Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers is an American professional basketball team founded in 1970. The team hails from the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, and plays in the Western Conference in the NBA. The franchise represents more than just basketball, symbolizing the spirit and passion of its city. The team not only has a dedicated and competitive history but also a strong fanbase.

During their time in the league, the Trail Blazers have displayed a mixture of grit, skill, and determination, making them a force to be reckoned with on the hardwood. The franchise has won one championship to date, which came in 1977. The Moda Center, their home since 1995, brings the energy and anticipation of thousands of buzzing, eager supporters on every game night.

A melting pot of legendary players, iconic moments, and a fervent community, the Portland Trail Blazers aren't just a team; they're an enduring legacy in the NBA landscape.

Portland Trail Blazers Famous Players

Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard, the current torchbearer of the Blazers’ legacy, has taken the NBA by storm since his debut. A maestro on the court, Lillard’s clutch performances are second to none. A six-time All-Star and a regular on All-NBA teams, Dame's loyalty and love for Portland make him more than just a player – he's the heart and soul of the current era. His status as a Blazer has solidified and his journey with Portland is far from over.

Clyde Drexler

Clyde "The Glide" Drexler is often the first name that comes to mind when thinking of the Blazers' golden era. With a game as smooth as silk, Clyde Drexler led Portland with grace, agility, and unmatched skill. He was the cornerstone of the team that reached the NBA Finals twice in the early 90s. Amassing eight All-Star appearances and four All-NBA selections, Drexler's legacy as a Trail Blazer is cemented, with his number 22 jersey aptly retired in honor of his contributions.

Bill Walton

Few names resonate with the Blazers' fanbase like Bill Walton. The heart and soul of the 1977 championship team, Walton's leadership and dominant presence were instrumental in bringing Portland its only NBA title. Winning both the regular season and Finals MVP in his short but impactful tenure, Walton's brilliance shone brightest when it mattered most. Despite his Blazers' career being limited by injuries, his legendary status in Portland is unquestioned.

LaMarcus Aldridge

For a decade, LaMarcus Aldridge exploited the Blazers' tenacity and skill. Aldridge is a complete powerhouse, and along with his raw strength, he is a nightmare for the opponent’s defense. His exceptional performance won him four All-Star appearances and three All-NBA team selections.

Geoff Petrie

Before the Blazers became a household name in the NBA, Geoff Petrie was busy laying the foundation. Drafted in 1970, Petrie's sharpshooting abilities quickly made him a standout figure in the team. Over his six-year stint with Portland, he made two All-Star appearances, showcasing a flair that few could match during that era. Though his career was relatively brief, Petrie's impact was profound, earning him a revered spot in the Blazers' pantheon and a retired jersey in the rafters of the Moda Center.

History

The Portland Trail Blazers blazed onto the NBA scene in 1970 as an expansion team, quickly becoming Oregon's basketball heartbeat. The early years were marked with anticipated challenges, but the franchise’s trajectory changed forever in 1977. The Portland Trail Blazers won their first and only NBA championship in 1979. The championship came under the guidance of the coaches Jack Ramsay and Bill Walton.

The 80s and early 90s saw the emergence of Clyde Drexler, a dynamic guard whose on-court prowess took the Blazers to two NBA Finals. While championships eluded them, the team's consistent competitive spirit made them a force in the Western Conference.

As the millennium turned, Portland experienced ups and downs but found a new beacon of hope in LaMarcus Aldridge and later, Damian Lillard. Lillard's leadership, commitment, and iconic game-winners have redefined the Blazers' identity in recent years.

Throughout their journey, the Blazers have showcased resilience, talent, and an undying bond with their dedicated fan base, fondly known as "Rip City." From their championship win to unforgettable playoff moments, the Portland Trail Blazers' history is a tapestry of passion, grit, and basketball excellence.

Read more about Portland Trail Blazers mascot.

Owner

Jody Allen, the dynamic businesswoman at the helm of the Portland Trail Blazers, inherited the team after the passing of her brother, Paul Allen, in 2018. Paul, having purchased the Trail Blazers in 1988 for $70 million, was deeply passionate about the sport. Together, the siblings founded Vulcan in 1986, which burgeoned into a multi-billion dollar enterprise.

Jody's ownership, however, hasn't been without its challenges. Controversies emerged among the fanbase, questioning her stewardship and commitment to the team's success. Rumors of communication breakdowns, especially the alleged snubs to the team's star player Damian Lillard, only fanned the flames of discord. Amidst this tumult, the magnate Phil Knight, founder of Nike, tabled a whopping $2 billion offer to acquire the Blazers in 2022. But Jody, resolute in her vision, declined. Her focus, she emphasized, is to build upon her brother's legacy and steer the Trail Blazers to an NBA championship.

Portland Trailblazers Team Roster

Head Coach

Announced as the 15th head coach in storied Portland Trail Blazers history, Chauncey Billups began his duties on June 27, 2021. He marked his second season with the Blazers in 2022-23.

After retiring in 2014, Billups turned to broadcasting, with his insights lent as an analyst for ESPN and, later, Clippers sportscasters. Born in Denver, Billups’ basketball journey was ignited at the University of Colorado, where he earned second-team All-American honors.

Net Worth

From 2003 to 2022, the Portland Trail Blazers' franchise value has seen a noteworthy increase. Starting in 2000, the net worth of the team saw a sudden increase, it was due to the player contracts, sponsorships, and broadcasting. Now in 2023, the net worth of the Portland Trail Blazers is $2.1 billion.

Championships

The pinnacle of the Portland Trail Blazers' legacy is undoubtedly their 1977 NBA championship win. Under the strategic guidance of Coach Jack Ramsay and fueled by the remarkable prowess of Bill Walton, the Blazers clinched their first and only championship title. The team's spirited performance against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Finals remains etched in the annals of NBA history. Though they have reached the NBA Finals on multiple occasions, the Blazers have been chasing that elusive second title ever since. Nonetheless, the memory of 1977 still ignites hope in the hearts of the "Rip City" faithful, as they eagerly await another championship season.