The Portland Trailblazers history reflects a legacy of determination, growth, and passionate fans. Founded in 1970, the team quickly became a staple in the NBA with iconic players shaping its path. Known for exciting moments in Portland Trailblazers basketball, the franchise continues to inspire new generations while honoring its celebrated past and remarkable achievements.
Established
1970
City
Portland
League History
1970 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
1970 – Present / Portland Trailblazers
Nickname
Trailblazers – It’s no secret that the Portland Trail Blazers are one of the most beloved teams in professional basketball. But do you know where their nickname comes from? The origin story behind this iconic team name is an interesting one, and it dates back to 1970 when they joined the NBA as an expansion franchise.
Portland Trailblazers Origin
The original owner of what would become known as “the Blazer” was Harry Glickman, who envisioned creating a unique identity for his new team. He wanted something that reflected Portland's rugged outdoorsy culture and its ties to Native American history – so he decided on "Trail Blazers." This was inspired by Lewis & Clark's exploration of Oregon during their famous expedition across America in 1804-1806, which included blazing trails through uncharted wilderness areas.
Today, fans worldwide still recognize and embrace this name with pride; after all these years, it has come to represent much more than just a basketball team—it stands for courage, resilience, strength, and adventure! Whether you're cheering them on at home or watching them play away games online or on TV broadcasts - show your support by wearing your favorite Trail Blazer gear!
Championship
NBA Championships 1
1977
Arena
2013 – Present / Moda Center
1995 – 2012 / Rose Garden
1970 – 1994 / Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Owner
2018 – Present / Estate of Paul Allen
1988 – 2018 / Paul Allen
1975 – 1988 / Larry Weinberg
1972 – 1975 / Herman Sarkowsky & Larry Weinberg
1970 – 1972 / Herman Sarkowsky, Robert Schmertz, and Larry Weinberg
- 1970
- 1977
- 1984
- 1988
- 1995
- 1995
-
Portland Team Formation
Portland sports promoter Harry Glickman had sought in creating a basketball team in the city as soon as the Memorial Coliseum was opened in 1960, but the NBA board of governors only granted him the rights to a franchise on February 6, 1970. To raise the money for the $3.7 million admission tax, Glickman associated himself with real estate magnates ... -
NBA Finals Winner 1977
NBA Finals – 1977 The 1977 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1976 – 1977 NBA season. The Portland Trail Blazers of the Western Conference played against the Philadelphia 76ers of the Eastern Conference, with the 76ers holding home-court advantage. Their four regular-season meetings had been split evenly, 2-2, with neither side winning away from home. ... -
Selection of Sam Bowie, Not Jordan
The Trail Blazers landed the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft. After the Houston Rockets selected Drexler’s college teammate Hakeem Olajuwon, known at that time as Akeem Olajuwon, at No. 1, the Trail Blazers selected Kentucky center, Sam Bowie. Drafting third, the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan. Many sportswriters and analysts have criticized the selection of the injury-plagued Bowie ... -
Paul Allen Ownership
Allen purchased the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team in 1988 from California real estate developer Larry Weinberg for $70 million. He was instrumental in the development and funding of the Moda Center (previously known as the Rose Garden), the arena where the Blazers play. He purchased the arena on April 2, 2007, and stated that this was a major milestone ... -
End of Sell Out Record
Starting on April 5, 1977, of that year, the team began a sellout streak of 814 straight games the second-longest in American major professional sports history which did not end until 1995, after the team moved into a larger facility. In the fall of 1995, the team left the Memorial Coliseum for a new home, the 20,000-seat Rose Garden Arena. -
Moda Center
Moda Center, formerly known as the Rose Garden, is the primary indoor sports arena in Portland, Oregon, United States. It is suitable for large indoor events of all sorts, including basketball, ice hockey, rodeos, circuses, conventions, ice shows, concerts, and dramatic productions. The arena has a capacity of 19,441 spectators when configured for basketball, fewer for other events. The arena ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Portland TrailBlazers History
The Portland Trailblazers history began in 1970 when Harry Glickman brought the franchise to Portland, Oregon, joining the National Basketball Association. The team quickly became a staple in the league and a symbol of the Pacific Northwest’s passion for basketball. Over the years, the franchise helped shape Portland Trailblazers basketball with its exciting style and loyal fan base. You can learn more about the Portland Trail Blazers on Wikipedia.
Strong draft selections in the 1970s, including Bill Walton, Maurice Lucas, Lionel Hollins, and later Clyde Drexler, built a core known for fierce competition and teamwork. This foundation propelled the team into the NBA spotlight, making the Portland Trailblazers history one of steady growth and remarkable moments. In fact, their 1976–77 roster’s chemistry helped define a golden era of Portland Trailblazers basketball, earning them national respect.
The franchise claimed its first and only NBA Championship in 1977 after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers. In addition, the team reached the NBA Finals again in 1990 and 1992, falling just short against powerhouse teams but cementing its place as a Western Conference contender. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, legendary players like Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter became synonymous with Portland Trailblazers history, driving consistent playoff runs and thrilling the Rose Garden crowd. For a glimpse at another great era of the NBA, check out the Seattle SuperSonics — Portland’s former regional rival.
Portland Trailblazers Achievements
Achievements form a vital part of Portland Trailblazers history. The team captured its first and only NBA Championship in 1977 after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers. It reached the NBA Finals again in 1990 and 1992, becoming one of only a few Western Conference teams at the time with three Finals appearances in under two decades. Players like Clyde Drexler, Bill Walton, and Terry Porter turned the franchise into a consistent contender and established Portland as a basketball city.
More recently, Portland Trailblazers basketball has been led by stars such as Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, who carried the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2019. Despite challenges and roster changes, the team continues to nurture young talent like Anfernee Simons while maintaining playoff aspirations. This mix of established leadership and emerging players ensures that the Portland Trailblazers history will keep growing, promising fans in the Rose City a bright future filled with competitive spirit and memorable moments.
Retired Number
1 / Larry Weinberg
13 / Dave Twardzik
14 / Lionel Hollins
15 / Larry Steele
20 / Maurice Lucas
22 / Clyde Drexler
30 / Bob Gross
30 / Terry Porter
32 / Bill Walton
36 / Lloyd Neal
45 / Geoff Petrie
77 / Jack Ramsay
– / Bill Schonely
*Blue is this team’s history