Roy Miller, Juaquine Iglesias, and Dominique Zeigler host mini-camp for local youth (Killeen) 2010.

Local Mini-camproy Miller Juaquine Iglesias

Portland Trail Blazers All-Star guard Brandon Roy has told the team that he is retiring because of ongoing difficulty with his knees. Portland players were informed of Roy's decision to seek medical retirement on Friday before the first practice of training camp. Roy, a five-year veteran who helped the team shed its "Jail Blazers" reputation, has been dogged by knee injuries and surgeries. He has said he lacks cartilage between the bones in both knees. NBA spokesman Tim Frank said Roy had not yet filed the retirement paperwork with the league. Roy did not report to the Blazers' practice facility on Friday and his agent did not respond to a request for comment on any retirement plans, first reported by ESPN.com early Friday. "I couldn't believe it," Blazers forward Nicolas Batum said. "I still can't believe it." The reports contradicted statements made on Monday during a news conference with Blazers President Larry Miller, head coach Nate McMillan and acting general manager Chad Buchanan. Roy had met with team officials earlier that day and said he felt good and was ready to help the team in any way he could. But during a medical evaluation on Thursday it became apparent that Roy's knees were not going to be able to handle another season. "It's a tough situation," said Blazers center Marcus Camby. "People will say 'Hey, he'll get his money.' But Brandon's a competitor." Many NBA players reacted to the ESPN.com report on Twitter, including Miami Heat star LeBron James <b>...</b>

Brandon Roy Medical Retirement degenerative knees Portland Trail Blazers Nate mcmillan 5-year career NBA