Brandon Roy passed on a chance to work out with the U.S. national team at Las Vegas in July to rest his body. Nothing against his country -- Roy's priority is elsewhere.
"This summer was an important one for me to take some time to get healthy," the All-Star guard said. "As much as I would love to play for the USA, I want to make sure I'm healthy to start the season for the Trail Blazers, for the fans, for management and for my teammates. I owe it to them, that I'm the best I can be. "Maybe in the future, it'll work out so I can play for the national team or the Olympic team, but I haven't given them an answer, and I don't want them to hold that spot for me. My first obligation is to the Blazers."
A year ago at this time, Roy was coming off knee surgery. And while he had a splendid 2008-09 campaign, averaging 22.6 points, 5.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds, he never felt 100 percent physically.
Now, he says he does.
"My body feels good," he says. "It's the best it's felt coming into a (NBA) season. I'm really excited."
Roy did lots of biking and swimming this summer, little running and zero basketball, all intended to take away from the pounding on his joints.
"Once the season starts, the adrenaline kicks in and I don't think about the body anymore," says Roy, who turned 25 in July. "Then it's, 'Give me some ice, and when's the next game?'"
