History of Portland Trail Blazers in Timeline

The Portland Trail Blazers are an NBA team based in Portland, Oregon, competing in the Western Conference's Northwest Division. Founded in 1970, they initially played at the Memorial Coliseum before moving to the Moda Center in 1995. The Trail Blazers had a remarkable streak of 814 consecutive sold-out home games from 1977 to 1995, a record in American major professional sports at the time. Following the Seattle SuperSonics' relocation in 2008, the Trail Blazers are now the sole NBA team in the Pacific Northwest.

1955: Glickman Seeks NBA Franchise

In 1955, Harry Glickman sought a National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise for Portland and Los Angeles.

1960: Memorial Coliseum Opens

In 1960, the Memorial Coliseum opened, and Harry Glickman saw the potential it could serve as a professional basketball venue.

February 6, 1970: NBA Grants Franchise

On February 6, 1970, the NBA board of governors granted Harry Glickman the rights to a franchise in Portland.

1970: Bill Schonely Radio Announcer

In 1970, Bill Schonely became the team's radio play-by-play announcer.

1970: Expansion Team Entry

In 1970, the Portland Trail Blazers entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an expansion team.

1970: Entry into NBA as Expansion Team

In 1970, the Trail Blazers, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Buffalo Braves, entered the NBA as an expansion team, under coach Rolland Todd.

1970: Inception

Since the team's inception in 1970, The Trail Blazers' 37 playoff appearances rank fourth in the NBA only behind the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs.

1972: Drafting LaRue Martin

In 1972, the Trail Blazers drafted LaRue Martin with the number one pick in the NBA draft.

1974: Attendance Increased

Attendance increased during the 1974–75 season, when the team drafted Bill Walton.

1974: Drafting Bill Walton

In 1974, the Trail Blazers selected Bill Walton from UCLA as the number one pick.

1976: Start of Blazermania

During the 1976–77 season, the phenomenon known as Blazermania started, when the team posted its first winning record.

1976: ABA-NBA Merger

In 1976, the ABA and NBA merged. The Trail Blazers selected Maurice Lucas in the dispersal draft and hired Jack Ramsay as head coach.

1977: Sellout Streak Begins

In 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers began a sellout streak of 814 consecutive home games, which at the time, was the longest streak in American major professional sports.

1977: NBA Championship

In 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers won their only NBA championship.

1977: NBA Championship & Sellout Streak Begins

In 1977, the Trail Blazers had a winning record, made a playoff appearance, won an NBA championship, and started a sellout streak of 814 straight games beginning on April 5th.

1977: Successful Start to Season

The 1977-78 season started with the team having a 50-10 mark.

1978: Walton's Injury and Trade Demand

In 1978, Bill Walton suffered a foot injury that ended his season and led to his demand to be traded.

1980: Lucas Leaves the Team

In 1980, Maurice Lucas left the Portland Trail Blazers, further dismantling the team.

1982: Failing to Qualify for Playoffs

In 1982, the Trail Blazers failed to qualify for the playoffs.

1983: Playoff Streak Starts

From 1983 through 2003, the Trail Blazers qualified for the playoffs for 21 straight seasons, tied for the second-longest streak in NBA history.

1983: Drafting Clyde Drexler

In the 1983 NBA draft, the Trail Blazers selected Clyde Drexler with the 14th pick.

1984: Draft selection of Sam Bowie

In 1984, the Blazers' selection of Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan in the 1984 NBA draft drew comparisons to Oden's injury woes and Durant's success.

1985: Drafting Terry Porter

In the 1985 NBA draft, the Trail Blazers selected Terry Porter with the last pick of the first round.

1985: Inspiration for recording songs

The 1985 Chicago Bears' "Super Bowl Shuffle" possibly inspired the Blazers to record "Bust a Bucket" and "Rip City Rhapsody".

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1986: Ramsay fired, Schuler hired

In 1986, Jack Ramsay was fired and replaced with Mike Schuler. The team drafted Arvydas Sabonis and Dražen Petrović, and traded Mychal Thompson to the San Antonio Spurs for Steve Johnson.

1988: Kevin Duckworth Wins Most Improved Player Award

In 1988, Kevin Duckworth of the Trail Blazers won the NBA Most Improved Player award.

1988: Paul Allen Purchases the Team

In 1988, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen purchased the Trail Blazers for $70 million.

