Poll of the Day: Cult Favorites

by Dave on Aug 9, 2007 10:34 AM PDT in News

The history of the Trailblazers is strewn with cult favorites: guys who never made the 50 Greatest Players of All Time roster and might not be remembered that much by people other than Blazer fans but who hold a special place in our hearts. You could go all the way back to Adelman and Petrie in our first seasons through to perhaps Travis Outlaw and Martell Webster for some today. The names in between there would fill an entire page.

So who is your favorite "cult favorite" and why?

Mine, I'm sure, is going to be a popular choice. I could never get enough of Arvydas Sabonis. The way that big lug passed made my toes curl. He was like having Sergio on the floor. Plus his offense, though seldom stylish, was effective like a dump truck stealing parking spaces from Volkswagen Beetles. The team wasn't the same to me after he left.

So who's yours?

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)

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Some Dudes are gonna hate me-

But Damon! Yes, the tinfoil, yellow hummer Damon.

That guy single handedly bailed out PIL sports with a $400,000 donation so that kids could play sports at school. He also did it in such a way that PPS had to figure out how to get the other 400K, which they did. It was a "This puts you on the right track, now you figure out how to make it sustainable" program.

Say what you want, he will always go down in my books as one of the great community contributors to emerge from Bridgetown.

Yes, that Damon...

Ball Don't Lie

by bothteamsplayedhard on Aug 9, 2007 10:45 AM PDT reply actions

Damon is a great answer!

Aside from his off-the-court behavior, Mighty Mouse was definitely an icon of Blazers basketball. It's unfortunate that Damon and 'Sheed will forever be remembered as the "Jail-Blazers" era.

Sabonis is also a big-time cult phenom. If only he came over about 5 years prior...

On our current roster, I think Sergio Rodriguez has the biggest cult following. For a guy who only played about 11 minutes a game, he really inspires love (or hate depending on your view) in Portland fans. Someday, I hope Rudy (or Ruuuuuuudy to fans) and Sergio combine to create the ultimate fan favorite...

It's also hard to leave out Buck Williams, Kevin Duckworth, and Jerome Kersey. What gets me excited more than anything about our new team is the "stars" are a bunch of blue collar guys who punch the clock and go to work, just like former icons Williams, Duckworth and Kersey. (Ironically, when Buck Williams grabbed his 10,000 rebound, this guy sitting 2 rows in front of me stood up and walked onto the court. At the time, I was only like 8 or 9 years old so I didn't understand that the man was David Stern... Whoops.)

by Champs2009 on Aug 9, 2007 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions

I love damon

he single handedly took the blazers on his back when we were decimated with injuries.

I also love him persevering through his struggles and coming out on top

by BlazerBandit on Aug 10, 2007 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Love Sabonis, but...

for some reason I don't think of him as "cult fav". Maybe it is because I think he is a debatable HOF/Top 50.

I like the grit guys. Buck was the first Blazer that I really liked. Brian Grant was another guy I really liked. If I had been following NBA at age six, Lucas would have been my guy.

Wish that Ime could have stuck around but understand the big pic.

Wanted and got Roy last year. He is my current fav.

by lama on Aug 9, 2007 10:54 AM PDT reply actions

Crash Kersey

Nobody else could chase down and stop a one on none fast break like him.

by jayjaylbh on Aug 9, 2007 11:04 AM PDT reply actions

Crash Kersey

I loved his game too....but he had hands of stone.

by KalamaMan on Aug 9, 2007 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions

Run Down Man

Magic Johnson used to call him "The Run Down Man" because he would run down one-on-zero fast breaks when everyone else had the good sense to just let the guy score.

When Jerome had the ball defenders would play his right hand and completely ignore his left. Toward the end of his career he actually developed a good mid-range shot, but he never learned to dribble or shoot with his left hand.

by tiesque on Aug 9, 2007 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions

The highlight clip I wish had been preserved

The year the Celtics had that long string of home court victories (1986, IIRC), the Blazers played the Celtics on TV, in a game that went to overtime and featured Clyde and Bird trading in your face unconscious FGs trip after trip after trip down the floor. But the real highlight of the game came earlier. There was a cameraman stationed at the base of the Celtics' basket, and Bird got an outlet from a steal and was heading for what he thought was a breakaway uncontested layup. Just as he gathered for the layup, Bird looked up, and there above his right shoulder, eight feet above the floor and completely horizontal, spread-eagled, looking ever so much like one of the flying squirrels on National Geographic, was Jerome. Comin' down.

Yea: Jerome!

by monkeysuncle on Aug 9, 2007 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Kersey was a freakin' Stud

I love that guy! He did everything you could ask and more, and then some. He had hustle oozing out his pores and man could he throw it down.

