July 1
1983
The cavaliers make a Free Agent offer to Calvin Natt.
The cavaliers make a Free Agent offer to Calvin Natt.
1992
The Blazers traded Alaa Abdelnaby to the Milwaukee Bucks, receiving Tracy Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in a 3-team deal. Dale Ellis went from Bucks to Spurs to complete the deal. The Blazers also learned that Danny Ainge was going to sign with the Phoenix Suns. @alaatweets played 114 games w/#Blazers over 2 seasons after being 25th pick by @trailblazers in 1990 @NBADraft out of @DukeMBB. He played 5 seasons in the @NBA & an additional 5 seasons in Greece, France, and CBA. Currently, Alaa is an analyst for @sixers & @CBSSports
The Blazers traded Alaa Abdelnaby to the Milwaukee Bucks, receiving Tracy Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in a 3-team deal. Dale Ellis went from Bucks to Spurs to complete the deal. The Blazers also learned that Danny Ainge was going to sign with the Phoenix Suns. @alaatweets played 114 games w/#Blazers over 2 seasons after being 25th pick by @trailblazers in 1990 @NBADraft out of @DukeMBB. He played 5 seasons in the @NBA & an additional 5 seasons in Greece, France, and CBA. Currently, Alaa is an analyst for @sixers & @CBSSports
This is the first time Murray joins the Blazers. He played for Portland from 1992 until he was involved in a trade with Clyde Drexler to Houston Rockets. Murray would come back to Portland in 2003 but was waived after 7 games in his 2nd stint.
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July 2
1998
The Blazers hired Brian Wheeler to be the Radio Voice of the Blazers, replacing legend Bill Schonely, who was reassigned to TV broadcasts following the 1998 playoffs. Wheeler was Voice of @WNBA #Monarchs prior to coming to Portland, where he broadcasted over 1800 games over the next 21 years.
The Blazers hired Brian Wheeler to be the Radio Voice of the Blazers, replacing legend Bill Schonely, who was reassigned to TV broadcasts following the 1998 playoffs. Wheeler was Voice of @WNBA #Monarchs prior to coming to Portland, where he broadcasted over 1800 games over the next 21 years.
@blazerwheels was known for his passionate delivery & trademark calls like "BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA!" following a #Blazers dunk, "Ring it up!" after a big run, & "Ooh, that was nasty!" after a terrific move. After a @trailblazers win, Wheeler would say "It's a great day to be a Blazer!"
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July 3
The Blazers signed FA @rod_strickland after @danielrainge signed w/@suns then criticized @trailblazers front office for not taking his FA status seriously. "I gave Portland every opportunity to sign me" said Ainge, who played 2 seasons w/#Blazers.
Strickland had played w/@spurs for last 2 1/2 seasons after being drafted by @nyknicks in 1988. Strickland would play 4 seasons w/#Blazers & have a 2nd stint during the 2001 season
Strickland had played w/@spurs for last 2 1/2 seasons after being drafted by @nyknicks in 1988. Strickland would play 4 seasons w/#Blazers & have a 2nd stint during the 2001 season
July 4
HBD to former @trailblazers forward @HarveyGrant and Geoff Crompton.
Grant played 3 seasons w/#Blazers & avg 9.6 pts & 4.4 rebs. Portland acquired Grant from #WashingtonBullets for #KevinDuckworth & was traded back to #Bullets w/@rod_strickland for @iam_sheed Crompton played 6 games w/#Blazers in 1981 but is noted as being one of heaviest players in team history. He was named #CBA MVP in 1984 as a member of #PuertoRicoCoquis. He passed away in 2002 of leukemia |
July 5
1978
The Blazers traded Corky Calhoun to the Indiana Pacers to finish the trade the initially sent Johnny Davis to the Pacers for the 1st pick in the recent NBA draft. The Blazers selected Mychal Thompson with the pick. The Calhoun part of the deal was a 30-day window for Indiana to decide to have him be part of the deal, in exchange for a 2nd round pick in the 1980 draft.
The Blazers traded Corky Calhoun to the Indiana Pacers to finish the trade the initially sent Johnny Davis to the Pacers for the 1st pick in the recent NBA draft. The Blazers selected Mychal Thompson with the pick. The Calhoun part of the deal was a 30-day window for Indiana to decide to have him be part of the deal, in exchange for a 2nd round pick in the 1980 draft.