March 22, 1989: Bigfoot incident

On March 22, 1989, Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson protested a skit during a timeout where Bigfoot crushed a model of the Golden Gate Bridge, which led to Bigfoot being discontinued as Portland's mascot.

1990: NBA Finals Appearance

In 1990, the Portland Trail Blazers appeared in the NBA Finals.

1990: NBA Finals Appearance and Recording of Songs

In 1990, the Trail Blazers reached the NBA Finals, losing to the Detroit Pistons. The Blazers recorded two songs: "Bust a Bucket" and "Rip City Rhapsody".

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1990: Clyde Drexler performance

In 2008, Roy earned NBA Western Conference Player of the Week honors in back-to-back weeks—the first Blazer to do so since Clyde Drexler in 1990–91.

1992: Bill Schonely TV Games

From 1992 to 1994, Bill Schonely did Trail Blazers TV games with Steve Jones.

1992: NBA Finals Appearance

In 1992, the Portland Trail Blazers appeared in the NBA Finals.

1993: Failed to advance past the first round of playoffs

In 1993, the Trail Blazers failed to advance past the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

July 1994: Bob Whitsitt Hired as Team President

In July 1994, the Trail Blazers hired Bob Whitsitt as their new team president.

1994: Bill Schonely Radio Announcer

In 1994, Bill Schonely returned to being the team's radio play-by-play announcer.

1994: Failed to advance past the first round of playoffs

In 1994, the Trail Blazers failed to advance past the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Rick Adelman was fired and replaced by P. J. Carlesimo.

1995: Terry Porter Leaves in Free Agency

In 1995, Terry Porter left the Trail Blazers in free agency.

1995: Move to Moda Center

In 1995, the Portland Trail Blazers moved from the Memorial Coliseum to the Moda Center, which was called the Rose Garden until 2013.

1995: Rose Garden Opened

In 1995, the Trail Blazers' home arena, originally named the Rose Garden, opened. It can seat 19,980 spectators for basketball games, with capacity increasing to 20,580 with standing room.

1995: End of Sellout Streak

In 1995, the Trail Blazers' sellout streak of 814 straight games ended after the team moved into a larger facility.

1995: Move from Memorial Coliseum

Prior to 1995, the Trail Blazers' home venue was the Memorial Coliseum, which is adjacent to the Moda Center.

1996: Buck Williams Leaves in Free Agency

In 1996, Buck Williams left the Trail Blazers in free agency.

1997: Clifford Robinson Leaves in Free Agency

In 1997, Clifford Robinson left the Trail Blazers in free agency.

1998: Bill Schonely Retirement

In 1998, Bill Schonely retired from being the team's radio play-by-play announcer after calling 2,522 Blazers games.

1999: BlazerVision Criticized

In the 1999–2000 season, Portland Business Journal writer Andy Giegerich criticized the BlazerVision pay-per-view service when it was assigned early-round playoff games, resulting in blackouts of TNT's national coverage.

2000: KGW Flagship Station

By 2000, KGW was serving as the flagship station for the Trail Blazers' broadcast television games.

2001: Action Sports Cable Network (ASCN) Established

In the 2001–02 season, the Trail Blazers established their own regional sports network, Action Sports Cable Network (ASCN), to carry the majority of Trail Blazers telecasts.

2001: Rasheed Wallace All-Star

Rasheed Wallace was the last Blazer All-Star until Roy was selected in 2008.

2002: Best record since 2002-03

In 2009, the Blazers clinched their first playoff berth since 2003 with a 54–28 record, their best since 2002–03.

2003: Blazers' best record since 2003-04

In 2008, the Blazers finished the season 41-41, their best record since 2003-04.

2003: First Playoff Berth Since 2003

In 2009, the Blazers clinched their first playoff berth since 2003 with a 54–28 record

2003: Playoff Streak Ends

The Trail Blazers' streak of 21 straight playoff appearances, which started in 1983, ended in 2003.

2003: Attendance Declined

The team averaged over 19,000 spectators per game until the 2003–04 season, when attendance declined due to image problems and lack of competitiveness.

2004: Zach Randolph Wins Most Improved Player Award

In 2004, Zach Randolph of the Trail Blazers won the NBA Most Improved Player award.

2004: Oregon Arena Corporation Bankruptcy

In 2004, the Oregon Arena Corporation, a holding company owned by Paul Allen, filed for bankruptcy.

2005: Arena Ownership Changes

During a two-year period between 2005 and 2007, the arena was owned by a consortium of creditors who financed its construction.

