Portland Trail Blazers: Profile, Achievements, Best players and matches

Check out the rich history of the Portland Trail Blazers and their NBA journey. Explore their legendary players and iconic matches.

The Portland Trail Blazers, also referred to as the Blazers informally, are a Portland, Oregon-based American professional basketball franchise. The Trail Blazers are a member of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference and play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Memorial Coliseum served as the team’s home arena until 1995, when it relocated to the Moda Center (known as the Rose Garden until 2013). Since joining the league as an expansion team in 1970, the team has enjoyed a strong fan base. From 1977 to 1995, the team sold out 814 home games in a row, which at the time was the longest streak in major professional American sports and has only since been surpassed by the Boston Red Sox. After the Seattle SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008, and the Vancouver Grizzlies moved to Memphis and became the Memphis Grizzlies in 2001, the Trail Blazers are the only NBA team still based in the Pacific Northwest.

The group has made three trips to the NBA Finals and has once taken home the NBA championship, in 1977. They also made appearances in the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992. In its 51-year history, the team has made the playoffs in 37 of those seasons, including a run of 21 consecutive berths from 1983 to 2003, which is tied for the second-longest streak in NBA history. Since the team’s founding in 1970, the Trail Blazers have had 34 playoff appearances, which is tied for third in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. The Trail Blazers have produced six Hall of Fame players: Scottie Pippen, Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler, Dražen Petrović, Arvydas Sabonis, and Lenny Wilkens. The most distinguished player in the franchise is Bill Walton, who won MVP awards both in the regular season and the NBA Finals in 1977. NBA Rookie of the Year has been won by four rookies for the Blazers: Damian Lillard, Sidney Wicks, Geoff Petrie, and Brandon Roy. The Most Improved Player award has been won by three players: CJ McCollum (2016), Zach Randolph (2004), and Kevin Duckworth (1988). Lenny Wilkens, Rick Adelman, and Jack Ramsay are three Hall of Fame coaches who have coached the Blazers. Two other coaches, Mike Schuler and Mike Dunleavy, have also won NBA Coach of the Year with the franchise.

Team Overview

– Founded: 1970

– Location: Portland, Oregon

– Team colours- Red, Black, White

– Head coach: Chauncey Billups

– Owner: Paul G. Allen Trust

Achievements

  • NBA Championship: The Blazers secured their first and only NBA championship in the 1976-77 season, a significant milestone in franchise history.
  • Playoff Appearances: Over the years, the Blazers have been a consistent force in the playoffs, showcasing their competitiveness and dedication.

Best Players 

The Blazers have been graced by some of the NBA’s finest talents:

  • Bill Walton: Known for his exceptional skills as a centre, Walton played a pivotal role in the Blazers’ championship victory.
  • Clyde Drexler: “The Glide” was a dynamic shooting guard and a key figure during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Iconic Matches 

The Blazers have participated in thrilling contests, but a few stand out:

  • 1977 NBA Finals: The championship-clinching victory over the Philadelphia 76ers remains an unforgettable moment in Blazers’ history.
  • 1992 NBA Finals: A memorable run to the Finals solidified the Blazers’ legacy as they faced off against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

Passionate Fanbase 

The “Blazers Nation” is a passionate and dedicated community. Their presence at the Moda Center creates a unique and electric atmosphere during every game. Win or lose, the fans stand by their team.

Enduring Legacy 

The Portland Trail Blazers’ legacy extends beyond championships. Their commitment to excellence, resilience, and community involvement sets them apart in the world of basketball. They continue to inspire future generations both on and off the court. The Blazers’ journey is one filled with memorable moments, legendary players, and a fanbase that will always have their back. The legacy of the Portland Trail Blazers is etched in NBA history, and their story continues to unfold with each season.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More