I will go over every player individually and what they mean to the team:

Starters:
C – Greg Oden- The future and the big “gamble” of my team since he hasn’t played a game yet, at this moment he is projected to be a maybe 10-15 ppg 6-12 rpg and maybe a block per game for his rookie career. This should be agreed by almost anybody and is probably modest to a lot. He has shown he is a good passer as a center and is not afraid to jam on anyones dome. I am making this choice assuming he will be a great center and possibly unseeding Walton as our best ever and should have a long and successful career, hopefully with blazers for most if not all of it!
PF-Maurice Lucus-The enforcer! Lucus is plain scary, he will gobble up rebounds and put anyone to the ground that dares think not! Oden will learn well the aggressive and assertiveness from Lucus and what it takes to become one of the dominate big men which will help him on both sides of the ball. I would like to see anyone try and cut down the lane with these two monsters guarding it!
SF-Rasheed Wallace – The tallest on the team at the 3? Well what 7 footer (aside form maybe Dirk) loves the 3 more then Sheed? Despite his hight I feel sheed has the best lateral speed to keep up with SF’s on the defensive end, also Sheed could crowd the middle with Lucus and Oden making an unpenatratable fortress of drift out and rain threes on the shorter defenders all day. Also one of the best blockers in the game and a LONG wingspan, watch out shifty slashers because this guy can close a gap from the weak side and send your lay-up into the three hundred level! Who can get a rebound on this front three?!
SG-Clyde “The Glyde” Drexler – Do I even need to make an argument for this guy? The best player to date to wear a blazer jersey! Roy (I am hoping for) someday may surpass this amazing man’s legacy for this franchise but as of now there is no one better to carry a blazer team to success (Just don’t let us face a mean Detroit team or a smooth Jordan led Bulls…....Wait with this line screw Bad Boys and MJ we are sweeping them!)
PG-Terry Porter – One of the best backcourts ever assembled so why would i break it up? Porter is such a great PG who can get anyone the ball anytime, take it to the house, or hit a strocker in your eye! Retire his number!

Bench:
Big Man: Mychal Thompson – An underrated player in blazer history for sure. A great scorer and rebounder his whole (and decent length) career. With Thompson rounding out my bigs, a team comprised on a young O’Neil, Garnett, Duncan and Yao is the only one that can have a chance (ok that might be a little bit of an exaggeration, but these 4 big’s can ball it up!)
Scorer: Jim Paxson – He may not be that great of a GM (getting pritchslapped multiple times) but this dude can SCORE! with Paxson coming in for drexler or sheed at SF for a smaller line up the offense should stay strong and keep pounding teams into submission!
Point Guard: Kenny Anderson – Kenny has had a long and successful career and luckily played for the blazer pretty early in it so we still get a long lasting and affective career! When Porter needs a rest the offense shouldn’t miss a beat with this unselfish PG who can also find his own shot when needed. Also Porter could play a combo guard spot at times at the 2 with Kenny, causing the team to have to guard two players that can bring the ball up and run the offense affectively. OUCH!

I tried to pick players that have long and affective careers. That way we can not only win now, but be a dominate team for years to come. A lot of the immediate success relys on Oden’s recovery and play his first couple years, however I am confident he does not need to be dominate for this team to succeed, especially with the other big men that surround him. This team should dominate the paint and be one of the hardest to score on. The offensive depth is also something teams will struggle with as it will be impossible to stop the points from coming and next to impossible to match the fire power this team has.

Excelllent…

Briefing: I tried my best to think out of the box and assemble the strongest team within the boundaries that Dave presented. I wouldn’t be surprised if I had one of the most uncommon line up in all Blazer Edgedom, but I stick with it.

Center: Arvydas Sabonis
The reason I chose Sabas wasn’t due to his history or my overwhelming fandom for him. I chose him because this excercise wasn’t about a players overall stats, but more about what they did while they were a Blazer, and what they did after they were a Blazer. I knew before I started assembling my team what I was looking for, and I wanted a Big man who could pass the ball, and defend the best in the game. This might lead some to think “why not take Walton then?”, the answer is that Sabonis could shoot from anywhere on the floor, and he should have an NBA ring with the Blazers. Period.