2005: Steve "Snapper" Jones Departs

In 2005, Steve "Snapper" Jones departed the Trail Blazers franchise after a long association, which included playing for the team and working as a television analyst.

2005: Steve Jones Departure Alleged

It was alleged that the 2005 departure of Steve Jones from the commentary team was due in part to team displeasure with Jones' sometimes frank analysis of the team's performance.

November 2006: Oregonian Investigation

In November 2006, the Oregonian commissioned an outside editor to investigate the deteriorating relationship between the team and the paper.

2006: Attendance Climbed

After drafting Brandon Roy, attendance climbed in the 2006–07 season and continued to rebound in the 2007–08 season.

2006: Blazers trade for LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy

In 2006, the Trail Blazers traded Viktor Khryapa and the draft rights for Tyrus Thomas to acquire LaMarcus Aldridge. They also traded for the sixth pick, which became Brandon Roy, marking significant acquisitions for the team.

2007: Attendance Climbed

After drafting Brandon Roy, attendance climbed in the 2006–07 season and continued to rebound in the 2007–08 season.

2007: Arena Ownership Changes

During a two-year period between 2005 and 2007, the arena was owned by a consortium of creditors who financed its construction.

2007: Move to Comcast SportsNet Northwest

In the 2007–08 season, the Trail Blazers moved to Comcast SportsNet Northwest, with most regular season games carried on CSN Northwest or the Blazers Television Network. 34 games were produced and broadcast in high-definition.

2007: Steve Patterson resigns, Paul Allen repurchases Rose Garden, Roy named Rookie of the Year, Blazers win draft lottery

In the spring of 2007, Steve Patterson resigned as team president, and Paul Allen repurchased the Rose Garden. On the court, the team finished with a 32–50 record, an 11-game improvement, and Roy was named the 2006–07 Rookie of the Year. That summer, Kevin Pritchard was promoted to general manager, and former Nike executive Larry Miller was hired as team president. The Blazers won the 2007 NBA draft lottery and selected Ohio State center Greg Oden with the No. 1 pick.

July 2008: Mike Golub Resigns

In July 2008, Mike Golub resigned from his position as chief operating officer (COO) of the Trail Blazers to take a more enhanced role with VSE.

2008: Attendance Rebounded

After drafting Brandon Roy, attendance climbed in the 2006–07 season and continued to rebound in the 2007–08 season. The final 27 home games of the 2007–2008 season were consecutive sell-outs, a streak that continued through the entire 2008–2009 season and into the start of the 2011–2012 season.

2008: Greg Oden debuts, Rudy Fernández competes in Slam Dunk Contest

During the 2008–09 season, Greg Oden finally debuted, playing in 61 games. Portland also added international talent with Spanish swingman Rudy Fernández and French-native Nicolas Batum, who emerged as a skilled defensive forward. Fernández competed in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend.

2008: Roy selected to All-Star Game, Blazers finish 41-41

In 2008, Roy was selected to the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, the first Blazer All-Star since Rasheed Wallace in 2001. The Blazers finished the season 41–41, their best record since 2003–04.

2008: Trail Blazers become the Pacific Northwest's Only NBA Team

In 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City, leaving the Portland Trail Blazers as the only NBA team based in the Pacific Northwest.

2009: Rebecca Haarlow Sideline Reporter

In the 2009-10 season, Rebecca Haarlow was the sideline reporter for the Trail Blazers television play-by-play team.

2009: Sellout Streak Continued

The final 27 home games of the 2007–2008 season were consecutive sell-outs, a streak that continued through the entire 2008–2009 season and into the start of the 2011–2012 season.

June 24, 2010: Kevin Pritchard Fired

On June 24, 2010, Kevin Pritchard was fired from his position as general manager of the Trail Blazers. The announcement was made by the Blazers' head office just an hour before the beginning of the 2010 NBA draft.

2010: Injuries plague the Blazers

During the 2010–11 season, Jeff Pendergraph and rookie guard Elliot Williams suffered knee injuries, sidelining them for the season. In November, Oden underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee, ending his season.

2010: Adam Bjaranson Hired

Halfway through the 2010–2011 season, the Trail Blazers hired Adam Bjaranson from KGW to be the studio host for the radio broadcasts.

2010: Terry Porter Sideline Reporter

In the 2010-11 season, Terry Porter was the sideline reporter for the Trail Blazers television play-by-play team.

