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Sports

Roy out "indefinitely" because of sore knees

Associated Press
Published | Updated

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland All-Star guard Brandon Roy will be out "indefinitely" because of sore knees, the Trail Blazers said Thursday before their game against Utah.

The team did not put a timeline on Roy's absence, but general manager Rich Cho suggested it would be lengthy.

"Unfortunately, Brandon Roy's condition has not significantly improved and we've decided to hold him out indefinitely," Cho said in a statement. "In the short term, we're going to proceed with an extended period of rest. Beyond that, we're looking at all available treatment options to help better determine a course of action."

Before the game, Roy wouldn't rule out sitting out for the season.

"It's a possibility. That is a possibility," he said. "But don't even want to go that far to say that."

He also would not rule out surgery.

The three-time All-Star has missed nine games this season, including the last six, because of knee issues.

Roy is averaging 16.6 points in 23 games this season. For his career, the 2007 NBA Rookie of the Year, is averaging 19.9 points and 4.9 assists.

Roy's knees have bothered him all season, and coach Nate McMillan had tried unsuccessfully to limit his minutes. Roy has said his problem is lack of cartilage in both knees.

"It's hard to say what's tougher, the knees or the mental side of it," Roy said. "It's difficult. It's really nothing I can do about it, but to continue to work to try to find a solution for it."

The Blazers defeated the Jazz 100-89 on Thursday.

"It is tough. He is our leader," forward LaMarcus Aldridge afterward said about Roy. "He still leads us even though he is not playing. He still talks to us and tries to give us motivation. It's unfortunate."

Last season, Roy had arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee two days before the Blazers opened their first-round playoff series against Phoenix. He made a remarkable comeback and played in the fourth game of the series, which the Suns eventually won.

The Blazers have been stung by key injuries. Often-injured center Greg Oden is out for the season after having microfracture knee surgery. Second-yard forward Jeff Pendergraph also injured his knee and required season-ending surgery.

Portland center Joel Przybilla is sitting out with a left ankle injury.

"We are going to be missing Brandon for a while. So we have to come together," coach Nate McMillan said. "Any time you are missing guys, it's an opportunity for someone else."