NBA Rumors: Comeback Is Right Move for Former Trail Blazers Star Brandon Roy

Prior to the start of the delayed NBA season, it came as a bit of a surprise when former Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Brandon Roy chose to retire due to a degenerative knee condition. Now it appears as though a return is possible, and it would be a great move by Roy.

According to David Pick of Eurobasket, the 27-year-old, three-time All Star has interest in ending his brief retirement and returning to the NBA. Although it isn't yet know when Roy plans to return, watching the All-Star Game with friend and Blazers guard Jamal Crawford rekindled his fire. 

Here's what Roy had to say:

"

It's hard being away from the game. Don't be surprised if you see Brandon Roy make his way back to the court.

It's the truth. It's really hard being so far away from the game. I spend time watching Jamal (Crawford) and following all of his games; Will (Conroy) and Tre (Simmons) are both doing their thing, so it's driving me to wanna come back out there. If the treatment I've been looking into can work, I believe there's a good chance you will see Brandon Roy back hoopin'.

"

The report says Roy has been participating in pickup games and hasn't stopped working out since announcing his retirement. Provided his exploratory treatment goes well, there certainly appears to be a chance that Roy will return, although it's hard to say whether it could be this year or next.

Portland used its one-time amnesty cut to rid itself of Roy's ample salary, so if he returns he will be an unrestricted free agent. At his best Roy was among the best shooting guards in the league and a dynamic scorer. He likely will never reach those heights again, but he can still be a useful player.

Roy averaged just over 12 points per game last season in 47 contests after averaging over 21.5 points per game in the previous two seasons. He showed a glimpse of the past in the playoffs, however, as he lit up the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 as he poured in 18 points in the fourth quarter, including a four-point play to lead the Blazers to a huge comeback win.

That game was an outlier in terms of his total performance in 2010-11, but it showed that Roy could still dominate in short spurts. There isn't a team in the league that wouldn't love to have a player with such dynamite offensive potential, so if he does return he will receive plenty of calls.

In the right situation, Roy can be a productive player. He probably won't be able to start, but perhaps he could put up elite numbers in 15 minutes of the bench. There are plenty of teams looking for an offensive spark plug with endless range, and that is precisely what Roy brings to the table.

It may be unfair to speculate on potential destinations since he hasn't made a decision yet, but the Los Angeles Lakers seem like a great fit. If Roy comes back this season, he could be the shooter that Kobe Bryant needs to alleviate some of the offensive burden he carries.

Whatever the case, teams will likely start beating down Roy's door now that he has expressed an interest in returning. I understand Roy's knee condition is bad, but he only has five years of tread on the tires in terms of professional basketball, so he owes it to himself to give it another try. If he still has the passion to play the game, he should at least attempt a comeback. Even if it doesn't work out, he can rest assured knowing that he gave it everything he had.

It probably hurts him deeply that injuries have robbed him from being a top player, but if he manages his pain correctly, he may still have a fruitful career ahead of him.