What happened to Brandon Roy? Tragic story behind fall of Portland Trail Blazers star

Former Portland Trail Blazers star Brandon Roy is one of the biggest "what ifs" in NBA history.

Roy was on the cusp of superstardom when nagging knee injuries forced him to retire at the age of 27. He tried to make a comeback a year later with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the issues persisted, and he retired again.

Roy won the Rookie of the Year in 2007, averaging 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He was an All-Star in 2008 and had his best season in 2009. By 2010, he was a three-time All-Star and on the verge of becoming an NBA superstar.

However, a knee injury late in the 2009-10 season was the start of the sad trajectory of his career. His production dipped the next season, and he had to undergo arthroscopic surgery on both knees.

With a lot of questions about his future, Brandon Roy put on an all-time performance in Game 4 of the first-round series matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA playoffs.

Roy scored 24 points to help the Blazers mount a comeback from a 23-point lead to get a 84-82 win and tie the series at two apiece. However, the magic ended there, as the Mavericks won the series en route their first NBA championship.

A few months later, Roy announced his retirement and attributed his decision to cartilage degeneration in both knees. It caused bone-to-bone collision in his knees, which made him more prone to injuries.

"This is a very difficult and painful day," Roy said in a statement. "I love the game. I love the Portland Trail Blazers, and I love our fans, but after consulting with my doctors, I will seek a determination that I've suffered a career-ending injury, pursuant to the rules of the collective bargaining agreement. My family and health are most important to me, and in the end, this decision was about them and my quality of life."

Brandon Roy tried to make a comeback a year later after undergoing platelet-rich plasma treatment for both knees. Roy signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves but played just five games, suffering another knee injury and retiring permanently.

---

Where is Brandon Roy now?

Brandon Roy distanced himself from the Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA after retiring. He became a high school basketball coach and won four state championships. He recently returned to the spotlight in May during the draft lottery by representing the Blazers.

According to The Athletic, Roy is open to having a position within the franchise. He's willing to work in the front office or as a mentor and ambassador for the team or even as a scout.