Portland Trail Blazers for NBA In Season Tournament | Squad, Schedule etc
In the world of professional basketball, few teams can boast a history as rich and enduring as that of the Portland Trail Blazers. Established in 1970, the franchise has weathered its fair share of challenges, but it has also consistently delivered thrilling moments and unforgettable basketball. Over the years, the Blazers have built a devoted fan base and earned respect throughout the league. This article delves into the captivating story of the Portland Trail Blazers, exploring their journey from inception to the present day.
Birth of the Franchise
The inception of the Portland Trail Blazers can be traced back to 1970 when the NBA expanded to include two new teams, the Buffalo Braves (now the LA Clippers) and the Portland Trail Blazers. The team was the brainchild of Portland businessman Harry Glickman, who led the charge to bring professional basketball to the Pacific Northwest.
The Blazers’ first season in 1970-71 was predictably challenging, as expansion teams often struggle to find their footing in the NBA. They finished with a modest 29-53 record, but it was a promising start for a team still finding its identity. However, the franchise was on the cusp of something special.
The 1976-77 Championship Run: “Rip City”
The defining moment in the Blazers’ early history came during the 1976-77 season. Led by coach Jack Ramsay and a roster that included stars like Bill Walton, Maurice Lucas, and Lionel Hollins, the Blazers embarked on an unforgettable playoff run. They bulldozed through the Western Conference playoffs, setting up a Finals showdown with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Finals series against the 76ers, featuring the iconic duel between Walton and Julius Erving, became legendary. In Game 6, the Blazers found themselves trailing late in the fourth quarter. It was then that Blazers’ play-by-play announcer Bill Schonely coined the term “Rip City” in reference to a long-range jump shot by Jim Barnett. The shot ignited the team and the crowd, and the Blazers went on to win the game and secure their first NBA championship.
The 1976-77 championship run remains a cherished memory for Blazers fans, and it solidified the team’s place in NBA history.
The Clyde Drexler Era
While the 1977 championship was a high point, the Blazers faced challenges in the years that followed. Injuries plagued Bill Walton’s career, leading to his departure from the team, and the Blazers went through a period of rebuilding.
However, the franchise experienced a resurgence in the 1980s with the emergence of Clyde Drexler, one of the greatest players in franchise history. Drexler, known as “Clyde the Glide,” became the face of the franchise and led the Blazers to numerous playoff appearances.
In the 1989-90 season, the Blazers made it to the NBA Finals once again, this time facing the Detroit Pistons. Though they fell short of a championship, the team’s tenacity and skill left an indelible mark on the league.
The ’90s and “The Jail Blazers” Era
The 1990s were a mixed bag for the Blazers. On the one hand, they continued to be a competitive force in the Western Conference, making several deep playoff runs. However, the decade was also marked by off-court controversies and a perception problem. The team’s roster included talented but troubled players, leading to the nickname “The Jail Blazers” in the media.
Despite the off-court distractions, the Blazers remained competitive. The 1999-2000 season saw them return to the Western Conference Finals, led by stars like Rasheed Wallace and Scottie Pippen.
The New Millennium and “The Brandon Roy Era”
The 2000s ushered in a new era for the Blazers, characterized by a fresh roster and renewed hope. The drafting of Brandon Roy in 2006 marked a turning point. Roy, a dynamic and charismatic guard, quickly became a fan favorite and the face of the franchise.
Under the leadership of Roy and coach Nate McMillan, the Blazers experienced a resurgence. The “Blazers Rise” campaign captured the hearts of fans as the team made multiple playoff appearances.
However, injuries cut short what could have been a longer and more successful run for Roy. Despite his career being shortened, his impact on the franchise and the city of Portland remains profound.
The Damian Lillard Era: “Dame Time”
In 2012, the Blazers struck gold once again with the sixth overall pick in the NBA Draft. Damian Lillard, known for his incredible shooting range and clutch performances, quickly became the face of the franchise.
Lillard’s leadership, scoring ability, and unwavering loyalty to Portland endeared him to fans. “Dame Time” became synonymous with his penchant for hitting game-winning shots and carrying the team on his back.
Under Lillard’s guidance, the Blazers consistently made the playoffs, even reaching the Western Conference Finals in the 2018-19 season. While a championship has remained elusive, Lillard’s commitment to the city and his iconic moments have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest Blazers of all time.
