22
Oct
5 min read
Portland Trailblazers NBA Profile: Five things you need to know
Bill Walton led the Blazers to their only championship
- 1977 NBA Champions led by Bill Walton
- Home to legendary guards like Clyde Drexler and Damian Lillard
- Known for passionate fanbase and "Rip City" identity
The Portland Trail Blazers are an iconic NBA franchise, known for their 1977 championship, star players, and devoted "Rip City" fanbase.
Key Details
Location: Portland, Oregon
Home Arena: Moda Center
Year Founded: 1970
Championships: 1 (1977)
Major Rivals: Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics (historical)
Australians who have played for the Portland Trailblazers
Matisse Thybulle: Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, Thybulle holds dual American-Australian citizenship and spent part of his childhood in Sydney. He was traded to the Trail Blazers in February 2023 and has been recognized for his exceptional defensive abilities, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honours in 2021 and 2022. Thybulle has also represented Australia in international competitions, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Duop Reath: Born in Waat, South Sudan, Reath moved to Australia at the age of nine. He signed with the Trail Blazers in 2023 and has become a reliable rotation player, averaging 9.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in the 2024 NBA season. Reath has also represented Australia in international competitions, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Identity
The Trail Blazers have long embraced a team-first philosophy focused on unselfish play and strong defense. Their playing style has evolved over eras but often features dynamic guard play. The club culture revolves around the passionate "Rip City" fanbase and Portland's underdog mentality.
Legacy & Impact
The Blazers' greatest era was the 1970s, highlighted by the 1977 championship team led by Bill Walton. The early 1990s Drexler-led teams that made two NBA Finals are also legendary. Key figures include Walton, Drexler, Terry Porter, and in recent years, Damian Lillard.
Five Fast Facts
- The Trail Blazers name was chosen from over 10,000 entries in a fan contest
- Portland has made the playoffs 37 times in 54 seasons
- The team sold out 814 consecutive home games from 1977-1995
- Six Hall of Famers have played for the Blazers
- Damian Lillard is the franchise's all-time leading scorer
Club Timeline
1970: Franchise founded as an expansion team
1977: Win NBA championship led by Bill Walton
1990: Reach NBA Finals, losing to Pistons
1992: Return to NBA Finals, fall to Jordan's Bulls
2012: Draft Damian Lillard, ushering in new era
Key Statistics
All-Time Record: 2,286-2,017 (.531 win percentage)
Championship History: 1 title (1977)
Hall of Fame Players: 6
Retired Numbers: 12
Notable Records: 18 consecutive playoff appearances (1983-2000)
Today
The Trail Blazers are entering a rebuilding phase after trading franchise icon Damian Lillard in 2023. The team is now built around young talent like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons, with veteran Jerami Grant providing leadership.
Under head coach Chauncey Billups, Portland is focused on player development and establishing a new identity. While playoff contention may be a few years away, the franchise aims to build a strong foundation for future success while maintaining its passionate fanbase and "Rip City" culture.
