Winning the Lotto: Portland Trail Blazers 11 Best Draft Acquisitions

This Article Is Courtesy Of Rip City Report

Ever since the Portland Trail Blazers' "jail Blazers" era, the franchise has been forced to rebuild through the draft. 2006 comes to mind with that said, a year when the team drafted two of its future stars and traded for the rights of many future role players.

Why is this relevant you say?

Well it got me thinking, who are the best draft acquisitions ever to wear a Blazers uniform?

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Clyde Drexler

"Clyde The Glide" played in 1,086 games, averaged 20.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 6.1 rebounds for his career.

He was a 10 time NBA all-star, one time NBA first team selection, two time NBA second team, two time NBA third team, and was elected to the The Hall of Fame in 2004.

He also Has a Gold Medal from the 1992 Olympic games.

Drexler has compiled 22,195 points, 2,207 steals, 6,125 assists, and 6,677 rebounds in his career.

Portland Drafted Clyde Drexler in the 1983 NBA draft (14th overall).

Clyde Drexler was the best player in the Blazers teams of the 90's, leading the team to two NBA finals appearances only to lose the the one and only Michael Jordan in both.

Eventually the shooting guard was traded to the Houston Rockets upon request, but he didn't leave without making his mark on Portland's only professional team.

Geoff Petrie

Geoff Petrie was the eighth pick in the 1970 NBA draft. For the Portland Trail Blazers, Petrie was the first player to be drafted by the franchise and the first to be signed to a contract.

The 6'5" guard averaged 21.8 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.6 rebounds over his career.

He managed to score 51 points twice in his career, both in 1972 and both coming against the Houston Rockets.

He was not part of the 1977 Championship team, as he left the team in 1996.

In his six year career, Petrie was a three time scoring leader, two time all-star, and rookie of the year (1970).

Terry Porter

Terry Porter was selected with the 24th pick in the 1985 NBA draft.

The Guard averaged 13.68 points, 1.25 steals, 6.1 assists, and three rebounds while in Portland.
Terry Porter led the league in 3 point shooting percentage three times and was an all-star one time.

He recorded seven triple doubles in his career.

The Sharpshooter was part of three NBA finals teams but was unable to win the Championship, but is considered one of the top five players to ever play for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Bill Walton

Bill Walton was drafted by Portland in 1974.

He is considered to be the best player on the franchise's one and only NBA championship title in 1977.

In that year he averaged 18.6 points, four assists, and 14.4 rebounds.

For his career he put up averages of 13.3 points and 10.8 rebounds. Although Walton's career was seriously stunted by injuries, he was inducted into the basketball hall of fame in 1993.

Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum is on this list for his potential ability.

He isn't one of the 10 best Blazers of all time, but he could easily become one. His wingspan is that of a seven footer's and can guard any position.

I project him to be this team's Scottie Pippen, the defensive stopper that allows the rest of the team to succeed.

That is why I believe him to be one of the best draft acquisitions of all time.

Brandon Roy

B-Roy is the modern day Blazers Clyde Drexler.

The do-it-all guard has been the face of the franchise since he was drafted in 2006 by the Minnesota Timberwolves (sixth overall) then traded on draft day to the Portland Trail Blazers for Randy Foye.

In his short career, Roy has averaged 20.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game.

He has been a three time all-star in five years and was voted the Rookie of the Year in 2006.

LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge was the second selection in the 2006 NBA draft, selected by the Chicago Bulls, then traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for Tyrus Thomas and Victor Khryapa.

In his rookie season he was selected to the Rookie Game on all-star weekend.

In his short career, the power forward has averaged 15.7 points and 7.1 rebounds.

Lionel Hollins

Lionel Hollins was the sixth pick in the 1975 NBA draft and averaged 10.8 points and four assists.

Lynel was part of the 1977 NBA championship team in which he averaged 15.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds, which also was his best season in his 12 year career.

Hollins was a one time all-star, one time all-NBA Rookie team, and a two time all-defensive player.

Sidney Wicks

The second pick in the 1971 NBA draft played for the Trail Blazers for five NBA seasons.

Throughout his career he averaged 16.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 8.7 rebounds.

Although he only played for the Blazers in five NBA seasons, the forward was a four time NBA all-star (1972-1975), three time All NBA points leader, one time Points average leader, and was voted the the rookie team in 1971.

Jerome Kersey

Jerome was drafted in 1984 (46th overall) by the Portland Trail Blazers.

For his career the forward averaged 10.4 points 5.6 rebounds.

His playing days in Portland were the best of his career; in 1987-1988 Kersey averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 rebounds.

But he was left unprotected for the 1994-1995 NBA expansion draft and was drafted by the Toronto Raptors, then waived and picked up by the Golden State Warriors.

Jim Paxson

Jim Paxson was drafted in 1979 (12th pick). He averaged 14.3 points and four assists throughout his entire career, but experienced his best years in the 10 years he played in Portland.

He was a two time all star, led the league in points (1982-1983), and was selected to the All NBA second team (1983-1984).

Honorable Mention

Zach Randolph- Part of the Jail Blazers era
Jermain O'neal- Didn't really have a role on a Portland Team
Clifford Robinson- Mediocre stats, played on multiple teams
Anthony Mason- Never played for Portland
Mickey Johnson- Never played for Portland
Nicolas Batum- Future pillar of the franchise

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