[h1]Blazers hit by news about Roy, Oden and Aldridge[/h1]
By ANNE M. PETERSON, AP Sports Writer
It was once hoped that the trio of
Brandon Roy,
LaMarcus Aldridge and
GregOden would lead Portland to an NBA championship.
That possibility was shattered when Roy unexpectedly decided to retirebecause of ongoing knee problems, Oden suffered another medical setback andAldridge had a minor procedure to treat a heart condition.
The bad news blew up on the Trail Blazers when they opened training camp forthe lockout-shortened season on Friday. But it was Royâs sudden departure thatmost stunned the team, their fans and the rest of the NBA.
Roy issued a statement through the Blazers on Saturday morning. Thethree-time All-Star said he would seek a determination that heâs suffered acareer-ending injury to his knees âpursuant to the rules of the collectivebargaining agreement.â