Portland Trail Blazers Squad for NBA in Season Tournament
| Name | Position | Age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibou Badji | C | 20 | 7′ 1″ | 240 lbs |
| Moses Brown | C | 23 | 7′ 2″ | 245 lbs |
| John Butler Jr. | F | 20 | 7′ 0″ | 190 lbs |
| Jerami Grant | SF | 29 | 6′ 8″ | 210 lbs |
| Scoot Henderson | G | 19 | 6′ 2″ | 196 lbs |
| Keon Johnson | SG | 21 | 6′ 3″ | 185 lbs |
| Kevin Knox II | SF | 24 | 6′ 7″ | 215 lbs |
| Damian Lillard | PG | 33 | 6′ 2″ | 195 lbs |
| Nassir Little | SF | 23 | 6′ 5″ | 220 lbs |
| Skylar Mays | SG | 26 | 6′ 4″ | 205 lbs |
| Justin Minaya | F | 24 | 6′ 7″ | 210 lbs |
| Kris Murray | F | 23 | 6′ 8″ | 215 lbs |
| Jusuf Nurkic | C | 29 | 7′ 0″ | 290 lbs |
| Shaedon Sharpe | SG | 20 | 6′ 5″ | 200 lbs |
| Anfernee Simons | SG | 24 | 6′ 3″ | 181 lbs |
| Matisse Thybulle | SG | 26 | 6′ 5″ | 201 lbs |
| Jabari Walker | F | 21 | 6′ 7″ | 200 lbs |
| Jeenathan Williams | G | 24 | 6′ 5″ | 205 lbs |
| Justise Winslow | PF | 27 | 6′ 6″ | 222 lbs |
NBA In Season Tournament Schedule for Portland Trail Blazers
NBA In-Season Tournament Schedule 2023Â
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Friday, November 3 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Tuesday, November 14 | Utah Jazz |
| Friday, November 17 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Tuesday, November 21 | Phoenix Suns |
All time best 10 Players of Portland Trail Blazers
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clyde Drexler | 18,040 | 6,957 | 5,339 | 1,795 | 719 | 10-time NBA All-Star, NBA Champion, Hall of Famer |
| Damian Lillard | 15,000+ | – | 4,000+ | 800+ | – | Multiple-time NBA All-Star, All-NBA Team selections |
| Bill Walton | 6,215 | 4,923 | 2,576 | 303 | 827 | NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, NBA Champion, Hall of Famer |
| Terry Porter | 11,330 | 3,248 | 7,160 | 1,583 | 93 | 2-time NBA All-Star, 2-time All-Defensive Team |
| LaMarcus Aldridge | 12,562 | 4,648 | 1,079 | 433 | 812 | Multiple-time NBA All-Star |
| Jerome Kersey | 10,067 | 5,078 | 2,100 | 1,582 | 827 | NBA Champion |
| Maurice Lucas | 9,933 | 5,558 | 1,352 | 655 | 504 | NBA Champion, NBA All-Star |
| Sidney Wicks | 10,592 | 6,389 | 1,191 | 561 | 358 | NBA Rookie of the Year |
| Arvydas Sabonis | 5,629 | 3,436 | 1,588 | 582 | 257 | NBA Rookie of the Year, Hall of Famer |
| Cliff Robinson | 10,405 | 4,949 | 1,151 | 937 | 1,075 | NBA Sixth Man of the Year |
NBA In-Season Tournament Tickets & Package 2023 | How to Buy?
All time record
| Statistic | Wins | Losses | Win% |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-time regular season record (1970–present) | 2,271 | 2,009 | .531 |
| All-time postseason record (1970–present) | 119 | 155 | .434 |
| All-time regular and postseason record (1970–present) | 2,390 | 2,164 | .525 |
Hall of Fame
Players
| No. | Name | Position | Tenure | Inducted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Lenny Wilkens | PG | 1974–1975 | 1989 |
| 32 | Bill Walton | C | 1974–1979 | 1993 |
| 44 | Dražen Petrović | SG | 1989–1991 | 2002 |
| 22 | Clyde Drexler | SG/SF | 1983–1995 | 2004 |
| 33 | Scottie Pippen | F | 1999–2003 | 2010 |
| 11 | Arvydas Sabonis | C | 1995–2001, 2002–2003 | 2011 |
Coaches
| Name | Position | Tenure | Inducted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Ramsay | Head coach | 1976–1986 | 1992 |
| Lenny Wilkens | Head coach | 1974–1976 | 1998 |
| Rick Adelman | Assistant coach, Head coach | 1983–1989, 1989–1994 | 2021 |
These individuals have made significant contributions to the Portland Trail Blazers and the world of basketball, earning their spots in the Hall of Fame.
