Why Brandon Roy Could Have Been One of the Greatest NBA Players of All Time if it was not for Injuries

By Edcel Panganiban February 13, 2024 04:41

Photo by Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Roy was one of the brightest young prospects in NBA history, and a player loved by fans not just for his play style but who he is as well. He also was talented beyond belief during his time in the league, and if not for knee injuries taking turns destroying each leg at different times, there's no telling what he could have become. In this piece, we will discuss the course Brandon Roy was once on which could have had him within range of being known among NBA greats and how his career spanned out to an injury-shortened trajectory.

Early Promising Career

Brandon Roy was drafted in the 2006 NBA Draft at no. six overall with Minnesota Timberwolves, and later he had a trade to Portland Trail Blazers, where his career started as an official player for NBA games. From day one, Roy showed he had above-average skills in his age group. He had the scoring, vision, and leadership skills of an all-around player for his team.

Rookie of the year and All-star success

Roy's on-court performance in his rookie campaign was nothing short of amazing, so he was voted the NBA Rookie of the Year with averages of 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He made quite an impression on the league and became one of its most exciting prospects quickly. His success continued over the next couple of seasons, and he made three straight NBA All-Star teams from 2008 to 2010.

Leadership and Clutch Performances

What stood out about Brandon Roy the most was his leadership as he went and changed games. He was young yet had the leadership qualities that helped keep his team together. Roy was known for his ability to hit big shots in the clutch. He also had a reputation as one of those players who knew how to win games when it mattered the most. Because of these, he became a well-respected figure around the NBA.

Offensive Versatility

Roy had that offensive game. He featured a buttery jump shot, an array of scoring moves, and a supreme basketball IQ that made him successful operating from anywhere on the court. From his own shot creation, passing, and crucial three-pointers, Roy was a nightmare for defenders. His scoring and offensive numbers were clear signs that he could turn out to be an all-time great.

Effect On the Portland Trail Blazers

He was clearly impactful in his time with the Portland Trail Blazers and helped get the franchise back on its feet in the NBA. The skill set he brought, along with his leadership abilities and competitive fire, all helped raise the play of those around him, creating positive influences that naturally shifted toward winning. Roy had an immediate impact on the court, helping turn the Trail Blazers into a Western Conference contender.

Career-Altering Injuries

Injuries limited Brandon Roy as well, but he still played plenty of games at an MVP level with eyes on the prize. His knees simply could not hold up, as the degenerative knee condition led up to multiple surgeries and his NBA retirement in 2013. Back-to-back untimely injuries later, the NBA world will once again wonder what could have been with Roy.

Legacy & What Might Have Been

Brandon Roy changed the NBA despite a shortened career. His tenure in the league was lasting, a heritage that has been passed on to motivate young players. Many fans and analysts of the game believe Roy was on a trajectory that, had he not succumbed to those injuries, his name could rightfully take its place among NBA immortality. He was clearly bringing a very special skill set, leadership, and ball to the game.
The story of Brandon Roy is one that simply reverberates with any professional athlete. It's a tragic tale in the sense that his undeniable talent and potential were hounded relentlessly by repeating injury setbacks. However, his legacy in the game and how he touched fans and other players prove that for greatness. As much as we can only guess what might have been, it remains true that Brandon Roy had the nature of an all-time NBA great, if not for injuries.