Power Forward: Maurice Lucas
When I was growing up my Dad use to tell me weird stories about the Blazers, cause he desperately wanted me to be a fan (I love him for this), and one of the stories he told me was about the time he met Luke… Him and his buddy were waiting outside the Memorial Colliseum to see a game against Warriors, and back then I guess the players were much more accessible and would park in the parking lot of the arena. Well my Dad’s friend kept urging him on to go see if they could catch any players arriving, but my dad kept saying “No I don’ t wanna have to get back in line” (what a lamer). However, eventually my Dad was convinced and he went with his friend to the far parking lot where the players would park… Lo and Behold, Maurice Lucas was the last player to show up that day for the game and he got out of his car and was surrounded by maybe 12 fans, and was very friendly, my dad and his friend got his autograph, but the big deal is… Daddio met this girl who was also wanting a Maurice Lucas autograph… :) A couple years later I was born…My Dad gave my Mom his autographed shirt because my mom had nothing better than her hand to be signed. Sometimes I think, is Maurice my God Father? Also Mo Luke was a great player!

Small Forward: Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen is considered one of the 50 greatest players to ever play the game, and he was considered that before he ever joined the Trail Blazers roster. When he was traded to the Blazers there was a lot of pressure put on him, as a former champion and running mate of the greatest player ever to play the game, Portland fans expected him to fill a void left by Clyde Drexler. Oddly enough he kind of lived up to the expectations, granted he was no Clyde, he was without a doubt the best player the Blazers had for several years, and became the leader of a team that was so talented and had no guidance. He led the Blazers to within minutes of the NBA Finals, and did so while flip flopping positions between Small Forward and Point Guard. He was a guy able to keep the team in check. Is it any surprise that after he left the team, the Blazers went into their darkest days as Jail Blazers?

I put him on my roster because he is a leader, and he never faultered as a talent in this league. He is unselfish and he can play multiple positions on the court. He will be a welcome fit for me.

Shooting Guard: Geoff Petrie
in 1971 and 1972 the Portland Trail Blazers were lucky enough to have back to back rookie of the year players in Geoff Petrie and Sidney Wicks, although Mr. Dave Cowens did tie Petrie in 1971. He is one of those few players who played their entire career with one team, and although it wasn’t a very lengthy career, he made sure his stay with the team was worth it. Unfortunately he was not part of the NBA championship team, but his ability to play the game of Basketball is undying. Today he is the Executive for the Sacremento Kings. But his contributions to the Blazers will not be forgotten. Career Stats

Point Guard: Lafeyette Lever
This is a guy who really didn’t do a whole lot as a Blazer but went on to be quite a remarkable player. He played in Dever which was a rather unheralded Sports city and therefore may have lost his chance to really be a superstar.

But their is no denying that this guy could play, and play at such an incredibly high level. he is one of 3 men to do someone remarkable in the playoffs, in a club with Jason Kidd and Wilt Chamberlin

It was my belief that my started lineup was intimidating, confident, strong, and dedicated to the game. I wanted to make sure I had guys who would work well with each other and forus on winning.

Bench:
Drazen Petrovid
LaMarcus Aldridge
Sidney Wicks…

More on them later:)

I dont think Clyde shoulda been made available at all. It just changes the entire mentality of the game here. I understand why it was done, but I think the teams were stronger pre drex.

Personal Opinion.

Walton
Lucas
Kersey
Roy
Porter

Bench
Paxson
Aldridge
Natt

I wanted team players. With the Big Red Head anchoring the middle, I wanted unselfish guys who could shoot/pass/cut to the hoop.

Walton and Lucas clearing the boards firing outlets to Porter, Kersey, Paxson and Aldridge.

Clutch late game shooters in Roy and Porter.

Perimeter players when Walton gets double teamed. Porter, Paxson.

Fowards who can bang and hit a 20 foot jumper: Natt, Lucas, Aldridge

No backup point guard needed as Porter can play 38-40 minutes at the point and Roy can play the other 8-10 with Paxson as his backcourt mate.

Aldridge to back up Walton and Lucas.

No one messes with the Big Red Head with Lucas and Natt on the team.

Walton anchors the defense in the middle with Aldridge and Kersey helping out.

Decent backcourt defense (although could be hurt by speedy point guards). But the middle will be clogged.

I see 73 wins.

Until Dave threw that Drexler curve ball at us! I still like Sheed in this game over alderidge because of his steller defense and versatility (although i hope one day Aldirdge passes him up as a better PF) but all around good hustling team you got there

