the butt of our current players. Our guys will see the urgency in their short careers. Pay tribute to Roy and go ALL OUT during the playoffs if we make it. No excuses.
Imagine the beauty of seeing a deep post-season run with Roy overlooking. If anything could motivate LaMarcus etc it would be the pent-up frustration we’ve held from years of what-if’s and the black cloud that is our injury plagued roster.
I wish this team the best! By that, I mean championship.
I love LA. I have always been a Crash fan. Our core is intriguing.
I hope they find it in themselves to posterize, dominate and take on all comers…
prove the naysayers, get in the groove and make the plays that matter when it counts.
:)
by GetAngryPutSomeStankOnIt on Dec 9, 2011 7:38 PM PST reply actions
I’ve been thinking about this all day. We still have a strong team, very capable of being fast and brutal in the middle. We may not be deep, and that may hurt us in this compacted, shortened season, but now we’ve got a huge chip on our shoulders, and a real purpose to dedicate the season to a great person, a great teammate. I feel like we’re going to play with this weird energy this year considering Roy and considering almost everyone’s contract is up next summer and that we’re just going to go balls out.
by win_heartless on Dec 9, 2011 7:57 PM PST up reply actions
agreed 100%
? marks still linger w/ Camby and Crash’s future here..
But if there ever was a reason to get frustrated, 2day was the day.
I don’t believe i’m overreacting, but i am through with the Oden experiment.
I hope he does well sumday. I hope.
But at this point i don’t care.
I want the soldiers that have proven themselves over the last 3 years to step it up in a big way. We get very little respect. Roy is retiring, and it barely makes bottom shelf news on NBA.com and ESPN.
Not cool.
by GetAngryPutSomeStankOnIt on Dec 9, 2011 8:02 PM PST reply actions
As a Nuggets fan, I hated Roy because everyone knew he was the difference maker.
But I’ve always respected him. This is tough. He should still have had a solid decade ahead of him.
Best of luck with your future endeavours, Brandon.
"Noooo!!!" - Referee, Oilers @ Avs, 26.11.2011
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: there will be blood and there will be wins. Maybe.
"God I'm excited for those two to fail miserably." - SBNation writer Andrew Sharp on Josh McDaniels and Tim Tebow.
The Number Zero, for everything but mathematics. Blood and Thunder Record: 9-12-1 (Total Record: 10-15-1)
by Tempestuous Binary on Dec 9, 2011 11:42 PM PST reply actions
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