I am the master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul. - Charles Wesley

by Earl on Aug 9, 2007 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions

The year Kersey

was drafted the Blazers had training camp in a HS gym in Vancouver. There was no security and I was working nights so every day I would sit in the bleachers and watch. Without a doubt Mercy Kersey was the most exciting player on the floor day after day. The sportswriters did not think he could make the team (I never saw any of them there) and I worried that first night. After the second day there was no doubt. Jerome was the man. His jumping ability was beyond any adjective I could use. He was raw but he was here to stay and he is my guy. I even have his glass from Dairy Queen (along with one of Clyde).

by lee3022 on Aug 9, 2007 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Also have to go with Kersey

Along with the other comments here, he is the reason I fell in love with Basketball. He was a tempo setter, not a follower. That Celtic game story is a perfect example of his ability to turn it up a notch... and then find that turbo button hidden somewhere. Guess thats why those highlights with Kobe doing similar come-from-behind-blocks at the backboard dont impress me much.

Mercy Kersey played with an intensity that wore down the medeocre players, and made the greats have to play better. Only other person I can think of that plays like that is Tayshaun Prince.

Not bad company.

by Blazer on Aug 13, 2007 4:07 AM PDT up reply actions

i'm gonig to do 2 posts

1.st one is dedicated to the guys who stayed during the jaliblazer era.so for these guys if they say guys like outlaw,webster,jack,o'neal ,grant,even sabonis,and damon there is a reason why.those guys had to suffer through the spurs dynasty which started with the s.elliott 3 on memorial day 1999.and the meltdown at staples center in 2000.my hats off 2 you guys much brighter days are ahead for you guys.

by fatty on Aug 9, 2007 11:06 AM PDT reply actions

one word

Ha Does anyone else miss his billboard along I-5 as much as me???

by myemic23 on Aug 9, 2007 11:11 AM PDT reply actions

The only choice...

Billy Ray Bates!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPiZW21GzUA

by tiesque on Aug 9, 2007 11:11 AM PDT reply actions

Aww hell no! LMFAO!

The pre-historic Jail Blazer!

by david1978pdx on Aug 9, 2007 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions

that said

my guys are the following

1)-buck williams i always loved him

2)-b.grant a warhorse who never backed
down from anyone k.malone 99 w.s.f.

3)-c.natt just loved his 20-8 and his
enforcer tendecies.

4)-fat lever thank god i got to see
him blossom in denver what a stud.

5)-kersey*porter together were both 2
of the clucthiest players ever in pdx.

by fatty on Aug 9, 2007 11:13 AM PDT reply actions

Best Blazer Ever

Bobby Gross was like the wind when he moved without the ball....opening up our championship offense for Luke and the Redhead...Bobby's man could never double team our prime scorers or they would get burned by Bobby's sweet baselins jumper or easy layup....Backdoor Bobby made so much possible with so little recognition.

by KalamaMan on Aug 9, 2007 11:13 AM PDT reply actions

NICE!

I believe that is only the third Bobby Gross reference EVER since I've been here at Blazersedge and the other two were just in passing. Well done!

--Dave

by Dave on Aug 9, 2007 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions

I still remember...

...Bobby Gross coming out to Cedar Mill (just over the West Hills from Portland) to be the dignitary for the opening of a bicycle / walking path along Cornell Road (it was built using money raised by the community). A lot of athletes wouldn't have taken the time to do something this mundane, but he cut the ribbon and stuck around to sign autographs and shoot baskets with all the star-struck kids (the opening took place next to the elementary school).

Plus, the guy was a stud on the court...

by DonkeyShins on Aug 9, 2007 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Well said

Bobby was a critical part of that team and he was the oil that made it run.

by lee3022 on Aug 9, 2007 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions

My picks:

Sabonis is an easy one, but my CULT favorite is Tracy Murray. Dead eye shot from way out in three point range. When I was a kid I always wanted him to get more time because he seemed good for the three.

by Anthony Stine on Aug 9, 2007 11:19 AM PDT reply actions

Fatty,

Fat Lever was MY choice and your the ONLY one to ever mention him on this or any other blog!! He was just incredible!! He would come in and calm things down and quietly make perfect decisions and never get the credit he deserved!! What a shame we lost him in that !!#%@ trade with Natt for KiKi!! F Lever was alone in a very rare group of PG's that's for sure...

by edgeguy42 on Aug 9, 2007 11:33 AM PDT reply actions

I liked

Sabonis, but I also liked Greg Anthony. He always played with class and was a good interview.

by jamon51 on Aug 9, 2007 11:50 AM PDT reply actions

Brian Grant

If I live to be 100 I will never forget the night the Rasta Monsta got in Karl Malone's face. I believe it was the game immediately after the game when Malone attempted to perform brain surgery on Grant using his elbow as a scalpel.

by Toast on Aug 9, 2007 11:50 AM PDT reply actions

Rod Strickland...

