Previously I had thought Kersey shouldn't have his number retired simply because he wasn't quite above the threshold of that level of player. I don't want 40 numbers retired and the team is heading in that direction. But Kersey had spent years as a Blazer ambassador and such a visible member of the community that counts for something beyond his court contributions. The way he tragically was taken from us far to young makes his loss far more painful than any players final games with the team. I think he will have his number retired. His death is so sad and sudden while he was still involved. We had talked before of having a ring of honor for the players that don't quite fit the criteria of having a jersey retired but need recognition. If they want to do something different besides retiring his number the team could create "Kersey's ring of honor" with him as the founding member.
Without a question, retire it. Steve Blake pretty much set the tone for that by changing his number from 25 to 5. No other Trail Blazer should ever wear No. 25 ever again.
The New York, fucking Yankees and their 27 championships, only have 16 numbers retired. Portland already has 11. You can't hand them out like PEZ dispensers for crying out loud. We have won a grand total of 1 championship. Kersey had a career PER of 14.9. probably a little higher with the Blazers, but still an average player.
Welcome back, MM. He was more than a player to this organization, and deserves his banner up there more than some others.
New York has how many franchises? The Yankees The Mets The Knicks The Nets The Giants The Jets The Rangers The Islanders What's the population of New York city? 8.4 million? I highly doubt that any player in the history of any of those sports franchises could impact the community the way that Jerome Kersey impacted the city of Portland.
LOL I knew that if this forum got sentimental enough, MM would finally get so pissed off he starts posting again even if he only has the use of his nose to type. Also unsurprising: MM starts posting, Leonard has a bad game.
Also: This is not fucking New York. I don't give two shits about New York. If Portland ever became as heartless as New York, I'd leave.
I kind of agree with you. But what's done is been done. You can't go back and undue what you have put up and decided on a while back. And because a trend has been started, there is absolutely no reason to keep #25 out of the rafters. Especially if you think about what he has done for the team, community. Retire the number. And soon....Maybe even tomorrow night. While all this is still fresh.
Not that it says much one way or the other, but buring his time with Portland, he was a 15.9 PER during the regular season and a 17.4 PER in the playoffs.
Who gives a flying fuck about PER!?! He obviously had a big impact on and off the floor for Portland. That's what matters when retiring numbers.
Don't forget how many organizations they've had that have moved to new cities (this only supports your point further).
id retire his number before next game and then blow out the opposition in an emotionally charged victory backed by thousands of screaming emotional fans. then id use that momentum to win a championship and dedicated it to his family who gave the city more than a trophy could every repay.
Blazers front office: "Kersey has done so much for this community. Would go out to central and southern oregon on his own to visit with fans. would visit with fans at hospitals, always had a smile. Worked his ass off on the court as well, was our spark plug. Is there anything he didn't do?" Random executive: "He had a bad PER!" Blazers front office: "...... Anything else?" Random executive: "......." Blazers front office: "Okay, then. It's settled. We'll retire his number."
I think this should be an off season topic. It's distracting from the task at hand going into the playoff season. Time to move on and let his family get some closure without the media for a bit.
Chris Bosh Officially Ruled Out For Remainder Of Season With Blood Clots...This has got to be scary for Bosh after what happened to Jerome.
I agree 1000% the family should be allowed to grieve privately. This, however, I don't think would be getting in the way directly with them. But, if it is, then I agree it should wait. But, if it isn't, it's still a good discussion to have. The man has earned it, without question, on the floor and off the floor.
Welcome back MM! It's the Blazers contributions we honor though, not the other places he played or coached but he did get a ring with the Spurs. Average player? Not in my opinion.
