Timberwolves' Roy to 'explore treatment options' after knee 'setback'

Timberwolves guard Brandon Roy has suffered a "setback" in his recovery from knee surgery. (David Sherman/Getty Images)

By Ben Golliver

With reports circulating that he might consider retirement for the second time in 13 months, Timberwolves guard Brandon Roy issued a statement Saturday, admitting that he had suffered a "setback" in his recovery from knee surgery but stressing that he would continue to pursue a return to the court.

Roy underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in November after appearing in just five games for the Timberwolves. He has been attempting a comeback after spending the 2011-12 season in an unofficial retirement after he was released by the Blazers using the amnesty clause in Dec. 2011. His most recent surgery was expected to sideline him for a month and he was practicing with the Timberwolves as recently as Thursday, but his return to the court is now unknown.

Here's Roy's statement.

"Last week while practicing, I suffered a setback in my recovery. I’ve felt better since the recent surgery, but I am not all the way better. The past two days I have been weighing all of my options as I try to continue my basketball career. I have decided to explore additional treatment options and an extensive rehabilitation plan. My goal has been, and continues to be, to return to the basketball court as healthy as possible in order to help our team. "

The Associated Press reported Saturday evening that Roy could potentially be sidelined for another month.

Team president David Kahn says it will likely take three to four weeks before it can be determined if the unspecified treatment will help. Kahn says the team is "hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst."

Earlier Saturday, the Associated Press reported that Roy was mulling the possibility of retirement.

Roy is considering a second, and likely final, retirement after the pain in his right knee returned this week, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Saturday. The person requested anonymity because a final decision has yet to be made.

Yahoo! Sports first reported Roy had suffered a "setback" earlier Saturday.

The Timberwolves have dealt with a rash of knee injuries this season. Josh Howard was released after he tore his ACL, Ricky Rubioreturned to the court earlier this month after tearing his ACL last season, Chase Budinger is sidelined for months following knee surgery and Malcolm Lee has also been sidelined for an extended period of time because of a knee injury.