The Trail Blazers first participated in the1970 NBA draft on March 23, before their inaugural NBA season. Before each draft, anNBA draft lottery determines the first round selection order for the teams that missed theplayoffs during the prior season.[3] Teams can also trade their picks, which means that teams may have more or less than two picks in some drafts, although they must have at least one first-round pick every other year.[4] Until1968, there were a total of 21 rounds in the draft. The number of rounds shrank gradually over the following years, until1989 when the current format began.[5] The first pick in the Trail Blazers' history wasGeoff Petrie, aguard fromPrinceton University who was selected 8th overall in 1970. Petrie played for the Blazers for his entire career, playing from 1970–1976. He was a 2xNBA All-Star and was namedco-rookie of the year withDave Cowens of theBoston Celtics in1971. Petrie averaged 21.8points, 2.8rebounds, and 4.6assists in 446 games.[6][7]
Martin spent his entire career in Portland, playing from 1972 to 1976, and averaged 5.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 271 games.[10] Walton played for the Blazers from1974–1979, helping lead the team to the onlychampionship in franchise history in1977. The team defeated thePhiladelphia 76ers 4–2 and Walton was named as theFinals MVP after averaging 18.5 points, 19.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 3.7blocks during the series.[11] Walton went on to win theNBA Most Valuable Player Award thefollowing season.[12] Other accomplishments Walton achieved while in Portland are being a 2xAll-Star, 2xAll-NBA Team, including First Team in 1978, and 2xAll-Defensive First Team. He also led the league inrebounding (14.37 per game) andblocks (3.5 per game) in 1977.[12] In his Blazers career, Walton averaged 17.1 points, a franchise record 13.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and a franchise co-leader 2.6 blocks in 209 games.[13][14] Thompson played in Portland from 1978–1986, where he was namedNBA All-Rookie First Team in 1979. He averaged 16.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 551 games.[15] He is the franchise leader for total blocks (768) and second in defensive rebounds (3,389).[14] Oden had a lot of hype coming out of Ohio State, with a strong debate over who the Blazers should choose between him andKevin Durant.[16][17][18] Oden was in Portland from2007–2012, only playing in 82 games total due to an injury riddled career that began before he could even play an NBA game, as he had season-endingmicrofracture surgery before his rookie season began.[19][20] Oden averaged 9.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.[19]
Portland has had four players named Rookie of the Year, three of whom were drafted by the team: Petrie,Sidney Wicks, and Lillard.[21] Wicks was drafted 2nd overall in 1971. He played with the team from 1971 to 1976, where he was a 4x All-Star. He averaged the most minutes played per game (38.8) in franchise history, as well as the second most rebounds per game (10.3), and he is tied for the second most triple-doubles (7). Wicks averaged 22.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 398 games.[22]
Clyde Drexler is one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. The Blazers drafted Drexler #14 overall in1983 out ofHouston. Drexler was an eight time All-Star in Portland, while also being named to an All-NBA Team four times, including First Team in1992.[23] Drexler scored 18,040 points, which ranks second in franchise history, only behindDamian Lillard. He is the franchise leader for games played (867), minutes played (29,496), two-pointfield goals made (6,425), total field goals (6,889), offensive rebounds (2,227),steals (1,795), steals per game (2.1), andtriple doubles (18). Along with points, Drexler is second forfree throws made (3,798) and total rebounds (5,339).[14] As a Blazer, Drexler averaged 20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.1 steals in 867 games.[23]
Lillard was drafted 6th overall in2012 after a trade deadline deal with theNew Jersey Nets the previous March.[24][25] Lillard became just the fourth player to unanimously win the Rookie of the Year Award.[26] He was a 7x All-Star, 7x All-NBA, including First Team in2018,NBA Three-Point Contest champion in2023 and2024, andNBA Teammate of the Year in2021.[27] Lillard became the team's all-time scoring leader on December 19, 2022, passing Drexler.[28] Later that season, Lillard broke his own franchise record for points in a game, scoring 71 points and making 13 three pointers in a 131–114 victory over theHouston Rockets. At the age of 32, Lillard became the oldest player in NBA history to score 70 points in a game, and the only player age 30 or older to accomplish the feat.[29] Along with being the franchise scoring leader, Lillard is also the record holder for points per game (25.2), free throw percentage (.895), three point field goals (2,387), and made free throws (4,427). He is second for minutes played (27,942), field goals made (6,281), and assists (5,151).[14] Lillard averaged the aforementioned franchise high 25.2 points, along with 4.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 3.1 three pointers made in 769 games.[27]