I always loved his game. Kersey and Damon were also good answers.

I think everyone is forgetting Drazin as well...

by ken @ Blazer's Edge on Aug 9, 2007 11:59 AM PDT reply actions

Drazen

Watching Drazen play "defense" was one of the funniest things I have ever seen on a basketball court. It was like he was about to have an epileptic seizure or something.

Such a shame that he passed away.

by The Cactus Leaguer on Aug 9, 2007 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Ime

He could always make a shot to get us started when we were going through a dry spell.

by Kampeska on Aug 9, 2007 12:11 PM PDT reply actions

Steve Johnson

I loved the Johnson years - he was the Zach Randolph pre-curser. Great hands, beautiful post moves, able rebounder, below average defensively. A fun guy to watch. I also liked Kenny Carr - who provided toughness and surprisingly good offensive touch.

by Woodduck on Aug 9, 2007 12:15 PM PDT reply actions

You're right Woodduck. Steve

Johnson did have some of Zach's game He was a very efficient low post player. I liked him too.

I'm also interested in your screen name. We've watched those magnificant water fowl for long periods of time. They and Hoodies have been our favorites. Is your name related to the actual duck or is it a U of O reference?

by TwoDeep on Aug 9, 2007 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions

The former

not the latter. I am an OSU grad and Beaver Believer. I just like ducks (the waterfowl, not the university).

I am partial to woodducks and ruddies, tho enjoy watching them all.

by Woodduck on Aug 10, 2007 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Cult Favorite

Arvydas is my favorite, but I like to think of the the first 60 games of the 1978 season and how well the Train played. Also the Kermit to Billy Ray pass for the clock beating shot puts Kermit on my list.

I don't remember any single play but I liked Michael Harper, he just happened to play here during our down years.

by AncientFan on Aug 9, 2007 12:25 PM PDT reply actions

Well for me...

I like cold hearted shooters who know when to take the shot and when to pass. Probably my all time favorite for that in a squeaker is Steve "The DAGGER" Smith. I can't even remember how many times he would sneak invisibly into a corner and get fed for the wide open three to put a NAIL in the coffin of the other team. Man I loved Smitty.

Of course long before Smitty was sticking it in and breaking it off on other teams there was the Bald Scarred Genius of T.P. People talk about Drexler all day and night but it was PORTER that ran that team. Buck was the heart, Kersey the spirit and TP the brains of that operation. Yes the Glide was simply breathtaking to behold but he made lots of mistakes. I RARELY saw TP make a mistake he was nuts. I also remember when he came in and took one shot before a play off and said the rim was too tall. They checked it and it was like 10'1.5" tall LOL! As the sportswriter commented that guy had the eyes of the terminator 1.5 inches thats nuts. I still believe that if he had the ball more often at the end of games we just might have won that series vs. Magic Et Al. Of course we would have met his Airness in the finals....

October, October, October October, Octo...... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin)

by Idog1976 on Aug 9, 2007 12:53 PM PDT reply actions

Still got

the steve smith (and arvydas) posters hangin in the room...

other than sabas I'd have to go with Damon, simply because as an earlier poster mentioned he singlehandedly saved PIL sports, which made an impact for far more kids in the community than any 'read to achieve' type program ever could...I was playing football at a PIL school at the time and we were facing having spring sports and possibly the upcoming football season in the fall cancelled...didn't see a way out till Damon came and made everything possible...honestly I don't really care if players smoke weed in moderation, rather have that around than the nanny stopper

by DominicanAvenger on Aug 11, 2007 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Am I the only one

Who liked seeing Robert "Pacman" Pack dunk the ball?

by mpressive on Aug 9, 2007 1:18 PM PDT reply actions

I came close

to including Pack in my list.

by timg56 on Aug 10, 2007 6:33 AM PDT up reply actions

I got 2...

1)Billy Ray "Dunk" Bates..I loved him so much that as a 10 yr old I dressed up as Billy Ray for Halloween. My Grandma put black shoe polish on my face and everything. Imagine the response a kid would get for doing something like that today. Would take about 3 secs before someone saw it as something offensive instead of a kid paying tribute to his hero.
2)Joe Wolf. He's a personal story. My younger Brother used to be a vendor at the MC. I was at a game and watched him playing horse with a 16 yr old kid in one of those dorky blck and white striped shirts. When he introduced himself to me and found out I was in the Army at the time he said the best thing any serviceman enjoys hearing. NOt here's a ticket, but "Thank you". And in racking my brain I don't recall ever seeing him get off the bench

On Paul Allen's cash it should say "In Pritchard We Trust"

by kevingiard1 on Aug 9, 2007 1:30 PM PDT reply actions

michael holton

he was on the first blazer team that i paid attention to, and i was immediately drawn to his jheri curl.

robert pack is another good one - underdog who was suddenly dunking on everyone.

terry porter is my favorite overall, but his following is more mainstream.

by game sink on Aug 9, 2007 1:54 PM PDT reply actions

actually,

i might be thinking of steve colter. yeah, i'm definitely thinking of steve colter.

by game sink on Aug 10, 2007 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

In different eras...

