I think retiring jerseys should be very exclusive. Like, era-defining star exclusive. If I were in charge, I'd probably only have Walton's, Drexler's and, eventually, Lillard's jerseys retired. No one else's. Pippen (my favorite player of all-time) wasn't a superstar in Portland, Roy didn't last long enough, Aldridge wasn't really era-defining--either for the NBA or even for the Blazers. I think Roy and then Lillard were more defining for the stretches of Blazers success that Aldridge was around for. Now, if the Blazers established a Ring of Honor or a team Hall of Fame, I'd put more players into that. Roy for sure. Aldridge for sure. Sheed for sure. Maybe Pippen. All the core players from the championship team. Terry Porter. That kind of thing.
I liked Bayless as a prospect a lot too. I used to argue that Bayless being a scoring guard playing point guard was fine, because they had sufficient play-making from Roy and Batum. Bayless, Roy, Batum, Aldridge, Oden. I thought that team was going to be a dynasty. Outlaw and Rudy as valuable reserves.
I want that feeling again. Probably why i'm inclined to tear it down and take our chances. I've never felt stronger about a team than that team.
No. He doesn't deserve it at all. He barely played past his rookie contract. He had a memorable run here, and made everyone feel good about the team again, but his team accomplishments are lacking.
Determining if a number should be retired is definitely a subjective decision. It could be based on long term contributions to the franchise (win-share), short-term greatness (championship starter and/or all-star appearance), or other factors. Here's a list of how some of the Blazer greats stack up: Although Brandon Roy was a very good Blazer, I think there are quite a few other Blazers that have a better argument for retiring their jersey.
Nope...he's basically ignored Blazer fandom and the organization, probably wishes he'd been a sonic anyway...
No. Never made it out of the first round of the playoffs. Tenure was too short. Has shunned Portland post-career. Jerome Kersey is more deserving.