You might think i’m crazy for even suggesting this, but hear me out first before you jump all over me and explain to me why “we don’t need another banged up/washed up star.â€
In coach Rudy T’s words, Brandon Roy has the heart of a champion and you better not even think about underestimating it. This young man was a Rockets killer. So if you can’t beat him, why not bring him aboard?
I understand he has had multiple knee injuries and has no cartilage left in his knee, but the guy deserves a chance to prove what he has left in the tank. I’m not saying sign Roy to a franchise contract, i’m saying bring this guy in for a workout and see if he has anything left to contribute to an NBA team.
In Brandon Roy’s prime he was one of the best players in the NBA. Brandon had All-Star talent and lead the Portland Trail Blazers to the playoffs every season it seemed. At 27, he only has 5 years of experience under his belt. So even if his knee slows him down a bit you have got to think the rest of his body is fresh and ready to go. Roy’s best season came in the 2008-2009 season where he played in 78 games as he averaged 22.6 points on 48% shooting, 4.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1 steal in 37 minutes a game. In my opinion Roy was only second to Kobe Bryant at the shooting guard position.
After all of the injuries Brandon only played in 47 games while starting only 23 of them in the 2010-2011 season. He averaged 12.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and less than 1 steal in 27 minutes a game. Basically half of what he averaged in his best season as a pro. But let me tell you why this isn’t such a bad thing. Everyone remembers when Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill were bonafide NBA superstars and in the prime of their career knee injuries took a toll and slowed them down a bit. They’re half the players they use to be, but that half is a great role player on any NBA team. Grant Hill has thrived in his role with the Phoenix Suns, while T-Mac has found work in numerous places as a role player off the bench playing either on the wing or even as a point forward. Why can’t Roy do the same for the Rockets?
It looks like either Kyle Lowry or Goran Dragic are out, most likely Lowry. It also looks like Kevin Martin will be gone soon as well. If these guys get dealt the Rockets will be in need of a couple of guards. In steps Brandon Roy
I think Roy could be perfect as the number two shooting guard behind Courtney Lee. He could give the bench instant offense when he steps on the floor. I expect him to be a tad slower than he use to be but i think his presence and basketball IQ will be more than enough to disguise it.
The Rockets could sign him to the veteran minimum and make him prove he still has some gas left in the tank. If it doesn’t work out then it wont cost the team much in expenses. Brandon Roy’s heart, leadership and skills should not be overlooked this offseason. Somebody will give him a chance. All it takes is for one team to show interest and boom, The Rocket killer is back in action.
Brandon Roy’s buzzer-beater against the Houston Rockets in the 2008 season- http://youtu.be/61dRAp0voaM
The Space City Scoop Team
Tags: basketball, Brandon Roy, featured, Free Agents, Goran Dragic, Grant Hill, houston rockets, Kevin Martin, kobe bryant, Kyle Lowry, NBA, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Rudy T, tracy mcgrady
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