My favorite player of the Drexler/Adelman era has to be Terry Porter. That guy could drain the three like it nobody's business. I actually got to watch Game 5 of the 1992 WCF on NBA TV last week. TP went off in that game. I used to watch his form and how he made his shots and practice on my hoop at home. TP for 3!!!

My favorite from the Jail Blazer era has to be Brian Grant. The Rasta Monsta was the definition of hard play and hustle. He would drape himself over Shaq and Karl Malone like he was a coat and he would drive them batty. That was great fun to watch.

Another fave is Arvydas Sabonis. To quote G.O. "That dude was tight, and he only got this high of the ground." Very rare are there 7-footers who can pass and shoot like that guy. Serious, he is the most underrated NBA big man of all time. He was waaaay over the hill when he came to the NBA. If you've ever seen footage of him playing in Europe, he would be a HOF'er easy. If only he came to the Blazers the year he got drafted.

Currently, my fave Blazer is Sergio. That guy is crazy. He'll knife right through the defense and kick the ball out with some crazy no-look-behind-the-back stuff. I really hope El Chacho gets a firm handle on the ball, cuz he is going to tear it up... Just wait till we have Rudy Fernandez on the team in 08-09 !!!

by david1978pdx on Aug 9, 2007 1:54 PM PDT reply actions

Great choices, and ...

Alot of good memories. ... Sabonis: duh. Kersey: great starting 6th man! Bates: unbelievable in isolation. Stickland, The Train, Natt ... But several I love were left unmentioned.

Luke. Maybe too obv. Simply a great player.

Porter. I remember the night we were down like 20 playing at Golden State. Adelman brings him back off the bench and TP was unconscious. We win going away. Great guard at either spot.

A personal favorite? Mario Elie. Tremendous heart, played out of his mind every inch of the court, got 100% out of his talent. I was so happy to see him get rings.

'77

by LaoTzu on Aug 9, 2007 2:04 PM PDT reply actions

obvious by my name...

Terry Porter... as a kid I wanted to be him. He played the point guard position how it is supposed to be played...pass first, enough offense to keep the defense honest, inside/outside, clutch... a may have a slight man-crush on the guy.
I really liked "Uncle Cliffy" too, he was a steal as a second round draft pick.

by porterfan30 on Aug 9, 2007 2:30 PM PDT reply actions

Easy

Joel Pryzbilla. The Vanilla Gorrilla. The Ghostface Killah. Homeboy signed my Chalupa coupon. We're tight like that. I'll never forget that night he was this close to a triple double in Denver.

by Jumbo on Aug 9, 2007 2:36 PM PDT reply actions

almost forgot joel

I had floor seats to blazers @ kings a couple years back when he had 8 blocks...in full blazers regalia too, almost got buttered up by an ese outside over it...the whole time I was telling the 26 year old multimillionaire owner of a mortgage company next to me 'watch out for this guy przybilla right here' and he didnt believe me...then he threw songailia's stuff and put dude on his back...

before the bearhug days...i miss that joel and hope to see him again this year, the guy's shotblocking ability was something to behold, and while he wasn't the best offensively he could run the pick and roll as well as (and more willingly than)anyone on the team

by DominicanAvenger on Aug 11, 2007 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions

What makes a cult...

To me and pretty much every young Blazer fan at the time, Billy Ray Bates was a god. I have other favorites like Porter, Natt, Duckworth and Petrovic, but they've never had the cult following of BRB.

An added dimension for cult heroes from Oregon is usually the aggrieved/exclusive feeling you get because no one anywhere else recognizes them for what they are. Along with Billy Ray, most of the choices mentioned in this thread fit with that one.

by akahoopla on Aug 9, 2007 2:39 PM PDT reply actions

Because St. John's is my team

I gotta go with Walter Berry & Erick Barkley, both of whom the Blazers were generous enough to vouchsafe admission into the NBA.

