Blazers Summer Reading
If you're a reader who also happens to be a Blazer fan, you've definitely come to the right place. Find one of these hot Blazer reads from the library or your local bookstore and delve deep into some old stories of Blazermania.
Relax under a tree, cozy up on the couch, go sit on a bench by the fountain outside the Rose Garden, or just find somewhere peaceful to open up one of the following books and go behind the scenes with your favorite players on your favorite team.
The Breaks of the Game by David Halberstam (1981)
The Breaks of the Game is a superbly written in-depth look at the 1979-80 Portland Trail Blazers.
ESPN.com's Bill Simmons once wrote: "Just know that I have tons and tons of sports books: Three overflowing bookcases in my house, more in my garage, even more at my father's house and my mother's house.
The one that matters most? "Breaks of the Game," the perfect book about the perfect team."
Red Hot and Rollin' is an anthology of essays and memoirs from an assortment of Northwest writers who experienced Portland's only championship season.
If you're not a big reader, there's still reason to check this book out because it comes with the 1978 film documentary on the team, Fast Break.
Bill Walton: On the Road With the Portland Trail Blazers by Jack Scott (1978)
This rare book chronicles Bill Walton and his time with the Trail Blazers in the late 70s.
I found a copy at a used book store several years ago, but have not gotten around to reading it yet.
However, my Mom borrowed it and read it and she loved it!
Against the World: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Portland Trail Blazers' Chase for the NBA Championship by Kerry Eggers and Dwight Jaynes (1993)
I just finished reading this excellent book about Portland's run in the early 90's. Against the World was very well written by Eggers and Jaynes and it reminds us all of just how amazing Clyde Drexler was.
It is full of several interesting off the court stories including my personal favorite of Alaa Abdelnaby and Uncle Cliffy celebrating the Western Conference Finals victory over Utah by driving home from the Hillsboro airport and getting caught speeding at well over 100 mph (Planting the seeds of the upcoming Jail Blazer Era? I think so!). Great stuff!
The Long Hot Winter: A Year in the Life f the Portland Trail Blazers by Rick Adelman with Dwight Jaynes (1992)
Peer into the 1990-91 Portland Trail Blazers through the eyes of head coach Rick Adelman.
Follow the team from training camp, through an amazing franchise record 63-win regular season, to a horribly disappointing loss in the Western Conference Finals to the hated Lakers.
We all know Adelman is a fine coach. Read this book to figure out for yourself why he's so highly regarded.
Clyde the Glide by Clyde Drexler with Kerry Eggers (2004)
I'll have to admit, this isn't one of those books that you can't put down. Some parts are better than others.
There are a few interesting stories like his upbringing, his opinions of the infamous Jake Donaldson, his ridiculous ability to not stretch or warm up before games, and his stint as coach at the University of Houston.
Overall, not my favorite read. But come on, it's Clyde Drexler!
Wherever You May Be...The Bill Schonely Story by Kerry Eggers (1999)
Check out the world of the Schonz. You don't know anything about the Blazers if you don't know anything about Bill Schonely.
Read about the life of the man who created the familiar phrases, "Rip City!" "Bingo-Bango-Bongo, Baby!" and "Lickety-Brindle Up the Middle!"
I love you Wheels, but you'll never compare to Bill Schonely.
Shrews Can't Hoop!? by Ray Nelson Jr. & Douglas Kelly, Introduction by Clyde Drexler (1994)
If anyone should be reading during the summer, it's our precious little ones. Take a look at this Blazer sponsored book about the terrible times shrews have trying to get onto the hardwood.
Who knew that shrews were so discriminated against in the basketball world? (Spoiler alert!!! There's a happy ending. It turns out shrews can hoop, and you shouldn't listen to bullies.)
A basketball book with morals for children of all ages!
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