July 6
2005
The @trailblazers hired #NateMcMillan as 12th head coach. McMillan coached @SeattleSonics for 5 years but his contract expired July 1 & #Blazers pursued him to replace #MauriceCheeks & @PacersKev who combined for 27 wins in 04/05
The @trailblazers hired #NateMcMillan as 12th head coach. McMillan coached @SeattleSonics for 5 years but his contract expired July 1 & #Blazers pursued him to replace #MauriceCheeks & @PacersKev who combined for 27 wins in 04/05
2022
Former Blazers coach Mike Schuler passed away. Coach Schuler was 1st Blazers coach to win @NBA Coach-of-the-Year award after guiding Blazers to a 49-33 record in his 1st year w/#Portland. His overall record was 127-84, a .604 winning %, passed only by Rick Adelman (.654) & Mike Dunleavy (.641) |
July 7
Barnett was acquired by #Blazers in a trade w/#SanDiegoRockets on the day of Expansion Draft for #LarrySiegfried. Barnett attended @OregonMBB from 1963-66 & was 1st RD pick by @celtics in 1966
Barnett played a single season w/@trailblazers & was 1st #Blazers player to score 20, 30, & 40 pts in a game. Barnett was also 1st Blazer player to record a triple-double, when he scored 27 pts, gabbed 10 rebs, & passed for 12 assits on Dec 1 1970 vs #Rockets Barnett is also credited for #BillSchonely for creating "#RipCity!" when he hit a long-range jumper in a game vs @Lakers. Rip City caught on and became synonymous w/the @trailblazers & the city of Portland. Barnett played 11 seasons & alongside many @Hoophall members including @Rick24Barry, #NateThurmond, #BillRussell, #JohnHavlicek, #WaltFrazier, #EarlMonroe, #PeteMaravich & #JuliusErving.
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Roberson spent 73/74 season w/#Blazers after arriving in a trade w/
@cavs alongside #JohnJohnson. Roberson provided a toughness at center that had been missing for a few years & it showed early on in that season Roberson helped @trailblazers to a 19-23 record at 1974 All-Star break, the best in the 4 years, w/#Blazers looking at a playoff berth for 1st time before injuries sidelined Roberson and #GeoffPetrie. Roberson & Blazers were profiled in @SInow in Nov. 1973, w/his picture. After finishing w/27 wins, the @trailblazers won coin-flip to select @BillWalton and eventually traded Roberson to #NewOrleansJazz |
1971
2016
Busy day in @trailblazers day as the team signed Free Agents #FestusEzeli & @thekidet. The #Blazers also signed @JLayman10 and @ShabazzNapier
Busy day in @trailblazers day as the team signed Free Agents #FestusEzeli & @thekidet. The #Blazers also signed @JLayman10 and @ShabazzNapier
July 9
Happy Birthday to former Blazer All-Star Jim Paxson.
After averaging only 6 points per game as a rookie, Paxson would score between 17 and 23 points over the next 5 seasons, twice earning All-Star game appearances (83 & 84). In 1984, Paxson would make the All-NBA 2nd team, becoming the first Portland guard to do so and only the third Blazer to make All-League honors after Bill Walton (1977 and 1978) and Maurice Lucas (1978)
Paxson scored his career-high 41 points in a thrilling 4 OT 155-156 @trailblazers loss to the @chicagobulls. Highlights can be seen at link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fo7m881-tY |
Paxson was 3-time Flyer MVP and earned All-American honors as a Senior averaging over 23 points his final season, before he was the 12th player selected in first round of the 1979 NBA Draft from @DaytonMBB.
He also averaged 17 points as a junior and 18 points as a sophomore at Dayton. Paxson was initially traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 1987 for Keith Lee, but the trade was rescinded after Lee failed his physical with the Blazers. On a personal note, I happened to be with Paxson that day as he was a guest at the Fred Meyer Gold Challenge, an event I was working.for KEX Radio
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Paxson is one of three in his family to play in the NBA as his father Jim played for Minneapolis Lakers and the Cincinnati Royals in the late 1950's while his brother John played two years with the @spurs and nine seasons with the @chicagobulls, where he earned 3 rings
He was shocked and didn't want to talk publicly about it but when I saw him during the season you could tell he wasn't happy about being with the Blazers after being traded.
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July 10
2013
The Blazers acquired Robin Lopez in a trade with New Orleans Pelicans. In addition, they signed FA Dorell Wrightand rookie Allen Crabbe Lopez and his brother Brook are the 4th set of twins to play in NBA as of 2022
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2014
TRAIL BLAZERS SIGN GUARD STEVE BLAKE FOR THIRD TIME
PORTLAND, Ore. (July 10, 2014) – The Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent guard Steve Blake, it was announced by General Manager Neil Olshey. Blake, 34, has averaged 6.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists with Washington, Portland, Milwaukee, Denver, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Lakers and Golden State. “Steve is the consummate gamer,” said Olshey. “His natural leadership skills, ability to run a team and offensive skill set are a natural fit for our roster composition and style of play.”