Too bad they didn't represent the Red 'n' Black as well as they did the Redmen/Red Storm!

by knickfan on Aug 9, 2007 2:41 PM PDT reply actions

the "atomic dog"

audie norris...always in dr.jack's dog house...remember that last second shot for the win?...kiki doubled,everyone covered(except the dog)kiki passes to the open man...two points and the win ! outta the doghouse for a bit!

by bigskytrailblazer on Aug 9, 2007 3:05 PM PDT reply actions

Yep

Audie Norris is mine too. I just remember how Norris and Kersey were instant hustle on the floor together. It seemed like the two would compete to see who could leave more on the floor. Too bad he was convinced that he didn't have a future and left for Europe...

by TLF_Big_Papi on Aug 10, 2007 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions

Remember

Sidney Wicks and Shaler Halimon. Where would the Blazer's be without them? Dave Twardzik was a sneaky one.

by chowfunliu on Aug 9, 2007 3:19 PM PDT reply actions

Drazen Petrovic

Unbelievable shooter (lifetime .437 3PFG%), very enthusiatic, one of the first Europeans to play in the NBA. Sad ending as he died in a car accident in Germany.

by ihoop on Aug 9, 2007 3:29 PM PDT reply actions

Adelman/Petrie

they played so it counts right? But what a great front office team. Looking forward to seeing what Adelman does in Houston this year ...

by greyhound9 on Aug 9, 2007 3:36 PM PDT reply actions

i liked Walt Williams

For some reason I have a soft spot for the guy that comes off the bench, makes a couple 3s and sits down.

by jksnake99 on Aug 9, 2007 3:51 PM PDT reply actions

I, too, loved "The Wizard"

Damon and Sabas would be on my list as well.

That being said, Brian Grant would be my choice. He was the anti-Rasheed, and I loved him for it.

--Dave

Addicted to Quack SBN's Oregon Ducks Blog

by David Piper on Aug 9, 2007 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Kiki

Scored 47 in his first game as a Blazer. Great stroke, quick first step and an under-rated dunker.

by t jay on Aug 9, 2007 3:59 PM PDT reply actions

No Mercy

I used to be a Jim Paxson fan as a really young kid, but in the late 80s/early 90s it was Jerome and TP all the way.

I went to college up in Sonic territory (Western Wash University), so when I'd be watching a Blazers game with my Sonic lovin' dorm-mates I'd yell a resounding "JEROME! MY BRUTHA!" whenever he'd come from the weak side for a dunk! Years later, my college roommate still remembers that from me!

What about James "Hollywood" Robinson? Anyone?

by SloppyJoe on Aug 9, 2007 4:01 PM PDT reply actions

This has to be one of the most difficult

questions to answer I've ever seen here.

More than half the guys listed already make my list.

I didn't move to Oregon until spring of 88, so anyone before that wouldn't count for me.

I probably have to put Buck Williams at the top of the list. I didn't switch allegience from the Bullets to the Blazers until he came over in a trade. The rest of the list:

Buck
Sabonis - except I agree that he probably should be disqualified as he is a 50 greatest player.
Kersey - Longwood College in Virginia, incredible motor, great finisher, hard worker. What is there not to like about Jerome?
Cliff Robinson - I don't know if I can explain why, but I always liked Cliffy and always hoped he'd return to Portland.
Steve Blake - my feelings for Mr. Blake started long before he became a Blazer. I was so happy when we signed him, bummed when he was traded and happily reunited with him. I love the fact that he's developed a significant amount of support among Blazer fans.

the rest of the list is not necessarily in order

Brian Grant - a throw back, both in the passion and effort he demonstrated on the court and in being a true Blazer in the community.
Ime - even I'm amazed how deeply this guy worked his way into my affections. The one downer in this fantastic summer is knowing he won't be back.
tie to Chris Dudley & Joel Pryzbilla - lunch pail guys that wanted to live in Portland. Duds has to be one of the true gentlemen of the game and one of the most intelligent as well as most giving individuals. Joel became a lock for me when he showed how much loyalty meant to him.
Mario Elie - I liked him before he was a Blazer, loved him when he became a Blazer and always wished the best for him after he left. He was Ime without the local guy connection.
Alvin Williams / Victor Khryapa / Drazen Petrovic - guys who were not here long who I wished never left

Guys just missing my top ten - Mark Byrant, Stacy Augmen, Greg Anthony

I would have Terry Porter listed, except that Porter, along with Buck Williams and Sabonis, is far too good to really be classified as a cult player.

by timg56 on Aug 9, 2007 4:03 PM PDT reply actions

Good attention to detail. :)

I am the master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul. - Charles Wesley

by Earl on Aug 10, 2007 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions

c'mon

What about Aleksi Djordjevic. Remember when he was supposed to come from Europe and dominate?

Good call by TIMG, forgot about Alvin Williams. I also always liked Rick Brunson for some reason.

As I said above, Brian Grant would be my choice, followed by Damon and Sabas.

