How a rejected name and a $3.7 million tax birthed the Portland Trail Blazers
In short: In 1970, Portland secured an NBA expansion franchise after a decade of lobbying. The team name was chosen from over 10,000 entries, narrowly avoiding the already-taken "Pioneers." What followed was a storied history of championship highs, legendary draft controversies, and a turbulent era defined by the infamous "Jail Blazers."
The Portland Trail Blazers were born from the persistence of sports promoter Harry Glickman, who first proposed an NBA franchise for the city in 1955. It took until February 6, 1970, for the NBA board of governors to grant the rights. To cover the $3.7 million admission tax, Glickman partnered with real estate investors from New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The name "Trail Blazers" was selected from 10,000 contest entries, chosen to evoke both the ruggedness of the Pacific Northwest and the dawn of a new major league era.
The franchise experienced immediate success, winning an NBA championship in 1977 under coach Jack Ramsay and led by Finals MVP Bill Walton. This era sparked a record-breaking 814-game sellout streak that lasted until 1995. However, the team also became synonymous with high-stakes draft risks. In 1984, they famously selected Sam Bowie with the second overall pick, passing on Michael Jordan—a decision frequently cited as one of the worst in professional sports history.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the team entered a controversial period dubbed the "Jail Blazers" era. Under manager Bob Whitsitt, the roster was filled with talented but troubled players, leading to internal conflict, legal issues, and public outcry. The team's reputation suffered as players faced arrests and locker room altercations. Following a decline in attendance and a failed championship run, the franchise underwent a massive overhaul, eventually shifting focus toward character-driven rebuilding efforts in the mid-2000s.
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