Clyde Drexler/ Terry Porter / Scottie Pippen / Maurice Lucas / Duckworth

Rasheed/ Drazen Petrovich / Steve Johnson
This has been an interesting exercise. I’m not going to spend a lot of time justifying my team. Now that the exercise is over and I’m looking at some other peoples combinations I have to admit I’m a little worried about my choices. Oh, sure I’ve got enough talent that this team would be awesome but if I’ve taken anything from this exercise it’s been a different perspective on how difficult it must be to be a GM. Despite the pick 1 of 3 daily format, and the suprise of adding Drexler at the end I’m afraid I’ve pulled a Whittsit. I’m a little afraid in my enthusiasm to create a “Field of Dreams” of The Blazer hardwood I’ve not paid enough attention to chemistry…too many Chiefs not enough Indians. Plus I can’t believe I forgot Mychal Thompson! One of my favorites when I was a kid. This team probably isn’t my best work. I’m relatively happy with my starting 5 but not too happy with the balance of my bench. Hat’s off to many of the Blazer’s Edgers many of these teams are fantastic. Hopefully I’ve learned something from this and just scrolling through the line-ups has brought back some great memories. I’ve got to go scour the “D” league….how much for Von Wafer? I need some guard help off the bench…..

and screwed up slightly on the last day. I was looking for a three point specialist and didn’t notice I only had one bona-fide PG.

My lineup:
Strickland
Drexler
Oden
Williams
Elie
Paxson
Wallace
Murray

If I had the last day to do over I would go with Stoudamire instead of Murray. Nevertheless, I like my team.

Oden -

This man will be legendary. He’s so incredibly underrated by more conservative bloggers here, it’s incredible. Yes. He’ll struggle a little at first, but his attitude, his work ethic, his talent, and his ceiling are Shaq levels or higher people. Do you drool of lebron james without the attitude, that man is Oden.

Additionally, and more importantly Oden is greater than the other center options. He’ll play longer, he started a blazer, and he will recover from the knee. Health concerns are a risk, but the talent vs that risk is far to great to not take. Particularly considering the other centers available. If Walton could have stayed healthy… if sabonis could have come in his prime…

I get to play oden much longer, and that’s important for those championships down the road.

Finally… Walton wouldn’t survive in todays game. Different league, different strengths, different rules.

Lucas:

He’s tough… he’s mean… he can score… he can rebound, and most importantly I think he’d fit a good bench role on my team behind aldridge. He gives me another deep post presence and will work well with a rotation of aldridge at center as well.

Kersey:

I remember this kid being athletic. He’s strong defensively and a slasher. He also scores, has longevity to outlast the shorter foresight teams, and will be my guy on defense outside the paint.

Brandon Roy

I thought about Clyde, but there is NO way I get rid of brandon Roy. Everyone who dropped him just became teams without a leader, anchor, direction. This kid has constructed the character and culture of this team. He’s brought the players together and this team, despite any superstar on it, will always be about brandon.

He can help focus that lucas desire to win and chip on the shoulder into energy on the court. He’ll lead by example and help this team achieve. Additionally… he’ll have a long time line as well. I may not win at teh beginning of the season against these teams, but I will dominate towards the end.

Brandon is unselfish and will focus on winning regardless of his own stats. He’s a winner. Also, I see him moving without the ball better and hitting more threes.

Porter:

He’s a hard worker. He overachieves, he hits threes and he’ll be another strong leader on the court. This is brandon’s team though. Additionally I have some nice defense. The knock on porter will be his speed… but….

Bayless

Big risk on my part, but this kid will be worth it. This is probably the guy where people will look at my team and go “you’re out”. Yeah, I gambled and maybe I didn’t need to. I had a VERY solid team and Rudy would have also been a huge selection. The problem is, I love the Porter, but it’s a different time and a different game. I want the three’s porter gives, but I need the speed and athletiscm of bayless. This kid has the mindset to be great.

If I’m wrong, my team may falter. If I’m right, I’ll have championships every year. One thing I’ve learned watching basketball… never underestimate the killer instinct, and bayless has it. You need that on a team to get over that last hill. I have that in bayless.

LMA:

This man can shoot inside and out. Coupled with Oden he’ll develop into a defensive twin tower. Aldridge can play defense but our team was really messed up last year without oden. This year, Aldridge will really show us what he’s got… He’s also young and fits my timeline well.

Paxson:

meh… decent numbers and NOT a headcase. Also some longevity. If severe headcase wasn’t an issue… but to me an my team… it is. this is Brandon’s team and about culture.

I have a superstar that is greater than Clyde in Oden.
I have support/secondary player in Aldridge
I have a leader/all around incredible game guy in Roy.

That’s a balanced starting line up. I have killer instinct in Bayless coupled with incredible athletiscm.

Porter can rain my threes.
Kersey and porter keep my perimeter defense tight.

My guys all played games every year. A lot of other players didn’t. That helps take me over the edge.

Aldridge fills PF and Center which means i’m always strong in the post.

Porter/Bayless/Roy can rotate positions and do pretty dang well.

Kersey has Paxson or Roy or even aldridge depending on line up.