Blake returns to the Trail Blazers for a third time during his NBA career after playing in Portland during the 2005-06 season and again from 2007-10. He signed with Portland as a free agent on each occasion, and was last traded from Portland on Feb. 16, 2010, in a deal that also sent Travis Outlaw to the Clippers in exchange for Marcus Camby.
PORTLAND, Ore. (July 10, 2014) – The Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent guard Steve Blake, it was announced by General Manager Neil Olshey. Blake, 34, has averaged 6.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists with Washington, Portland, Milwaukee, Denver, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Lakers and Golden State. “Steve is the consummate gamer,” said Olshey. “His natural leadership skills, ability to run a team and offensive skill set are a natural fit for our roster composition and style of play.”
Blake returns to the Trail Blazers for a third time during his NBA career after playing in Portland during the 2005-06 season and again from 2007-10. He signed with Portland as a free agent on each occasion, and was last traded from Portland on Feb. 16, 2010, in a deal that also sent Travis Outlaw to the Clippers in exchange for Marcus Camby.
In 269 games (232 starts) over four seasons with the Trail Blazers, Blake holds averages of 8.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He notched career highs of 11.0 points per game and a 42.7 percent mark from 3-point range in 2008-09, his last full season with Portland. “Steve is the perfect fit for our team,” said Trail Blazers Head Coach Terry Stotts. “He brings experience, toughness, leadership, shooting and consistent defense. Steve will be a complement to our backcourt and provide mentorship for our young players.”
Blake (6-3, 172) played four years at the University of Maryland and was selected by the Wizards with the ninth pick in the second round (38th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft. Blake played a total of 350 games with the Blazers over 4 1/2 seasons total between 2005 to 2015. He scored 2747 points and passed for 1558 assists for Portland.
Blake (6-3, 172) played four years at the University of Maryland and was selected by the Wizards with the ninth pick in the second round (38th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft. Blake played a total of 350 games with the Blazers over 4 1/2 seasons total between 2005 to 2015. He scored 2747 points and passed for 1558 assists for Portland.
July 11
1972
Robert Schmertz, one of the Blazers three owners, sells his interest in order to become sole owner of the Boston Celtics. In 1970, Schmertz along with his friends Larry Weinberg and Herman Sarkowsky paid $3.7MM to secure an NBA expansion team for Portland. Schmertz owned the Boston Celtics from 1972 until 1975. He also owned the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association, and the New York Stars of the now-defunct World Football League. Schmertz also founded Leisure Technology, a developer of retirement communities. Leisure Technology would become a major developer of retirement communities, but would go bankrupt in 1991. In 1975, Schmertz was indicted by a New Jersey grand jury on bribery charges. Schmertz pleaded innocent to the charges. In July of that year, he suffered a stroke and died on July 24 |
2007
An active day in the @trailblazers front office as the Blazers buyout #SteveFrancis contract as well as acquiring #JamesJones & @rudy5fernandez for $3 M from the @Suns. Francis was acquired along w/@channingfrye from @nyknicks for @MacBo50, @dandickau21 and @FredJones. The #Blazers bought out remaining 2 years of contract for a reported $30M
Jones played a single season w/#Blazers & 14 total in @NBA, winning 2 rings w/@MiamiHEAT. Fernandez played 3 seasons with #Blazers & is currently still playing w/@RMBaloncesto
An active day in the @trailblazers front office as the Blazers buyout #SteveFrancis contract as well as acquiring #JamesJones & @rudy5fernandez for $3 M from the @Suns. Francis was acquired along w/@channingfrye from @nyknicks for @MacBo50, @dandickau21 and @FredJones. The #Blazers bought out remaining 2 years of contract for a reported $30M
Jones played a single season w/#Blazers & 14 total in @NBA, winning 2 rings w/@MiamiHEAT. Fernandez played 3 seasons with #Blazers & is currently still playing w/@RMBaloncesto
July 12
1994
The @trailblazers hired Bob Whitsitt to be new President & GM. "Trader Bob" replaces Geoff Petrie, who resigned after #Blazers 93/94 season was completed.
The @trailblazers hired Bob Whitsitt to be new President & GM. "Trader Bob" replaces Geoff Petrie, who resigned after #Blazers 93/94 season was completed.
