Continue to play or retire: Brandon Roy will make final decision after the season

Oct 13, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Brandon Roy (3) against the Chicago Bulls at the Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Bulls 82-75. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Despite a string of setbacks all season, Timberwolves guard Brandon Roy plans to play again this season and will not make a decision on retirement until after the season.

Roy, 28, appeared in just five games this season for Minnesota. He said he’s getting healthy and spoke about his desire to play with forwards Kevin Love and Chase Budinger at the end of the season to see the team’s potential at full strength.

Here are some comments Roy had following the team’s loss to the Blazers Saturday night, via the Oregonian:

"“I’m doing good. I’ve been doing good for a few weeks now without any setbacks. I’m closer to getting back out there on the court. And talking to Kevin (Love, also injured) and Chase (Budinger) and those guys, once they’re healthy, and I’ll be that much closer, we can give ourselves a good look at what this team could’ve been with all the guys healthy.”"

When asked how many years he intends to play:

"“I’m not sure. My body has a lot to say about that. I think at the end of the year, I’ll do some reflecting on how this season went, and if I want to continue. But I made that commitment at the beginning of the year that I’m going to stick with this season, no matter what the ups and downs. At the end of the year, I’ll say, OK, let’s reflect on things and do I still want to continue to go forward. So I’m not going to make that decision now. I know maybe people want me to, but I’m going to wait. I made a commitment, and I’m going to stick it out.”"

When asked if he has anything to accomplish before he retires:

"“Nothing. I’ve kind of jumped that hurdle. Just getting back to playing that first game of the season was great for me. And if I never play another game, I’ll be completely happy with my career. And that didn’t just come overnight. It took time to get to that point of peace. Now that I’m there, again, me just trying to play basketball, it’s not for anything other that I want to still try to continue. And I’m happy with how things are going now.”"

Roy does not sound too optimistic about continuing his career, although he hasn’t completely shut the door on giving it another go. If he, Love and Budinger can all return to play 10-15 games before the end of the season, the team’s success over that time span could influence Roy’s final decision at the end of the season.