We all know now thatBrandon Roycannot be the Roy of old. For goodness sake it's bone on bone. A flash here and a flash there is all theTrail Blazerscan expect from a max contract player. Not a recipe for success in these hard economic times. Roy is surely a candidate for the expected amnesty clause... right?

Where did the demise start? Popular opinion would have the saga starting before the 2010 playoffs when Roy had knee surgery to correct a meniscus tear in his right knee. He came back eight days later to spark a playoff win against thePhoenix Suns. The Blazers would go on to lose in six. Surely Brandon would come back in 2011 primed and ready for success.

2011 arrives and Roy claims that he is feeling better than ever. His right knee is healed and he is lighter and in better shape than he's been in since his rookie camps. The regular season begins and something is just a little off. Another slow start isn't just a slow start. It's Brandon trying to do too much, playing 50+ minutes in overtime time games, and seemingly unable to be the Brandon of 08'09. It must be that right knee. NO! It's his left knee. What? This is the knee he had surgery on prior to the '08-'09 season.

My point is this. Brandon Roy was a top 3 two guard in the NBA on the same left knee he has now. Yes his right knee has been operated on but it hasn't been an issue. I believe everyone is too quick to write off Roy. He can't play the minutes he once did but this man, with confidence, can be the closer that every championship club needs. I can't wait to see how he comes out next season. I tell you the Blazers are a dangerous club who can be next yearsDallas Mavericks. Just don't give up on Brandon. Forget what he's done for our team... Yes! Just don't discount what he's about to do... because it's going to be epic!