I’ve shared before on here my favorite Wheels story even though he was doggin’ on me. Greg Oden and Przybilla had just had season ending knee injuries and we were in LA to play the Lakers. On my dinner breaks is when I can get out of truck or studio. So I’ll usually just got sit courtside and watch the guys warm up. Well that game, Wheels had come and sit by me while we watched BROY get some shots up. We had been talking about how the last 1/4 of the season was going to go and Brian was always the optimist no matter what. He asked me my opinion, and as always I had a negative view and told him I didn’t even think we’d make the playoffs with the big guys out. I shit you not….Brandon was done warming up and he walked over to sit and talk with us before heading back to the locker room. As he sits down next to me, Wheels looks at him and with his booming voice says, “Hey B…… Big John here doesn’t think you can lead the team into the playoffs now that Greg’s out!”……… I looked at Wheels like WTF!!?? Roy looks at me and gives me this total look of disbelief. He was like, “REEEAAAALLLY BRO!?!?” I was in the middle of my own personal Southwest Airlines Wanna Get Away commercial. All I know is, after every game for the rest of that season and playoffs, BROY handed me a box score when we walked on the plane!!! And everytime, Wheels was behind me giggling! He’d say, “That’ll teach ya’ Johnny!” He really got me and I’ll never forget that shit.
The first meet and greet function I attended was right after I joined the forum in 2015. It was held at Claim Jumper (by Bridgeport) and Brian was the honored guest (okay, okay, so was Lanny). Wheeler was such a pleasant and engaging individual. He also told a few stories that couldn't leave the Claim Jumper parking lot. It was a great evening and an honor to spend quality time with the guy. RIP Wheels. You were the only guy who could (almost) seamlessly replace the Schonz.......
I won't only remember him for his great calls. He was an amazing interviewer. He knew how to ask the most softball questions to young players, which is exactly what they needed. He'd say something like "A happened, do you feel like it was more because of B or more because of C".
Another thing he would do…..after a big win on the road we’d all be sitting in our seats ready to take off and he would go to the back and grab the intercom mic from the flight attendant and say, “Now you CAN’T tell me it doesn’t feel better to win!” And everybody would crack up and clap……. Hope I quoted him correctly. RIP my brother!
Love all of the stories about Wheels! Was reminiscing with my now 22 year old son, the way he spoke about listening to his call and the joy he felt as a small kid during the Roy/ Aldridge years made me smile. Brian Wheeler had almost the same roll in creating my kids fandom as Bill Schonely had on me as a kid when I found the Trail Blazers (Thanks Grandpa)! The power of storytelling and the spoken word is quite a talent and I will always be grateful for the awesome memories that Wheels had a part in creating for us fans!
Being a fan who frequently listens to games on the radio, Wheels was special like Schonz. Schonz was a teacher but Wheels was a passionate fan. I felt like he was my buddy for many many years enjoying Blazer games. It's rare to feel that human connection across the airwaves but Wheels put you in the seat right next to him. The last thing I heard him do was interview Terry Stotts after he'd stopped working for the team on an internet podcast. Wheels was a master at the interview. I regret not meeting him but at least I got to meet Rice and Schonz!
The Schonz was who I grew up listening to. But Wheels came around during a time in my life where I was struggling…..minimum wage job…..shitty job. Couldn’t afford cable and a good tv……I I listened to him call the games a ton. Ironically started working with him a few years later and told him that story. Told him he painted beautiful pictures with his words. Reminded me of that conversation 15 years later and it meant the world to me that he remembered. I have enjoyed reading your guys’ stories about him. Keep him coming.
Praise to Paul and Jody, too, for paying for messy nursing post-employment, whether directly or through insurance.
Wheels was better than Schonz for a variety of reasons. If any of ya'll attended the meet and greets with wheels you'd have more reason to know why I'm saying that.
