Franchise Founding Era
From expansion dreams to championship destiny, the birth of a Pacific Northwest legend.
The Franchise Founding Era marks the birth of the Portland Trail Blazers in 1970, establishing them as one of the original expansion teams in the American Basketball Association's successor league, the NBA. This period is defined by the visionary leadership of founders like Harry Glickman and the immediate ambition to build a world-class team on the West Coast. It set the stage for the franchise's identity, moving from a fledgling operation to a competitive force within just two seasons.
- founded
- 1970
- first_season
- 1970-71
- original_coach
- Rolland Todd
- arena
- Memorial Coliseum
- league
- NBA
- first_playoff_appearance
- 1972
Lore & Background
The early years were characterized by a mix of growing pains and flashes of brilliance. Under head coach Rolland Todd, the team struggled initially but quickly adapted to the league's pace. The arrival of key figures like Lenny Wilkens as player-coach in 1972 signaled a turning point, bringing veteran leadership and tactical discipline. This era laid the foundational culture of hard work and community connection that would later fuel their historic 1977 championship run.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Memorial Coliseum was thick with anticipation on November 8, 1970. It wasn't just a game; it was an inauguration. As the first Trail Blazers jersey hit the hardwood against the Chicago Bulls, thousands of fans in flannel and denim roared for a team that had existed only on paper weeks prior. The ball swished through the net, not just scoring points, but cementing a bond between a city and its new franchise that would last forever.
Reader's Guide
The founding era began with the 1970-71 season, where the Blazers finished with a modest record under Rolland Todd. The team was an expansion squad, learning to navigate the NBA's competitive landscape while building a fanbase from scratch. A significant turning point occurred in the 1972 off-season when Lenny Wilkens was hired as player-coach. His arrival brought immediate stability and a winning mentality, transforming the roster into a playoff contender for the first time in franchise history. By the mid-1970s, the team had solidified its standing in the Western Conference. While they had not yet won a title, the foundation built during these years—combining local talent like Sidney Wicks with savvy drafting—prepared them for the dominance that would follow under coach Jack Ramsay.
Did You Know?
- The name 'Trail Blazers' was one of over 100 suggestions submitted by fans before being selected in a public vote.
- Portland's Memorial Coliseum, built in 1960 for the Olympics, served as the team's home court from their very first game until 1995.
- The franchise's first-ever draft pick was LaRue Martin, chosen in the 1970 NBA Draft.