--Dave

Addicted to Quack SBN's Oregon Ducks Blog

by David Piper on Aug 9, 2007 4:09 PM PDT reply actions

For me

I've also got to go with Sabonis, but on his same team I'd have to give a runner up to Brian Grant. Not a stat guy, just a great team mate and a glue guy who could hold his own during crunch time.

by drawingjeremy on Aug 9, 2007 4:17 PM PDT reply actions

Rumeal Robinson, anyone?

In no particular order

-Buck (I dont need glasses but i had a pair of rec-specs as a kid so i could pretend to be him)
-Damon (A great community figure and clutch performer)
-Steve Smith (GREAT shooter and always took guys in the post, something NO 2 guard does today)
-Jim Jackson (was a huge asset when we had him)
-Martell (b/c he graduated high school the same year as me and knew my cousin and a bunch of her friends while growing up in seattle...)
-Dale Davis (Good for a nightly double double and always looked pissed off)

by Jaketron on Aug 9, 2007 4:40 PM PDT reply actions

funk dunk baby!

where's the love for my man J.R. Rider? dude was a legit baller for us and it took us the better part of a decade to fill that shooting guard spot with another assasin - B Roy.

by goonerluke on Aug 9, 2007 5:22 PM PDT reply actions

Sweet Shooters

Portland has had several guys who were amazing athletes or great up and down the floor type players. But two folks stick out in my mind as being worthy of cult status: Drazen Petrovic and Danny Young. Drazen was a European player of the year, but didn't have the moves to keep Clyde or TP off the floor (remember TP's elbow pads? classic.) But 7.4 pts in 12 min. per game ain't bad. Danny Young played in the PNW for most of his career and was a clutch bench player in the 89-90 finals run.

Why has no one said the Duck? If he'd had more confidence, he'd have been a great center. He moved like a ballerina compared to Sabas.

by bensonblazer on Aug 9, 2007 5:28 PM PDT reply actions

Cant even Pick One!

Hard to choose, but stuff like this makes me remember that at one time I really did like Sheed, Wells, Pippen, and Ruben; and it was not that long ago...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-C0iK_3FgAY

I can watch this over and over again and i love it every time!

by Casino Royale on Aug 9, 2007 5:48 PM PDT reply actions

Danny Young

I love his sweet shot, and I still remember his half court 3 pointer in the finals that they didn't count that would have won us that game.

I am the master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul. - Charles Wesley

by Earl on Aug 9, 2007 5:55 PM PDT reply actions

Thank God you mentioned this shot

I searched youtube for this shot and it ain't there. Danny Young is a good one.

by sotis on Aug 10, 2007 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions

Sometimes it haunts me

to this day. Watching it go down, jumping off the couch screaming, and then seeing the ref wave it off. I don't remember anything after that, I think I blacked out.

I am the master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul. - Charles Wesley

by Earl on Aug 10, 2007 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Terry Porter too, but

Since he was an All Star more than once does he count as cult?

I am the master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul. - Charles Wesley

by Earl on Aug 9, 2007 5:57 PM PDT reply actions

Also Jimmy Jackson

I think he got shafted here. He was stuck playing behind Isiah "Me Me Me" Rider and didn't get the respect or minutes he deserved here. He was a monster in Dallas and I think a better all around player than Rider.

Plus he was a great guy.

I am the master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul. - Charles Wesley

by Earl on Aug 9, 2007 6:01 PM PDT reply actions

Don't forget.

That Jim Hackson has had that rep as a ME ME ME gyu though his career. Why do you think he played for as many teams as he did?

On Paul Allen's cash it should say "In Pritchard We Trust"

by kevingiard1 on Aug 10, 2007 7:32 AM PDT up reply actions

LLoyd Neal

He was our version of Wes Unseld and a Lifelong Blazer

by jsh on Aug 9, 2007 6:11 PM PDT reply actions

Hooray!

A vote for "Bottom" and well deserved.

by lee3022 on Aug 9, 2007 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Squirmin' Herman and T.R. Dunn

Herman Gilliam. Game two, 1977 WCF against the Lakers. Single handedly brought the team back from the dead on their way to a four game sweep.

I remember the next year when they cut him in favor of rookie T.R. Dunn, who was sort of a Jerome Kersey before Kersey. Gilliam, a veteran, was of course very upset and said something like "Who's that guy? Do they think he'll be around for another 10 years or something? The way they're using me, I have at least five good years left in me!"

