Interesting takes. Depends on how you look at it, I suppose. I don't agree with the OP that Afflalo should be on any list. It was a good trade for a sixth man that didn't pan out due to injuries to other players forcing him into a role he wasn't suited for. Obviously, the worst Blazers ever were end of bench players or others who had some kind of contract but never made the team. Guys no one remembers. I liked El Presidente's take that LaTex was the worst ever, based on the way he took a possible contender and ruined it. That's way worse IMO than a draft pick who just didn't pan out. How about players who got paid a gagillion dollars for not playing? Guys like Steve Francis who got paid $34 million dollars to not play. Or Raef LaFrenz, who was one of the highest paid players on the team but only played in 66 games in two seasons, averaged 9.7 minutes, 2.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.4 blocks, then sat injured his third year while the Blazers attempted to cash in on his "super expiring contract" mirage. RLEC was a bad player. And then there's Brandon Roy ....
Define your term - "worst" in what way? Least talent? Did the least with his talent? Greatest disappointment? Worst attitude/behavior? Left the team with the most bad feelings? Most over the hill with big contract and nothing left in the tank? No one can claim Aldridge, for example, in the first 4 categories but that he is listed here shows some consider no. 5 to be the top of their list. My list for the 5 would be: LaRue Martin (a lot of second round picks fit but then who remembers them?) JR Rider Greg Oden Ruben Patterson Hate to say it but Bill Walton Steve Francis
Armon Johnson is a great guy though. So I refuse to even mention him. I don't think I ever saw AJ without a smile. Same with Nolan Smith, he never played well, but seemed like a great person, and definitely had his share of adversity. A lot of people seem to be forgetting that Adam Morrison was a Blazer.
BRoy basically went to whoever was willing to give him a chance. It's not like he went to the Lakers. I forget the TWolves are even in our division.
Oden was disappointing because he had the potential to be a David Robinson type player. But injuries, I really can't complain, they do happen. It was heartbreaking to say the least. Roy went down with injuries, his signing with the T-wolves really didn't sting because he was done and just trying to pretend he wasn't. LaMarcus pissed me off because he willingly left while he was still in his peak.
'worst' is highly subjective. worst bang for buck investment - oden worst character - ruben patterson worst deliverer of hopes n dreams - oden worst actual player - probably someone who nobody has mentioned worst at not taking weed thru airports - my boy, damon
Twist on this. Worst season PER in history for the Blazers: -20 Slavko Vranes (2003-2004) -18 Greg Smith (1975-76) -12 Brian Shaw (1998-99) -8.4 Martell (2008-09) .... 1.0 Babbitt 2.5 Ha Seung-Jin 7.1 Nolan Smith Win shares? Wow! (in order) -1.0 Darius Miles (2005-06) (No. 1) -0.8 Lionel Hollins (1979-80) -0.5 Will Barton (2012-13) -0.5 Nolan Smith (2012-13) ... -0.4 Babbitt (2010) -0.4 LaRue Martin (1972) -0.4 Sebastian Telfair (2004) -0.3 Nolan Smith (2011) -0.2 Monia (2005) -0.2 Sergio (2007) -0.2 Ha Seung-Jin (2004) -0.2 Qyntel Woods (2003) -0.1 Claver (2012) Off Topic: Clyde has 5 of the top 10 best WS seasons for the Blazers, but . . . Roy had #1 (2008, 13.5).
Compared to the amount of playing time they got (and shouldn't have got) then I think you go with Nolan Smith and Luke Babbitt.