January 17, 2011: Brandon Roy undergoes double arthroscopic surgery

On January 17, 2011, Brandon Roy underwent double arthroscopic surgery to repair both knees, casting doubt on his future.

February 24, 2011: Trade for Gerald Wallace

On February 24, 2011, the Trail Blazers traded Dante Cunningham, Joel Przybilla, and Sean Marks to the Charlotte Bobcats for former All-Star Gerald Wallace.

June 23, 2011: NBA draft and three-team trade

On June 23, 2011, the Trail Blazers selected Nolan Smith and Jon Diebler in the NBA draft. The same day, they traded Andre Miller and Rudy Fernández, acquiring Raymond Felton.

2011: Adam Bjaranson Hired

Halfway through the 2010–2011 season, the Trail Blazers hired Adam Bjaranson from KGW to be the studio host for the radio broadcasts.

2011: Memorial Coliseum Renamed

In 2011, the Memorial Coliseum was renamed the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

2011: Sellout Streak Continued

The final 27 home games of the 2007–2008 season were consecutive sell-outs, a streak that continued through the entire 2008–2009 season and into the start of the 2011–2012 season.

March 15, 2012: Trades, release and firing

On March 15, 2012, the Trail Blazers traded Marcus Camby to Houston and Gerald Wallace to New Jersey, released Greg Oden, and fired head coach Nate McMillan, replacing him with interim coach Kaleb Canales.

June 2012: Neil Olshey Hired

In June 2012, the Trail Blazers hired Neil Olshey as their new general manager.

June 28, 2012: NBA Draft selections

On June 28, 2012, the Trail Blazers selected Damian Lillard, Meyers Leonard, and Will Barton in the NBA draft. They also traded the rights to Tyshawn Taylor for cash considerations.

July 2012: Larry Miller Resigns

In July 2012, Larry Miller resigned from his position as president and chief executive officer of the Trail Blazers.

July 2012: Changes to the Trail Blazers front office

In July 2012, the Trail Blazers signed Joel Freeland and Víctor Claver, re-signed Hickson and Nicolas Batum, and signed Ronnie Price.

August 7, 2012: Terry Stotts hired as head coach

On August 7, 2012, the Trail Blazers hired Terry Stotts as their new head coach.

2012: Sellout Streak Continued

The final 27 home games of the 2007–2008 season were consecutive sell-outs, a streak that continued through the entire 2008–2009 season and into the start of the 2011–2012 season.

January 11, 2013: Victory against the Miami Heat

On January 11, 2013, Wesley Matthews made two consecutive three-pointers to help the Trail Blazers secure a 92–90 victory at home against the Miami Heat.

January 2013: Good performance through January

In January 2013, the Trail Blazers posted a 20-15 record.

August 2013: Rose Garden Renamed Moda Center

In August 2013, the Rose Garden's name was changed to the Moda Center after a $4 million agreement with Moda Health Corporation, which drew criticism from fans.

December 12, 2013: Aldridge's 30-25 Game

On December 12, 2013, LaMarcus Aldridge recorded a 30-point, 25-rebound game against the Rockets, a first for a Trail Blazers player.

December 14, 2013: Franchise record for three-pointers

On December 14, 2013, the Trail Blazers set a franchise record with 21 three-pointers against the Philadelphia 76ers.

2013: Rose Garden renamed Moda Center

In 2013, the Rose Garden Arena, where the Trail Blazers play their home games, was renamed the Moda Center.

October 29, 2014: Season Opener Win

On October 29, 2014, the Trail Blazers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 106-89, in their season opener.

December 15, 2014: Lopez's Injury

On December 15, 2014, starting center Lopez fractured his right hand in a game against the Spurs.

March 5, 2015: Wesley Matthews' season-ending injury

On March 5, 2015, Wesley Matthews suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear.

March 30, 2015: Playoffs berth

On March 30, 2015, the Trail Blazers clinched a return trip to the playoffs, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 109-86.

June 16, 2016: Barrett, Rice, and Harvey Released

On June 16, 2016, The Oregonian reported that Barrett, Rice, and analyst Antonio Harvey had been released by the Trail Blazers as part of a plan to overhaul its telecasts.

July 6, 2016: Contract Renewed with CSN Northwest

On July 6, 2016, the Trail Blazers renewed their contract with CSN Northwest through the 2020–2021 season, giving the network exclusive rights to all games beginning in the 2017–18 season.