Walton and Drexler were both named to the NBA50th and75thanniversary teams in 1996 and 2021 respectively, while Lillard was named to the 75th anniversary team.[30][31] During their time with the Blazers, both Drexler and Lillard won Olympic gold medals. Drexler won at the1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona as a member of theDream Team, and Lillard won at the2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.[32][33]Arvydas Sabonis won one gold and two bronze medals, winning one of the bronzes as a member of the Blazers while representing Lithuania in1996 in Atlanta.[34]
Nine draft picks have had their number retired by the Blazers, most of whom were part of the 1977 championship team:Dave Twardzik (#13),Lionel Hollins (#14),Larry Steele (#15), Drexler (#22),Bob Gross (#30),Terry Porter (#30), Walton (#32),Lloyd Neal (#36), and Petrie (#45).[35] Twardzik was drafted 20th overall in 1972, but played for theVirginia Squires of theAmerican Basketball Association (ABA) before he joined the Blazers. He played with the team from 1976–1980 and was part of the championship team in 1977. He averaged 9.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 280 games.[36] Hollins was drafted 6th overall in1975 and played in Portland from1975–1980, winning the championship with the team. He was an All-Star once and a member of the NBA All-Defensive Team twice, including First Team in 1978. Hollins averaged 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.9 steals in 315 games.[37] Steele was another member of the championship team after being drafted 31st overall in1971, playing from1971–1979. He led the NBA insteals in1974, playing in a total of 610 games, averaging 8.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 assists.[38] Gross was drafted 25th overall in the 1975 NBA draft and played for Portland from 1975–1982. He was a member of the championship team and part of the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1978. He averaged 9.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 486 games.[39] Porter was drafted 24th overall in the1985 NBA draft and was a 2x All-Star. He played for the Blazers from1985–1995. He is the franchise leader for total assists (5,319), second in steals (1,182), and is tied for second for triple-doubles (7).[14] Porter averaged 14.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 758 games.[40] Neal was drafted 31st overall in 1972 and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He was a member of the championship team, playing in Portland from 1972 to 1979. He averaged 11.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 435 games.[41]
Six players who have played for the Blazers in their careers have been inducted into theNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, with four of them being drafted by Portland: Walton (inducted in 1993),Dražen Petrović (2002), Drexler (2004 as a player, 2010 as a member of the Dream Team), and Sabonis (2011).[34][42][43] Drexler and the Dream Team were also inducted into theU.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2009, while Petrović (2007, posthumously) and Sabonis (2010) were inducted into theFIBA Hall of Fame.[44][45][46] Petrović was drafted 60th overall in the1986 NBA draft, but stayed overseas for a few seasons. He played from1989–1991 in Portland, where he averaged 7.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 95 games.[47] Sabonis was drafted #24 overall in 1986 NBA draft, but did not play for the Blazers until the1995–96 NBA season at the age of 30. He was named NBA All-Rookie First Team and played with Portland until he retired from the NBA after the2000–01 NBA season. Sabonis returned to the team for the2002–03 NBA season after a season withŽalgiris before permanently retiring from the NBA. For his career in Portland, Sabonis averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 470 games.[48]
The Blazers have made a total of 284 selections since their first draft in 1970. As a result of trades prior to the drafts, the team had no picks in1998,1999,2014,2016, or2021.[2]
^abcOn March 23, 1971, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired 1971 and 1972 second round picks and a 1971 third round pick from the San Francisco Warriors in exchange forJim Barnett.[49][50] The Blazers used the picks to draft Charlie Yelverton, Dave Twardzik, and William Smith.
^On October 22, 1970, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired a second round pick from theBaltimore Bullets in exchange forDorie Murrey.[51] The Blazers used the pick to draft Rick Fisher.
^On September 11, 1971, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired a second round pick from theLos Angeles Lakers in exchange forLeRoy Ellis.[52] The Blazers used the pick to draft Ollie Johnson.