July 13
2007
The Blazers sign FA Steve Blake for the 2nd time. Blake first signed with Blazers prior to the 2005/06 season before he was traded to Milwaukee in the summer of 2006. The Bucks traded him to the Nuggets mid season. Blake would play for the Blazers the next 3 seasons before he was traded to the Clippers in 2010. He would rejoin the Blazers a 3rd time in 2014 |
July 14
1978
The movie #FoulPlay is released. Starring @goldiehawn & @ChevyChaseToGo, the movie is a romantic neo-noir comedy thriller film. In a particular scene, Hawn is visiting #BillyBarty at the hospital & in the background is @SInow edition w/@BillWalton & #LarrySteele
The movie #FoulPlay is released. Starring @goldiehawn & @ChevyChaseToGo, the movie is a romantic neo-noir comedy thriller film. In a particular scene, Hawn is visiting #BillyBarty at the hospital & in the background is @SInow edition w/@BillWalton & #LarrySteele
1985
The @trailblazers opened their Summer Rookie Camp w/18 players present. The evening games are open to public, concluding w/a Dunk Contest on July 17 w/current #Blazers @JeromeKersey25, #ClydeDrexler, & former Blazers #BillyRayBates & @mdhhoops expected
The @trailblazers opened their Summer Rookie Camp w/18 players present. The evening games are open to public, concluding w/a Dunk Contest on July 17 w/current #Blazers @JeromeKersey25, #ClydeDrexler, & former Blazers #BillyRayBates & @mdhhoops expected
July 15
1977
The @trailblazers acquired former #Blazers center Dale Schlueter from @Suns for a 1978 4th round pick. Schlueter is the 1st Blazer player to return to team. While he was cut before the 1977/78 season began, Dale came back to finish out the season after injuries decimated the front line. He re-signed with team on March 25 and retired at conclusion of the regular season as he was not included on the playoff roster.
The @trailblazers acquired former #Blazers center Dale Schlueter from @Suns for a 1978 4th round pick. Schlueter is the 1st Blazer player to return to team. While he was cut before the 1977/78 season began, Dale came back to finish out the season after injuries decimated the front line. He re-signed with team on March 25 and retired at conclusion of the regular season as he was not included on the playoff roster.
1986
On the final day of the 1986 World Cup group play, Drazen Petrovic, who was recently drafted by the Blazers, scored 12 points in the Yugoslavian 69-60 loss to the United States. Despite the loss, Yugoslavia made the Final Four along side the United States, Brazil, and the Soviet Union team, which is led by another recent Blazer draftee Arvydas Sabonis, at right with ball. Spain, led by Fernando Martin (pictured above) will play for the Blazers in the coming 1986/87 season, did not make it out of Group play. At right, Petrovic celebrates a basket vs Soviet Union with Sabonis in background |
Petrovic averaged 25.2 points and was named the MVP as Yugoslavia claimed 3rd place in the tournament.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKPFcqWYp9c
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_FIBA_World_Championship |
1996
The Blazers trade Rod Strickland and Harvey Grant to Washington Bullets for Rasheed Wallace.
The Blazers trade Rod Strickland and Harvey Grant to Washington Bullets for Rasheed Wallace.
July 17
1985
The @AP erroneously reports that @trailblazers have released @terryporter30. The #Blazers obviously did not release Porter, the teams All-Time assist leader with 5319 in 758 games |
@JeromeKersey25 won $3500 in the Slam-Dunk contest held at the conclusion of the @trailblazers Rookie camp, defeating #ClydeDrexler, @swebb_anthony, and former #blazers player #BillyRayBates. The @trailblazers were hoping to entice @Jumpman23, @DWilkins21, and @_CharlesBarkley among others to compete but @NBA ruled that, other than #Blazers players, no #NBA player under contract could participate. Webb was a FA at the time, so was free to compete.
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July 17
July 19
1994
Bill Schonely and Eddie Doucette swap positions as Schonz moves back behind the radio mic, replacing Doucette, who moves to the TV side.
Bill Schonely and Eddie Doucette swap positions as Schonz moves back behind the radio mic, replacing Doucette, who moves to the TV side.
July 20
1991
The Blazers 3rd annual Slam 'N Jam event was held to raise money for Ramon Ramos, who was injured in a car accident on Dec. 16, 1989. After music from the local band Perfect 10, a 3-point contest was held with Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Danny Ainge, and Terrell Brandon, the Univ. of Oregon player that was just drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Blazers 3rd annual Slam 'N Jam event was held to raise money for Ramon Ramos, who was injured in a car accident on Dec. 16, 1989. After music from the local band Perfect 10, a 3-point contest was held with Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Danny Ainge, and Terrell Brandon, the Univ. of Oregon player that was just drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
All current Blazers players except Wayne Cooper were joined by NBA players Derrick McKey and Gary Payton of Seattle; Chris Morris, Sam Bowie, and Derrick Colman of the Nets to play an exhibition game that was used to raise the funds for Ramos. A check for $100,00 was presented to Ramos at halftime of the game.
