Brandon Roy Could Pass Like IT And Had A Body Like Mine, Says Doug Christie
Former Blazer Brandon Roy came into the NBA with some real promise. During his rookie season, he came in was selected the All-Star rookie team in the Rookie Challenge and would go on to win the Rookie of the year award. After leading all rookies in point with 14.5 points per game. He would return to the Rookie Challenge as a sophomore.
Over the course of his six years in the NBA, Roy averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists. In August of 2009, Roy would sign a max contract for four years, with the fifth being a player’s option. That would have kept Roy in Portland until the 2013–14 season.
Roy would injure his knee on April 11th, 2010, and after getting an MRI, it showed that he had a right knee bone contusion. The original diagnosed slated Brandon Roy to be out at least the first round of the 2010 Playoffs but returned eight days later for game four. He would lead the Blazers to victory and was later named to the All-NBA Third Team. In the off-season, future Hall Of Famer Kobe Bryant said Roy was the hardest player to guard in the Western Conference, and he had “no weaknesses in his game.”
Doug Christie, who had the opportunity to watch Roy grow up in Seattle and got the opportunity to play against him in the NBA. During the 2006-2007 season as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. This would be Christie’s final season in the NBA.
I recently spoke with Christie and asked him what did the NBA miss with Brandon’s Roy knee issues.
” His explosive athleticism was downplayed
because he did not depend on it, but the ability to knock down shots. The herky-jerkiness to create like IT (Isaiah Thomas), but as big as me and the ability for the moment. Also, a f
our-year guy that went to school all four years. So, when he got here he was ready to play,” Christie told me.
Roy would go on to coach Nathan Hale High School in 2016, based in Seattle. In 2017, he would lead his team to a 29-0 record along with Michael Porter Jr., Jontay Porter, and P. J. Fuller. Roy would also be named the Naismith National High School Coach of the Year. He is now coaching at Garfield High School.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
