This is it. This is the definitive post where the best Portland Trail Blazers player of all time shall be named — at least according to our readers.
Last week, we asked for readers to vote on who was the best Blazers player of all time. There were eight options based on an earlier round of reader nominations.
The race between the top two players came down to only 11 votes.
5. Maurice Lucas
Ten years ago, we ran a vote to name the best Blazers power forward of all time, and Lucas won that vote. He was the leading scorer on the 1977 team that won the Blazers’ only championship. Since 2010-11, the Blazers have handed out the Maurice Lucas Award to honor the Blazers player who best represents the indomitable spirit of the legendary forward “through his contributions on and off the court, as well as in support of his teammates and the organization,” the Blazers said.
4. Brandon Roy
Had Roy played more years for Portland, there would probably be a statue of him outside of the Moda Center. Injuries cut his career short, but he was beloved by all for his smooth play style, natural heroics and leadership in a time when it was desperately needed in Portland.
3. Damian Lillard
Lillard is the only active NBA player who made the list. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as he is responsible for many of the franchise’s most iconic moments in the past 30 years. Many fans are hoping Lillard returns to Portland to finish out his career. It is obvious that the city still has a ton of love for Dame.
2. Bill Walton
Big Red was the face of the franchise in 1977 when Portland won the championship. Walton was the 1977 Finals MVP and followed that up with being named the 1978 NBA MVP before injuries set in. Even after his playing days were over, Walton was a standard figure in Portland and remains beloved by the entire basketball world.
Clyde Drexler (left, driving on Minnesota's Tony Campbell) was a franchise-changing selection by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1987.
Clyde Drexler (left, driving on Minnesota's Tony Campbell) was a franchise-changing selection by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1987.AP
1.Clyde Drexler
If you look at Portland’s career stat leaders, you will see Drexler’s name all over. He leads the Blazers in games played, field goals and steals, and was the leading scorer until Lillard surpassed him in 2022. He made 7 straight all-star games starting in 1987 and led Portland to the finals twice. Portland loves you, Clyde!
-- Ryan Fernandez/The Oregonian
e: rfernandez@oregonian.com
bsky: @rtfern.bsky.social