Challenges and Resilience
The Blazers’ history has not been without its challenges. Injuries to key players, postseason heartbreaks, and fierce competition in the Western Conference have tested the team’s resilience. However, through it all, the franchise has remained committed to its core values and the passionate fan base in Portland.
Notable Figures and Achievements
The Portland Trail Blazers have seen their fair share of notable figures and remarkable achievements throughout their history. From iconic players like Bill Walton and Clyde Drexler to legendary coaches like Jack Ramsay, the franchise has produced a legacy of excellence that includes NBA championships, Western Conference titles, and numerous All-Star selections. The Blazers’ journey through the NBA has been marked by the contributions of these exceptional individuals, cementing their place in the annals of basketball history.
Ownership and Leadership
The Blazers’ ownership and leadership have played a pivotal role in shaping the franchise’s identity. Visionaries like Harry Glickman, who was instrumental in bringing the team to Portland, laid the foundation for its success. Over the years, the ownership has changed hands, with leaders who have remained committed to the team’s growth and success. Their strategic decisions and investments have ensured the Blazers’ continued relevance in the NBA.
Sponsors and Partnerships
Sponsors and partnerships have been a crucial aspect of the Blazers’ operations. The team has collaborated with various corporate entities and local businesses to enhance the fan experience and support community initiatives. These partnerships have not only provided financial stability but have also contributed to the team’s positive impact on Portland’s economic landscape.
Team Captain and Players
The Blazers’ history is replete with legendary team captains and players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. From the leadership of Bill Walton and Clyde Drexler to the scoring prowess of Damian Lillard, these individuals have been the heart and soul of the team. Their on-court brilliance and dedication to the city of Portland have endeared them to fans and solidified their legacies.
Schedule and Ambassadors
The Blazers’ annual schedule is a highly anticipated event for fans, with each season offering new challenges and opportunities. The team’s ambassadors, often former players or prominent figures, play a crucial role in connecting with fans and promoting the franchise. These individuals help foster a sense of belonging and pride among supporters while also engaging in charitable activities and community outreach.
Uniform Evolution
The evolution of the Blazers’ uniforms reflects both changes in fashion and the team’s own journey. From the classic red, white, and black to modern designs, the team’s uniforms have evolved while retaining iconic elements. Exploring this evolution provides a fascinating glimpse into the team’s visual identity over the years.
Community Engagement
The Blazers’ commitment to community engagement is a core aspect of their identity. Initiatives like “Blazers Build” and “Read Big” exemplify the team’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond the basketball court. The Blazers have actively supported local youth organizations, schools, and nonprofits, demonstrating their role as community leaders.
Portland Trail Blazers Team Branding
The Portland Trail Blazers have a distinctive color scheme of red, black, and white. Their logo, known as the “pinwheel,” shows two basketball teams facing off, with one side in red and the other in black or white. In 1991, they tilted the logo slightly, creating a straight top edge.
The Blazers’ original uniforms were white for home games and red for away games. From 1970 to 1975, their uniforms had a tail design on the last letter of “Blazers” or “Portland.” During their championship season in 1977, the team name was written vertically on the right side.
After winning the championship, the Blazers adopted their iconic look, featuring a diagonal “blaze” strip on the uniform. They also switched their away uniforms to black. From 1977 to 1991, the team used lowercase letters, with a brief return to red uniforms from 1979 to 1985. In 1991, they switched to uppercase letters.
Over the years, there were updates to the uniforms, including silver accents and red alternates. The 2017-18 season brought changes when Nike took over, adjusting the city and team name alignment and modifying the red alternate uniform. In 2022-23, they introduced a new “Statement” uniform featuring only the iconic “pinwheel” logo in black and black/red side striping.
Additionally, the Blazers had special “City” uniforms. These paid homage to different aspects of Portland, from its coach Jack Ramsay to the Oregon landscape and native tribes. Each design told a unique story about the city and its history.
The team’s mascot, Blaze the Trail Cat, has been their official mascot since 2002. In the past, they had Bigfoot as a mascot, but it was discontinued after an incident. In 2023, they introduced a new Bigfoot character called Douglas Fur as a secondary mascot alongside Blaze.
As for unofficial mascots, Bill “The Beerman” Scott, a popular beer vendor-cheerleader, worked for the Trail Blazers from 1981 to 1985, among other pro teams.