^On the draft day, theCleveland Cavaliers acquired a first round pick and a third round pick from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange forJohn Johnson,Rick Roberson and aLos Angeles Lakers' first round pick.[53] The Cavaliers used the picks to draft Jim Brewer and Jim O'Brien. The Blazers used the pick to draft Barry Parkhill.
^On October 14, 1973, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired a second round pick from theChicago Bulls in exchange forRick Adelman.[54] The Blazers used the pick to draft Phil Lumpkin.
^On September 11, 1972, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired a second round pick from thePhiladelphia 76ers as compensation for the signing ofGary Gregor as a free agent.[55] Previously, the 76ers acquired the pick and future consideration (the 76ers acquiredJohn Block on July 28, 1972) on December 13, 1971, from theMilwaukee Bucks in exchange forWali Jones.[56] The Blazers used the pick to draft Rubin Collins.
^On September 18, 1974, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired a third round pick from theChicago Bulls in exchange forMickey Johnson.[57] The Blazers used the pick to draft Gus Gerard.
^On September 16, 1974, the Portland Trail Blazers acquiredBarry Clemens and future consideration (the Blazers acquired a second round pick on May 25, 1976) from theNew Orleans Jazz in exchange forRick Roberson.[59][60] Previously, the Jazz acquiredRon Behagen and the pick on May 28, 1975, from theKansas City Kings in exchange for a 1975 first-round pick.[61] The Blazers used the pick to draft Major Jones.
^On June 3, 1976, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired a 1977 second-round pick from theNew Orleans Jazz in exchange for a 1976 second round pick.[62] The Blazers used the pick to draft Kim Anderson.
^On June 8, 1978, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired the first pick from theIndiana Pacers in exchange forJohnny Davis and the third pick.[63] Previously, the Blazers acquired a first-round pick on October 18, 1976, from theBuffalo Braves in exchange forMoses Malone.[64] The Blazers used the pick to draft Mychal Thompson.
^On November 11, 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired a 1978 first round pick and a 1979 second round pick from theSeattle SuperSonics in exchange forWally Walker.[65] Previously, the Sonics acquired the pick on September 25, 1975, from theDetroit Pistons in exchange forArchie Clark.[66] The Blazers used the pick to draft Ron Brewer.
^On September 13, 1977, theAtlanta Hawks tradedBill Willoughby to theBuffalo Braves for a 1978 second round pick. On October 5, 1977, Portland traded the rights toRich Laurel to Atlanta for a 1978 second round pick.[67] The Blazers used the pick to draft Keith Herron.
^On November 11, 1977, the Blazers traded Wally Walker to theSeattle SuperSonics for a 1978 first round pick (#7 overall – Ron Brewer) and a 1979 second round pick. On November 12, 1977, Seattle traded Mike Green to theSan Antonio Spurs for a 1978 second round pick and a 1979 second round pick.[68] The Blazers used the pick to draft Andrew Fields.
^The Portland Trail Blazers acquired the draft rights to fourth pickKelvin Ransey and a 1981 first round pick from theChicago Bulls in exchange for the draft rights to tenth pick Ronnie Lester and a 1981 first round pick.[69]
^On June 30, 1978, the Blazers traded David "Corky" Calhoun to theIndiana Pacers for a 1980 second round pick.[70] The Blazers used the pick to draft David Lawrence.
^On June 8, 1981, theAtlanta Hawks acquired a 1981 first round pick and a 1981 second round pick from theChicago Bulls in exchange for a 1981 first round pick, a 1982 second round pick and an option to swap 1982 first round draft picks.[71] Previously, the Bulls acquired the draft rights toRonnie Lester and the first round pick on June 10, 1980, from the Blazers in exchange for the draft rights toKelvin Ransey and a 1981 first round pick.[69] Previously, the Blazers acquired the pick on February 8, 1980, from thePhiladelphia 76ers in exchange forLionel Hollins.[72] Previously, the 76ers acquired the pick and a 1983 first round pick on October 3, 1977, from theCleveland Cavaliers in exchange forTerry Furlow.[73] The Blazers used the pick to draft Darnell Valentine.
