Clyde Drexler is among the most notable Portland Trail Blazers to have their number retired by the franchise.
The Trail Blazers were founded in 1970, and since then, they have won one championship and three conference titles. The franchise’s list of retired numbers is headlined by several players from the 1977 championship team.
Dave Twardzik (No. 13)
Twardzik played only eight seasons but closed his career strong with four phenomenal years in Portland. His first four years were in the ABA, but Portland needed a backup point guard to cap off their roster. He was a key catalyst to their 1977 championship team, averaging 9.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals throughout his Trail Blazers tenure.
Lionel Hollins (No. 14)
Hollins was the starting point guard for that 1977 championship team, making his sole All-Star appearance during that sensational season. He was the sixth pick in the 1975 NBA Draft and played his first five seasons with the Trail Blazers. That was the best period of Hollins’ career, averaging 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game in that span.
Larry Steele (No. 15)
Steele was the 37th pick in the 1971 NBA Draft by Portland and established himself as one of the first great defensive players for this franchise. Known as the “Man of Steal,” Steele was a defensive stud throughout his career, leading the league with 2.7 steals in 1973. He was a defensive beast for that 1977 championship squad and retired in 1980.
Maurice Lucas (No. 20)
Lucas played five seasons with the Trail Blazers. He was a key player on that 1977 title team, his first season in Portland, and it was the first of three straight All-Star appearances. Lucas finished ninth in MVP voting for that championship season and averaged 15.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks in his five seasons with the Blazers.
Clyde Drexler (No. 22)
Many fans consider Drexler the greatest Blazer of all time, sitting as the franchise leader in games played, total minutes, field goals, offensive rebounds, steals and triple-doubles. “Clyde the Glide” was taken 14th overall in the 1983 NBA Draft by Portland, spending his first 12 years with this franchise. He made eight All-Star appearances in that span and averaged 20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game as a Blazer. Drexler was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
Bob Gross (No. 30)
Portland selected Gross with the 25th pick in the 1975 NBA Draft. He spent his first seven seasons in Portland and his best season was during the 1977 championship run, averaging a career-high 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Gross retired in 1983.
Terry Porter (No. 30)
Porter was selected with the 24th pick by Portland in the 1985 NBA Draft. He made two All-Star appearances in his final five years with the Blazers, finishing top 10 in MVP voting in 1990. His playmaking was key to his value, leading this franchise with 5,319 career assists. In his decade with this franchise, Porter averaged 14.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
Bill Walton (No. 32)
Walton’s career was shortened due to injuries, but he was one of the best basketball players ever when he was on the court. The big man was the top pick by Portland in the 1974 NBA Draft, making two All-Star appearances in his four years with the Blazers. He finished second in MVP voting in their 1977 championship season, leading the league in rebounding and blocks. He also took home that award the following year. That was, unfortunately, his final season with the Blazers, finishing his tenure in Portland averaging 17.1 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.6 blocks per game as a Blazer. Walton was inducted into the Hall-of-Fame in 1993.
Lloyd Neal (No. 36)
Neal spent his full seven-year career with the Trail Blazers, after being taken 31st overall in the 1972 NBA Draft. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in his debut season and was a key bench player during their 1977 championship run. Neal averaged 11.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks throughout his career.
Geoff Petrie (No. 45)
Petrie was the eighth pick in the 1970 NBA Draft and the first player the franchise ever drafted. He proved to be a good pick, winning Rookie of the Year in an All-Star campaign. He made one more All-Star team, averaging 21.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals throughout his six-year career. He was unable to play for the 1977 championship team due to injury but is known for kickstarting the franchise and putting the team in a position to win the 1977 title.
Other Retired Numbers
(No. 1) Larry Weinberg
(No. 77) Jack Ramsay
(Broadcaster) Bill Schonely