I think Dunn ended up playing for 15 years, which is incredible considering he was a guard who had no ballhandling or shooting skills whatsoever (but man, could he clamp down on D).

by The Cactus Leaguer on Aug 9, 2007 6:39 PM PDT reply actions

You beat me to it jsh

Lloyd Neal.

by Monochromo on Aug 9, 2007 7:15 PM PDT reply actions

I gotta go with Scottie Pippen

He was the leader of our 2000 team that, in my opinion, came closest to a championship since big red. He was the definition of a intangibles player, and its safe to assume that he kept the headcases in line about as good as anyone else could have. That 2000 team was a lot of fun to watch and Pippen was an exceptional leader and it showed on the court.

by myemic23 on Aug 9, 2007 7:33 PM PDT reply actions

i'll go way back

to geoff petrie. i think very few remember how good he was. he had one of the sweetest jumpshots ever and could always create his own shot -- because he could jump! or drive and then fall away. he scored 54 on tv -- if they'd had 3 pt shots back then it might have been closer to 70.

he also, his rookie year at least, the number has stuck in my head, averaged 4.5 assists. while scoring 24.5.

he also won the shortlived one-on-one contest (precursor to the dunking exhibitions of today).

ignacio

by ignacio on Aug 9, 2007 8:18 PM PDT reply actions

Geoff's 54..........both of them

It's a terrific story. Geoff dropped 54 on Mike Newlin down in Houston. Newlin was interviewed after the game and said something to the effect of "he'll never to that against me again".

A few weeks later Houston was in Portland and Newlin was on Geoff.......who laid ANOTHER fresh 54 on him.

Great story and a small tidbit of Petrie's enormous talent.

Geoff shared the ROY award with Dave Cowens and also won the CBS 1 on 1 competition shown at halftime of all national games. I believe he beat Bob Lanier in the final match.

by t jay on Aug 9, 2007 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh, man

Do I remember that second 54! That was as close to paradise as a Blazer fan could get in those years.

by jscot on Aug 10, 2007 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions

The Chief!

Bill Walton ... he could pass at least as well as Sabonis, was absolutely the best at rebounding and starting the break (take the ball off the glass and fire it down court to start the break all in one motion before his feet ever came back down to the floor). Did I mention his defense? He knew right where to be. He was an incredible, super smart athlete who knew exactly what was going on during the game at all times. He was so quick minded that he could react in a nano-second ... no, make that a pico-second to anything happening on the floor. And I still swoon over his performance in the NCAA finals in 1973 when he went 21 for 22 field goals. There will never be another performance like that. He scored every way imaginable.

Next choices:

Calvin Natt - a 6'6" guy who played under the basket like he was 7 feet.

Kersey
Buck Williams
Loyd Neal
Porter
Brian Grant
Kermit Washington
Twardzik

These guys were all tough, hard nosed players who won my heart.

by TwoDeep on Aug 9, 2007 8:21 PM PDT reply actions

And oh ...

in those days Walton was as close to a cult figure as anyone.

by TwoDeep on Aug 9, 2007 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Actually in the previous years

he was following a different cult! Anyone else remember him breaking a toe on a sprinkler while running barefoot in the dark? Hippie city was here long before the culture change.

by lee3022 on Aug 9, 2007 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Walton and the Commune

I grew up in La Center (just north of Vancouver, WA), and while I don't remember it (too young), my family talked about him frequently coming up to spend time in the woods with this commune (cant' remember the name> He became so well known around there, that a few years back when La Center opened their new library, he was the guest of honor at the ribbon cutting.

by SloppyJoe on Aug 10, 2007 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions

Rick Roberson

A 6'9" Defensive Center, That would be my second choice

by jsh on Aug 9, 2007 8:30 PM PDT reply actions

Kevin Duckworth?!?!?!?!?

Whats wrong with you people! The duck took on the admiral with a broken hand! Humiliated him in 90. The Duck!

by Sam Bowie on Aug 9, 2007 9:17 PM PDT reply actions

drazen...

pack-man, alaa....

i could indeed go on forever too, but those are the first to come to mind...

written by the Blazer Thoughts artist formely known as "Scott R"

by saregister on Aug 9, 2007 9:27 PM PDT reply actions

Darius Miles

Name one other player who was more hated by the home crowd? Maybe Jason Kidd when he got in trouble in Phoenix. Even then, I think Kidd was more liked then, than Miles is currently liked in Portland. I love to root for the underdog and Darius Miles is the greatest underdog of all time.

Therefore, Darius is my new all time favorite. Until I understand the loathing of Miles, I will be his champion.

Until recently, I have always loved Sabonis. His passes were breathtaking.

Aaron Brooks the 2007 ROY.

by tominhawaii on Aug 9, 2007 10:02 PM PDT reply actions

Miles

Players who are "loathed" have generally worked hard to earn it.

by t jay on Aug 9, 2007 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions

How could we forget...

Bubble gum blowing James Robinson?! Come on now..