2016: CJ McCollum Wins Most Improved Player Award

In 2016, CJ McCollum of the Trail Blazers won the NBA Most Improved Player award.

November 2, 2017: Blazers Plus Launched

On November 2, 2017, NBC Sports Northwest launched a paid over-the-top service, Blazers Plus, offering access to 15 games through the remainder of the season.

April 21, 2018: Playoff Elimination

On April 21, 2018, the Trail Blazers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the New Orleans Pelicans in a 4-0 sweep.

2019: Brian Wheeler leaves position

Brian Wheeler served as play-by-play radio announcer from 1998 to 2019.

July 1, 2020: Kevin Calabro Departure

On July 1, 2020, Kevin Calabro announced his departure as TV play-by-play broadcaster for the Trail Blazers.

November 2020: Jordan Kent Named Full-Time TV Play-by-Play Broadcaster

In November 2020, Jordan Kent was named the full-time TV play-by-play broadcaster for the Trail Blazers, starting with the 2020–2021 season.

2020: Contract Renewed with CSN Northwest

On July 6, 2016, the Trail Blazers renewed their contract with CSN Northwest through the 2020–2021 season, giving the network exclusive rights to all games beginning in the 2017–18 season.

June 4, 2021: Stotts out as head coach

On June 4, 2021, following a first-round playoff loss, the Trail Blazers and head coach Terry Stotts mutually agreed to part ways.

September 2021: Dish Network Contract Expiration

Prior to the 2021–22 season, Dish Network's contract with Root Sports and several other AT&T SportsNet channels expired at the end of September 2021, with no renewal.

2021: Jordan Kent Named Full-Time TV Play-by-Play Broadcaster

In November 2020, Jordan Kent was named the full-time TV play-by-play broadcaster for the Trail Blazers, starting with the 2020–2021 season.

2021: Contract Renewed with CSN Northwest

On July 6, 2016, the Trail Blazers renewed their contract with CSN Northwest through the 2020–2021 season, giving the network exclusive rights to all games beginning in the 2017–18 season.

February 8, 2022: CJ McCollum traded to New Orleans Pelicans

On February 8, 2022, the Trail Blazers traded CJ McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans amidst a losing season impacted by injuries. This created an opportunity for Anfernee Simons to lead the Blazers offense.

June 22, 2022: Jerami Grant Acquired

On June 22, 2022, the Trail Blazers acquired forward Jerami Grant from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for draft picks in 2023 and 2025.

June 23, 2022: 2022 NBA draft

On June 23, 2022, during the 2022 NBA draft, the Trail Blazers selected Shaedon Sharpe and Jabari Walker with the 7th and 57th picks, respectively.

March 2023: Douglas Fur introduced as secondary mascot

In March 2023, Douglas Fur was introduced as a secondary mascot alongside Blaze the Trail Cat.

September 27, 2023: Lillard Traded and Jrue Holiday Acquired

On September 27, 2023, the Trail Blazers traded Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, acquiring Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, and a 2029 first-round draft pick, with the option to swap with the Bucks for the 2028 and 2030 first-round picks.

2023: Testing "OneCourt Haptic Displays"

In the 2023–24 season, the Blazers began testing "OneCourt Haptic Displays", a haptic device that allows fans with low vision or blindness to be able to "watch" live games.

August 14, 2024: Trail Blazers Leave Root Sports Northwest

The Trail Blazers announced they would leave Root Sports Northwest on August 14, 2024; no details on a replacement broadcaster were announced at that time.

September 23, 2024: Agreement with Sinclair Broadcast Group

On September 23, 2024, the Trail Blazers announced an agreement with the Sinclair Broadcast Group to launch Rip City Television Network, which will syndicate games over-the-air.

2024: Playoff Qualification

Through the 2024 season, the team has qualified for the playoffs in 37 of their 55 seasons.

January 1, 2025: Games Move to KUNP/KATU-DT2

In Portland, games moved to KUNP/KATU-DT2 on January 1, 2025.

July 19, 2025: Damian Lillard returns

On July 19, 2025, Damian Lillard returned to the Trail Blazers after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, but was expected to miss the season while recuperating from a torn Achilles tendon.

October 23, 2025: Head coach Chauncey Billups Arrested

On October 23, 2025, head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested as part of illegal gambling-related cases. The NBA placed Billups on immediate leave, and assistant coach Tiago Splitter was named interim head coach.