^On October 9, 1979, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired a second round pick from theIndiana Pacers in exchange forClemon Johnson.[74] Previously, the Pacers acquiredBob Carrington, 1980 and 1981 second round picks on January 27, 1978, from theNew Jersey Nets in exchange forJohn Williamson.[75] The Blazers used the pick to draft Brian Jackson.
^On August 24, 1979, the Blazers tradedWillie Smith to theCleveland Cavaliers for a 1981 third round pick.[76] The Blazers used the pick to select Derek Holcomb.
^On September 24, 1981, the Blazers tradedGeoff Crompton to theMilwaukee Bucks for a 1982 third round pick.[77] The Blazers used the pick to select Phillip Lockett.
^abOn August 15, 1980, Portland acquired a 1983 first round pick (#14-Clyde Drexler) and a 1984 second round pick (#33-Steve Colter) fromDenver in exchange forT. R. Dunn and a 1983 first round pick.[79]
^On June 5, 1981, Portland acquired a first round pick fromIndiana in exchange forTom Owens.[80] Portland used the pick to draft Sam Bowie.
^On August 18, 1983, Portland acquired a second round pick fromIndiana in exchange forGranville Waiters.[81] Previously, Indiana acquired the draft rights toSidney Lowe and the pick on June 28, 1983, fromChicago in exchange for the draft rights toMitchell Wiggins.[82] Portland used the pick to draft Victor Fleming.
^On October 8, 1980, Portland acquired a second round pick from theLos Angeles Lakers in exchange forJim Brewer.[53] Portland used the pick to draft Jerome Kersey.
^On June 28, 1982, the Blazers traded Kelvin Ransey to theDallas Mavericks for Wayne Cooper and a 1985 first round pick. On May 1, 1985, Dallas traded a 1985 first round pick toBoston for a 1985 first round pick and a 1988 second round pick.[78] The Blazers used the pick to draft Terry Porter.
^On September 6, 1985, theLos Angeles Clippers traded Bill Walton to theCeltics for Cedric Maxwell and a 1986 first round pick. On January 14, 1986, Portland traded Darnell Valentine and a 1988 second round pick to the Clippers for a 1986 first round pick and a 1988 second round pick.[83] The Blazers used the first round pick to draft Arvydas Sabonis.
^On October 7, 1983, the Blazers tradedHank McDowell to theIndiana Pacers for a 1986 third round pick.[83] The Blazers used the pick to select Juden Smith.
^On September 6, 1983, the Blazers tradedLinton Townes to theCleveland Cavaliers for a 1987 second round pick.[84] The Blazers used the pick to select Lester Fonville.
^On June 14, 1985, the Blazers tradedBernard Thompson to thePhoenix Suns for a 1987 second round pick.[84] The Blazers used the pick to select Nikita Wilson.
^On October 11, 1987, the Blazers agreed to waive the rights of free agent Kermit Washington to theGolden State Warriors for a 1988 third round pick.[85] The Blazers used the pick to draft Anthony Mason.
^On June 26, 1995, the Blazers traded a two 1995 first round picks and a 1995 second round pick to theDetroit Pistons for a 1995 first round pick.[86] On June 28, 1995, Portland acquired the draft rights toGary Trent from theMilwaukee Bucks for the draft rights of Shawn Respert.[87]
^On July 13, 2001, theChicago Bulls tradedBrian Skinner to theToronto Raptors forCharles Oakley and a 2002 second round pick. On July 19, 2001, the Blazers tradedGreg Anthony to the Bulls for a second round pick (protected #51–57 in 2002, unprotected in 2003).[88] The Blazers used the pick to select Jason Jennings.
^abHours before the start of the draft,Utah acquired the 3rd pick from Portland in exchange for the 6th pick, the 27th pick and a 2006 first round draft pick.[89] Previously, Utah acquired a 2005 first round draft pick on June 24, 2004, fromDallas in exchange for the draft rights toPavel Podkolzin.[90] Portland used the 6th and the 27th pick to draftMartell Webster andLinas Kleiza.
^On June 28, 2005, Portland acquiredDetroit's 2006 first round draft pick, the 6th and 27th pick in 2005 fromUtah in exchange for the 3rd pick in 2005.[89] Previously, Utah acquired a 2006 first round draft pick andElden Campbell on January 21, 2005, fromDetroit in exchange forCarlos Arroyo.[93] Portland used the 30th pick to draftJoel Freeland.