Kevin Thomas http://thethomasfile.blogspot.com

by proseballer on Aug 9, 2007 10:15 PM PDT reply actions

I am still shocked

I am the only one to mention Duckworth. How about Dany Ainge picking his nose on national television?

by Sam Bowie on Aug 9, 2007 11:42 PM PDT reply actions

Or when Pippen (the Bull)

under the basket pulled an inbound off of Ainge's butt to himself and scored the easy deuce?

Awesome!

Ball Don't Lie

by bothteamsplayedhard on Aug 10, 2007 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Bill Cosby!

Was up watching tv land with the kids last night, and on the Cosby Show good ol' Jello Pudding Pop was wearing a Blazers Jersey with the number 18 of Ramon Ramos...not necessarily the greatest Blazer of yester year, but outside of Walter Barry possibly the greatest "what if" and definetly the biggest tragedy for the Blazers

On Paul Allen's cash it should say "In Pritchard We Trust"

by kevingiard1 on Aug 10, 2007 7:36 AM PDT reply actions

Word up Big Sky

The Atomic Dog hits the baseliner for the win over the Mavs in the first round, our first playoff series since the championship, i think. Don't remember much, but I just liked how he was a sloppy, lunch pail type of player. Wonder whatever happened to Audie Norris?

by Atomic Dog 71 on Aug 10, 2007 9:36 AM PDT reply actions

Buck Williams

He quietly went about his business, doing whatever was needed by the team on any given night. He was a decent shooter and scorer when he had to be and he rebounded and defended well all the time. He'd also mix it up a little bit when he had to. And he was a great character guy off the court too. I sometimes wonder if we all overlooked how important Buck was to those teams of the early 90's

I'm glad Oden will be wearing his number 52 next season.

by leeroyjenkins on Aug 10, 2007 9:40 AM PDT reply actions

Alaa

The greatest blazers cult hero has to be Billy Ray. The all-time less is more guy.

While not exactly a "cult hero" one of my favorite blazer moments involved Alaa Abdelnaby. The blazers were crushing another hapless opponent late in the fourth quarter when Adelman summoned Alaa from the bench. Alaa's reply was "Is the lead safe now, coach?"

Needless to say Alaa was suspended for a game or two.

by AtticusDuck on Aug 10, 2007 10:49 AM PDT reply actions

My favorite...

was the forgotten jersey. Adelman turned around for two seconds and Alaa was gone back to the dressing room.

by ken @ Blazer's Edge on Aug 10, 2007 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Cult Favorite: Robert Pack

Lots of great blazers in history, but too many people are talking about well-known stars on here. Come on, Pippen? Not exactly cult/underground status.

So, though I've loved many, it's got to be Robert Pack! The dude was SO powerful for a little guy. Those dunks were amazing. I bought loaves of Franz white bread and threw them away just to get the Robert Pack limited edition Franz card inside. He seemed destined for stardom. I'd love to know what happened after we sent him to Denver and he kind of disappeared after, I think, one fairly strong year for them.

by sotis on Aug 10, 2007 12:04 PM PDT reply actions

pack: the later years ---

Here's Pack's NBA career BIO. http://www.nba.com/playerfile/robert_pack/index.html?nav=page

Didn't realize he had all those years with Dallas with still pretty solid ppg/mgp numbers. Where was I?

Also, some good stuff on youtube including this vicious punch to the face of an Estonian.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAf3cdPMHB0

all I can say is too bad he ditched the box top hair cut. He, Jerome, and Uncle Cliffy rocked that hairstyle like nobody's business. Might have to include Charles Oakley and Brad Daugherty in that too live crew as well. ha.

by sotis on Aug 10, 2007 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe it's cause I was a fat when he was a starter

Kevin Duckworth eating a hotdog during the 3rd quarter.

by Sam Bowie on Aug 10, 2007 4:18 PM PDT reply actions

Bill Shonley

#1 Has got to be the Shonz! No Blazer fan cannot have move love for anyone than the Shonz. He is a legend. His famous Rip City-Bingo Bango Bongo, lickedy brindle up the middle and my personal favorite, Holy Backboard! Are all timeless. He is an icon to our only pro franchise. And I just wish we would have a throwback game (with the red uniforms that have Blazers stiched from north to south) in the Coluseum and let him do the play by play.

If I had to choose a player it would have to be Rod Strickland. He could be one of the most underrated players of all time. PJ's terrible way of handling NBA players led to him being known as cancer to team chemistry. The guy averaged over 20 and 10 in every playoff season he played for us. He was money when it mattered.
Retired with nearly 15,000 points and 8,000 assists. Zero All Star games.

Remeber in 1994 when he and Sabonis had the best two man tandom in the league for the final 20 ganes and the Blazers went 16-4. Put us in the playoffs.

by RStickland1 on Aug 10, 2007 5:14 PM PDT reply actions