Portland Trail Blazers: A Complete History

The Portland Trail Blazers, affectionately known as the Blazers, hold a special place in the hearts of basketball fans. Their journey through the NBA has been filled with moments of brilliance, heartbreaking defeats, and a passionate fanbase that has stuck with them through thick and thin. So, let's dive into the captivating history of this iconic franchise.

Early Years and the Championship Glory (1970-1977)

The Trail Blazers entered the NBA as an expansion team in 1970. Like most expansion teams, the early years were a struggle. However, things started to look up when they drafted LaRue Martin with the first overall pick in the 1972 NBA draft, a pick that is considered by some to be one of the worst in NBA history. Despite the initial setbacks, the arrival of coach Jack Ramsay in 1976 marked a turning point. Ramsay, with his disciplined approach and focus on teamwork, instilled a winning culture in Portland.

The 1976-77 season was magical. Led by the incredible Bill Walton, a dominant center with exceptional passing skills, and the sharpshooting Lionel Hollins, the Blazers stormed through the regular season, finishing with a 49-33 record. In the playoffs, they faced tough opponents but overcame every challenge with grit and determination. Their opponents included the Chicago Bulls, led by a young Artis Gilmore, then the Denver Nuggets with David Thompson and Dan Issel. In the NBA Finals, they faced the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Julius Erving. After losing the first two games, the Blazers then won four straight games to win their first, and so far only, NBA Championship. The city of Portland erupted in celebration, and the Trail Blazers became a symbol of pride for the entire state of Oregon. Bill Walton's impact during this period cannot be overstated. His two-way dominance and unique skillset made him the centerpiece of the Blazers' success. The championship run of 1977 remains the pinnacle of Trail Blazers history, a testament to teamwork, coaching, and the brilliance of Bill Walton.

The Drexler Era and 90's Success (1983-1995)

Following the Bill Walton era, the Trail Blazers experienced a period of rebuilding before the emergence of a new superstar: Clyde Drexler. Drafted in 1983, Drexler quickly established himself as one of the league's most exciting players. His athleticism, scoring ability, and charisma made him a fan favorite. Alongside talented teammates like Terry Porter, Jerome Kersey, and Buck Williams, Drexler led the Blazers to consistent playoff appearances throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, they just could not manage to get that championship.

The Trail Blazers reached the NBA Finals twice during this era, in 1990 and 1992. In 1990, they faced the Detroit Pistons in a hard-fought series but ultimately fell short. In 1992, they faced Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Despite Drexler's stellar performance, Jordan and the Bulls proved too strong, and the Blazers lost in six games. Although they never reached the ultimate goal of winning a championship, the Drexler era was a period of sustained success and excitement for the Trail Blazers. The team's high-flying offense and competitive spirit made them a perennial contender in the Western Conference. Clyde Drexler's legacy in Portland is undeniable, and he remains one of the most beloved players in franchise history. During this era, the team was coached by Rick Adelman, who installed an up-tempo offense that made the team exciting to watch. This era showed a lot of promise but was ultimately a disappointment, as the team could not get past Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

The Jail Blazers and Rebuilding (1996-2006)

The late 1990s and early 2000s were a turbulent period for the Trail Blazers. Despite having a talented roster that included players like Rasheed Wallace, Damon Stoudamire, and Zach Randolph, the team was plagued by off-court issues and internal strife. This era became known as the "Jail Blazers" due to the numerous legal and behavioral problems involving several players. The team continued to have success, but they never reached the NBA Finals.

On the court, the Trail Blazers remained competitive, making several playoff appearances. However, they never advanced past the Western Conference Finals. The constant drama and negative publicity surrounding the team overshadowed their on-court accomplishments. The Jail Blazers era was a dark chapter in Trail Blazers history, a reminder of how off-court issues can derail even the most talented teams. During this time, the team was coached by Mike Dunleavy, Sr., Dan Casey, and Maurice Cheeks. Each coach tried to rein in the team, but they never had much success. The Jail Blazers era was a disaster for the franchise, both on and off the court. It took years for the team to recover from the damage done during this period. The reputation of the team suffered greatly, and it was difficult to attract free agents to Portland. The Trail Blazers needed to clean house and start over.

The Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge Era (2006-2012)

After the tumultuous Jail Blazers era, the Trail Blazers embarked on a rebuilding process. The drafting of Brandon Roy in 2006 and LaMarcus Aldridge in 2007 marked the beginning of a new era of hope and optimism. Roy, a dynamic guard with exceptional scoring ability and leadership qualities, quickly became the face of the franchise. Aldridge, a skilled power forward with a smooth mid-range game, complemented Roy perfectly. The two formed a formidable duo that led the Trail Blazers back to respectability.

Under the guidance of coach Nate McMillan, the Trail Blazers developed a strong team culture and a winning mentality. They made several playoff appearances during this era, exciting fans with their potential. However, their aspirations were ultimately thwarted by injuries. Roy's career was tragically cut short due to chronic knee problems, while Aldridge also battled various injuries. Despite the setbacks, the Roy and Aldridge era provided Trail Blazers fans with moments of excitement and a glimpse of what could have been. Brandon Roy's early retirement was a major blow to the franchise, as he was on his way to becoming a superstar. The Trail Blazers were forced to rebuild again, but the foundation was in place for future success. The team learned from the mistakes of the Jail Blazers era, and they were determined to build a team that was not only talented but also had high character.

The Damian Lillard Era (2012-Present)

The arrival of Damian Lillard in 2012 ushered in a new chapter in Trail Blazers history. Lillard, a dynamic point guard with incredible scoring ability and clutch performances, quickly established himself as the franchise's cornerstone player. His arrival immediately brought excitement back to Portland and he became the face of the franchise. Lillard is known for his loyalty to Portland.

Alongside teammates like CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, and others, Lillard has led the Trail Blazers to consistent playoff appearances. Under coach Terry Stotts, the Trail Blazers developed a high-powered offensive system that showcased Lillard's talents. In 2019, they reached the Western Conference Finals, the first time since 2000, where they were swept by the Golden State Warriors.

Damian Lillard's impact on the Trail Blazers extends beyond the court. He is a respected leader in the locker room and a role model for the community. His dedication to the team and the city of Portland has made him a beloved figure. The Trail Blazers continue to build around Lillard, hoping to bring another championship to Portland. The team has had some success, but they have not been able to get over the hump and win a title. The Western Conference is very tough, and it will take a lot for the Trail Blazers to win a championship.

Conclusion

The Portland Trail Blazers' history is a tapestry of triumph and tribulation. From the championship glory of 1977 to the Clyde Drexler era, the Jail Blazers era, and the current Damian Lillard era, the franchise has experienced a wide range of emotions. Through it all, the Trail Blazers have maintained a loyal and passionate fanbase. As they continue to build towards the future, the Trail Blazers hope to add more chapters of success to their rich and storied history. The Trail Blazers are a team with a bright future, and they are committed to bringing a championship to Portland. The fans deserve it, and the team is working hard to make it happen. The Trail Blazers are a special team, and they will continue to be a source of pride for the city of Portland for many years to come.