It was close. For me it's because Matthews was never a good finisher and could hardly create his own shot. He was a much better defender than Rider tho.
The defensive difference alone catapults Wes beyond JR. Not to mention that Wes was also a better shooter at every level (despite his finishing woes). He didn't have as prominent a role as Rider did, but he was still much more effective and impactful.
I'd take Drazen out for BB reasons. The rest of the list is fine if Terry Porter was playing right now he's probably be considered a combo guard and would rank 3rd on the list behind Roy Obviously, I'm not a CJ fan, at all, but I'd certainly grant that some of CJ's demerits are because of his poor mesh with Dame rather than on talent shit...I forgot about Lionell Hollins (thanks HG!). I'd elevate him to 4th behind Petrie
he didn't play PG. Twardzick and Johnny Davis were the PG's although in the Ramsey system, all the guards handled the ball while Walton was the offensive hub
Thats what I thought...I know he was a combo guard but though he'd played a lot of 2 guard with pinball and Davis.
My man! That's right. I knew Pinball & my 1st Favorite player Johnny D were PG's. But wasn't sure on Lionel. I will revise my top 10.
like I said....that Blazers team's strength was handling the ball. All three of those guards had really good handles, and so did Herm Gilliam Hollins played a lot of PG in college at ASU
Except with great defense too. It's crazy how good Walton was before his injuries. No injuries and he's in the conversation for top-five greatest center ever (which is a competitive title...Chamberlain, Russell, Abdul-Jabbar, Shaq, Olajuwon, Moses Malone and Robinson were all amazing too).
Ahhh thanks for making me go look up the old school highlights. I used to do this regularly but the past 2-3 years I haven't had the chance to. Look at 4:11 when Walton tells us how we fans are the reason they came back from down 0-2.
Without a doubt. He was amazing . Potential Quad double every game. Too bad he finished his career with BaSSton.
One of my biggest regrets was not going Downtown to revel in it all. I won't make that mistake again. When we win it, My Daughter and I will fly out, if we haven't moved back by then.
I wasn't a year old yet. I was born in 6 days from now in 76'. Buuuuuut, my mama broke her foot celebrating at that parade! She was at all the parties all over town with a broken metatarsal. Kickin' it without really kickin' it. You know, broke foot and all. She used to take me to games when I was young. I was born a Blazer fan during our championship run.
if we're grading on how past Blazer guards would fit with Dame, once you get past Drexler, I'd rate Hollins, Porter, Petrie, Steve Smith, Matthews, and Paxson as all better fits than CJ I didn't list Roy because I'd think Roy would really resent Dame's ball dominance
I went to the parade in 77 with a couple of buddies. We drove up from Eugene, getting stoned all the way. Then started drinking when we got there. So yeah, I went...can't remember much for some reason
And it was hot out if I remember. I wish there was more support in Eugene for the Blazers. Maybe they should go back to playing a preseason game away from Portland. The Matt would be awesome for a preseason game.
