NBA Rumors: Brandon Roy Set to Retire Due to Degenerative Knee Concerns

Just a couple years ago, Portand's Brandon Roy was one of the better young players in the NBA.

Roy won the Rookie of the Year in 2007 and made three consecutive All-Star appearances between 2008-10. He also was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2009.

He seemed all but destined to be on the path to a great NBA career.

Then the injuries hit and Roy missed 52 regular season games during the past two seasons. Due to the concerns over his knees, plenty of rumors surfaced that the Blazers would use their amnesty clause on Roy to get his contract off their books.

They won't have to worry about that now as ESPN's Chris Broussard reports that due to his degenerative knees, Roy is electing to retire, putting to an end a once promising career.

Roy has said he lacks cartilage in both knees, meaning there is no cushion between the bones.

Just earlier in the week, Roy said he felt great and was looking forward to contributing to Portland's season and met with team officials on Monday and the general feeling was that he would have been ready for camp today.

As for his contract, John Hollinger reports that because it is a medical retirement, the remaining money on Roy's deal will come off the Portland books for next season, which also lets them save their amnesty clause for another situation.

As for Roy, it's almost sad to see his career come to an end in this way. He was as classy a guy off the court as he was smooth on it.

He will be missed around the league and especially in Portland where he was loved by Blazers fans.