Terry Porter and Clyde Drexler
The Glide and the Point Guard who carried Rose City basketball.
Terry Porter and Clyde Drexler ran the floor together in Portland from the 1985-86 season through February 1995, building a backcourt that turned the Trail Blazers into a serious threat to Eastern Conference giants like Detroit and Chicago. They brought grit, speed, and savvy passing to every game, sparking deep playoff runs and rallying the local fans with a style of play that felt uniquely ours. This pairing set the high bar before any other stars drove through our arena. Even though they eventually took different paths, their time in Blazers colors remains essential bedrock for anyone who loves this team's history, remembered for the rare chemistry that kept us hanging with the league's elite.
- era
- 1985-86 season through February 1995
Lore & Background
During their tenure, Drexler's explosive athleticism earned him the nickname 'The Glide,' while Porter provided the steady leadership required to navigate high-pressure playoff games. They were the engine of a roster that often featured Jerome Kersey as the third pillar, creating a core capable of challenging any team in the NBA. Their chemistry was palpable on the hardwood, with Drexler's finishing complementing Porter's precise passing and clutch shooting. The mid-80s saw them leading the Blazers to multiple Western Conference Finals appearances, notably battling the Pistons' 'Bad Boys' physically and mentally in the 1990 NBA Finals. Despite falling short of a championship in Portland, their performances cemented their place in franchise history. The era is remembered for the electric atmosphere at Memorial Coliseum, where fans packed the stands to witness this dynamic duo push the team toward immortality. Eventually, Drexler was traded to the Houston Rockets in 1995, where he won a championship, while Porter left as a free agent that same year to sign with Minnesota. However, their time together remains the benchmark for backcourt excellence in Portland history, with both players eventually having their numbers retired by the organization.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Memorial Coliseum was thick with humidity and anticipation during a crucial playoff series against Detroit. The crowd roared as Terry Porter dribbled up the court, his eyes scanning for an opening. He spotted Clyde Drexler cutting toward the baseline, a flash of green and yellow against the white hardwood. A quick pass found its mark instantly. Drexler gathered the ball mid-stride, defying gravity as he rose above the defense. The rim seemed to shrink as he tucked his knees, releasing a perfect layup over outstretched arms. The buzzer sounded shortly after, sealing another road victory for the Blazers.
Reader's Guide
The retirement of jerseys #22 and #31 stands as a permanent testament to loyalty in Portland sports culture. Unlike many franchises where stars depart quickly, both Drexler and Porter spent the majority of their prime years wearing the Beavertails. Fans view this era not just for wins, but for identity. The Glide brought flair that electrified the Coliseum crowds, while Terry Porter provided the steady hand necessary to navigate high-pressure playoff environments. Walking through the Moda Center today, seeing those numbers suspended above the hardwood reminds supporters of a time when local talent defined the franchise's ceiling. It represents a specific brand of basketball: athletic, intelligent, and fiercely competitive against Eastern Conference powers like Detroit. For modern fans, these banners serve as a benchmark for greatness within the organization. They are not merely statistics; they are symbols of an era where the Blazers competed for titles consistently. The tradition of honoring them continues through annual fan gatherings and historical displays at team events. New generations learn that to wear the green and yellow is to carry the legacy of those who paved the way. This cultural anchor ensures that even as rosters change, the spirit of the late eighties and early nineties remains woven into the fabric of Rose City basketball fandom forever.
Did You Know?
- Clyde Drexler won his only NBA championship with Houston Rockets after leaving Portland.
- Both players had their jersey numbers officially retired by the Trail Blazers organization.
- Terry Porter was known for his clutch free-throw shooting during critical playoff moments.
- They played together at Memorial Coliseum before the team moved to the Rose Garden.