^Memphis acquired the draft rights to 45th pickAlexander Johnson from Portland in exchange for a 2008 second round draft pick. Previously, Portland acquired the draft rights to the 45th pickAlexander Johnson, 2007 and 2008 second round draft picks fromIndiana in exchange for the draft rights to 31st pickJames White.[92]
^On June 28, 2006, Portland acquired 2007 and 2008 second-round draft picks and the draft rights toAlexander Johnson fromIndiana in exchange for the draft rights toJames White.[92] Portland used the 42nd pick to draftDerrick Byars.
^On October 10, 1997, Portland acquired a 2007 second round draft pick from theToronto Raptors in a three-team trade with Toronto and theNew York Knicks.[95] Portland used the 52nd pick to draftTaurean Green.
^On June 28, 2006, Portland acquired a 2008 second round draft pick fromMemphis in exchange for the draft rights toAlexander Johnson.[99] Portland used the pick to draftJoey Dorsey.
^In a three-team trade, Portland acquired the draft rights to 25th pickNicolas Batum fromHouston, Houston acquired the draft rights to 33rd pickJoey Dorsey from Portland and the draft rights to 28th pickDonté Greene and a 2009 second round draft pick from Memphis, and Memphis acquired the draft rights to 27th pickDarrell Arthur from Portland.[97]
^In a three-team trade,Chicago acquired the draft rights to 36th pick Ömer Aşık from Portland, the Trail Blazers acquired a second round draft pick in 2009 fromDenver and two future second round draft picks fromChicago, and Denver acquired the draft rights to 39th pickSonny Weems from Chicago.[100]
^On June 28, 2006, Portland acquiredIndiana's 2007 andPhoenix's 2008 second round draft picks and the draft rights toAlexander Johnson from Indiana in exchange for the draft rights toJames White.[92] Previously, Indiana acquired a 2008 second-round draft pick on August 25, 2005, from Phoenix in exchange forJames Jones.[101] Portland used the pick to draftMike Taylor.
^On June 24, 2009, Portland acquired the 22nd pick fromDallas in exchange for the 24th pick, 56th pick and a 2010 second round draft pick.[102] Portland used the 22nd pick to draftVíctor Claver.
^abOn June 26, 2008, Portland acquired a 2009 second round draft pick fromDenver in a three-team trade with Denver andChicago. Portland also acquiredNew York's 2009 second round draft pick and Chicago's 2010 second round draft pick from Chicago.[97] Previously, Chicago acquired a 2006 first round draft pick, 2007 and 2009 second round draft picks, an option to exchange 2007 first round draft picks,Tim Thomas,Michael Sweetney andJermaine Jackson on October 4, 2005, from New York in exchange forEddy Curry andAntonio Davis.[103] Portland used the 38th and 55th pick to draftJon Brockman andPatrick Mills, respectively.
^On June 22, 2010,Milwaukee acquiredCorey Maggette and the 44th pick in the 2010 draft fromGolden State in exchange forCharlie Bell andDan Gadzuric.[105] Previously, Golden State acquired the 44th pick in the 2010 draft and cash considerations on June 21, 2010, from Portland in exchange for the 34th pick in the 2010 draft.[106] Previously, Portland acquired 2009 and 2010 second round picks from Chicago in a three-team trade on June 26, 2008.[97]
^On July 20, 2012, the Portland Trail Blazers acquiredSasha Pavlovic, the 39th pick andthe 45th pick from theBoston Celtics in a three team sign-and-trade deal involvingCourtney Lee.[111]
Cleveland acquiredMarreese Speights,Josh Selby,Wayne Ellington, and Memphis' protected future first round pick; the pick could not be conveyed until two years after Memphis sent its first round pick toMinnesota (which happened in 2013) and was protected #1–5 and #15–30 in 2015, then #1–5 in 2017 and 2018
Philadelphia acquiredJalen McDaniels, New York's 2024 second round pick, and Portland's 2029 second round pick
Charlotte acquiredSvi Mykhailiuk, the most favorable of Atlanta's, Charlotte's, and Brooklyn's 2023 second round picks, and Portland's 2027 second round pick
^"Portland Has 4 Draft Choices".Gettysburg Times. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. May 25, 1976.Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. RetrievedJuly 21, 2010.
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