I have character, toughness, flexibility, longevity, scoring, incredible defense, games played, rebounding…

I’m sorry guys, no team assembled will beat this one.

Big Bill
Luke
Pip
B. Roy
Terry

Sheed
JR Rider
Steve “sureshot” Smith

This team is a team of dopeness – and they shall play harder than your team.
Good, related read here:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/KD-s-DVDs-Utah-at-Portland-2000-Part-II?urn=nba,99308

Greg
Lamarcus
Pip
Clyde
Terry
——-
Drazen
Rasta Monsta
Dave Twardzik

That team would win games.

C – Walton

Took our team to the promised land in 1977. Would have done it again except for injuries (that in retrospect, probably could have been avoided). Was on the Boston championship team as well. Still one of the best outlet passers in the game. Was a great defender, shot blocker and rebounder. With modern training and medicine, would be virtually unstoppable. Fantastic basketball IQ in part due to his tuitlage under Wooden.

PF – Lucas

The Enforcer. Gives the team the toughness that it needs, plus has a great work ethic, good basketball IQ (he’s an assistant coach now) and can knock down the points. Averaged (per 36 minutes) double/doubles in points and rebounds for 11 years (and was extremely close the remaining years). The power forward’s power forward.

SF – Kersey

The human dynamo. Also has done some coaching around the league. Good shooter, great runner, great intangibles, good lockdown defender. Strong basketball IQ.

SG – Roy

The Natural. The sky’s the limit for this kid. A born leader with an incredible basketball IQ and the potential to be one of the Top 50 players in the NBA. A playmaker and a floor general. Deceptively quick.

PG – Porter

A consummate point guard. Averaged double/doubles in points and assists in 1987/88 and came close in the next three seasons. Great basketball IQ (is an NBA coach) combined with a can-do attitude and a deadly outside shot. Can step up and be the go-to guy or play off the ball for the catch & shoot.

B1 – Robinson

A great all-around player who is comfortable coming off the bench as 6th man. Can play center in a pinch and can score pretty much at will. Brings a lot of energy onto the floor and plays well with Kersey and Porter. Somewhat questionable off-court habits, but Luke and Roy can keep him in line.

B2 – Paxson

Good defender, great scorer. Basketball is in his blood. Is big enough to play SF in a ‘small-ball’ linup or team with Roy as a big guard combo. Exceptional work ethic – makes up for his relative lack of athleticism by practicing twice as hard and playing three times as smart. Gives the team mid-range shooting plus great drives to the rack. Never stops moving – defines great off-the-ball play. Only downside…bad choice in facial hair.

B3 – Natt

Another scorer. That’s all he does. Score. And rebound. And defend (somewhat). But mainly he’s there to score.

Maybe not the best team assembled (no Clyde, no Oden), but all these players bring something complementary to the game and all were known for non-selfish play – the most important aspect of a team.

And now calling to the floor, in mint condition, for your Poooooooortland Trailblazers:

As Center: Greg Oden (Sheed)
As Forward: Rasheed Wallace (Maurice Lucas)
As Forward: Kiki Vandeweghe (Sidney Wicks)
As Guard: Brandon Roy (Drazen Petrovic)
As Guard: Terry Porter (Roy)

Head Coach: Jack Ramsay
Assistant Coach: Rick Adelman (to keep any bad behavior in check)
General Manager: Kevin Pritchard (take that, this team will only get better over the years)

I don’t want to go again through every position and why they are great players - unless you want to question this ;)
That would just rehash what has already been described in more detail than possible here in the individual posts. Several guys might have been qualified just as well, but generally I selected players based mostly on their total career production and achievements (titles, awards, team selections, etc.), preferably high up over many seasons since I wanted to build a dynasty and not a one and done team that just spikes for a year or two.

The team is well balanced on every position, with a focus on athletic big men who rule under both baskets and versatile scorers who can bury you from inside and outside. The bench is amazing, so there are virtually no holes in the rotation. Everybody on the team could start in case somebody goes down with an injury, is super strong in at least one category (FG%, 3P%, rebounds, assists, steals), and has no major weakness. There are no guys with really bad character (I don’t consider Sheed a flawed guy, despite the fact that he could have made even more out of his potential). And the team has great on-court and off-court leadership from Porter and Roy.

Key Strengths: Everyone is a scoring threat (inside and/or outside), outside shooting, athletic big men (especially on defense), passing
Weaknesses: No major ones. Less strength in defending opposing SGs when Roy sits.

Actually, all teams I’ve seen should be really good, and there is hardly any way to find out which one would be the best. Nice work all.