FanPost

On Retired Numbers.....

In the wake of all the talk about #30 being retired in honor of both Terry Porter and Bobby Gross, there has been a lot of spirited debate regarding retired numbers, and what the requirement for them should be.  Portland seems to have been somewhat liberal with retiring numbers, with the following being retired:

(I won't count #1 as its not really "retired")

#13 (Twardzik)

#14 (Hollins)

#15 (Steele)

#20 (Lucas)

#22 (Drexler)

#30 (Porter and Gross)

#32 (Walton)

#36 (Neal)

#45 (Petrie)

#77 (Ramsay)

Those who would argue that one has to be a superstar to have his number retired would argue that only Drexler and Walton should be hanging in the rafters.  They would bemoan Terry being on the list, and especially the fact that anyone who even played a marginal rotation role on the championship team is also here.

I would argue that the list doesn't go far enough, and that #25 (Kersey), #00 (Duckworth) and #52 (Williams) should also be on the list.

Portland is different than most cities.  We don't have three or four teams all competiting for our attention.  The Blazers are OUR team, our ONLY team, and we hold them more dear than most.  Of course, it helps that throughout their history, the Blazers have went out and sought to become part of the fabric of the community.

Its the reason that the early '90s teams are so revered, despite having never won a title.  The rejection of that mantra is the reason that the Jail Blazers are so despised despite having a similar level of on court success.  Sheed, Bonzi, JR, etc completely rejected the community, and were despised for it.

So, in my opinion, the requirements for Portland retiring numbers is different.  On court success is a factor, but so is longevity and iconic status.

Spread the word.  Put 00, 25, and 52 in the rafters.