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July 21
1990
Drazen Petrovic scored 36 points in the 2nd annual Slam 'N Jam event.
Drazen Petrovic scored 36 points in the 2nd annual Slam 'N Jam event.
2021
RIP to an original Portland Trail Blazers as Stan McKenzie passed away at the age of 76. Stan was a starting forward during Portland’s first two seasons in the NBA (1970 to 72) before he was traded 7 games into the 1972/73 season. He had played 171 straight games with Portland before the trade, a record that stood until broken by Tom Owens in 1979. The 171 games is currently the 6th longest streak in team history. |
McKenzie was selected by the then Baltimore Bullets (Washington Wizards) in the 11th round of the 1966 NBA draft from NYU. He played one season with the Bullets, then played for the Phoenix Suns for two years. He still holds the Suns record for Free Throws Made (12) and Attempted (16) in a quarter. The Blazers selected him in the 1970 Expansion Draft. Statistically his Portland seasons were McKenzie's best as he averaged 13.7 points both seasons along with 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists. During those seasons, he also ranked in Top-10 in the NBA in Free Throw Percentages (.836 and .831). He had a career-high 31 points in a 118-105 victory over the Cavaliers, the same game that Rick Adelman passed for 17 assists. He was traded from the Blazers to the Houston Rockets for Greg Smith on October 27, 1972. He retired from after the 1973/74 season. |
After retiring, McKenzie was a leader with the African Methodist Episcopal Church Official and served as the first male Supervisor of Missions in the AME Church's more than 200-year history. He also served as head of missions for three districts, including the 18th, 13th and 10th Episcopal Districts. He was married to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie who became the first woman Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2000. RIP https://from-way-downtown.com/2021/09/25/stan-mckenzie-makes-case-for-nba-defense-1970%EF%BF%BC/ |
July 25
July 28
1971
Rick Adelman is named the first Captain in Blazers history. Adelman had a career year during the Blazers inaugural season, statistically speaking, scoring a career-high 1023 points and grabbing 282 rebounds, numbers he wouldn't top again. Adelman also passed for 380 assists, a career-high until the 1971/72 season when he passed for 413 assists.
Rick Adelman is named the first Captain in Blazers history. Adelman had a career year during the Blazers inaugural season, statistically speaking, scoring a career-high 1023 points and grabbing 282 rebounds, numbers he wouldn't top again. Adelman also passed for 380 assists, a career-high until the 1971/72 season when he passed for 413 assists.
July 30
1979
Jack McKinney leaves to coach the Lakers
Jack McKinney leaves to coach the Lakers
On November 8, McKinney suffered a near-fatal head injury when he was thrown from his bike, on his way to a tennis match with his assistant coach Paul Westhead as the Lakers, who were 9-4, had the day off. McKinney would miss the rest of the season as the recovery from the injury took longer than expected. Westhead would guide the Lakers to the 1979/80 NBA Championship and would be named the head coach. McKinney
On the same day, Bill Walton suffered another foot injury while Stu Inman denied that the Blazers were looking to trade Maurice Lucas for Calvin Natt. |
July 31
1972
The Blazers started the day with two former NBA Rookie-Of-The-Year Award winners and ended the day with a third. The Blazers acquired 6'5" forward Fred Foster from the Philadelphia 76ers for a 1973 2nd round draft pick and $5000 cash. Foster played 74 game with Philadelphia, where he averaged 11.9 points and 3.7 rebounds for the 76ers in the 1971/72 season. Instead of hoping a plane to Portland, Foster instead was traded by Portland to Detroit Pistons for Terry Dischinger, the player who won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in the 1962–63 season.
The Blazers started the day with two former NBA Rookie-Of-The-Year Award winners and ended the day with a third. The Blazers acquired 6'5" forward Fred Foster from the Philadelphia 76ers for a 1973 2nd round draft pick and $5000 cash. Foster played 74 game with Philadelphia, where he averaged 11.9 points and 3.7 rebounds for the 76ers in the 1971/72 season. Instead of hoping a plane to Portland, Foster instead was traded by Portland to Detroit Pistons for Terry Dischinger, the player who won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in the 1962–63 season.
Dischinger was the first pick of the second round (#8 overall) by the Chicago Zephyrs in the 1962 NBA draft and had an immediate impact in the NBA, as he averaged 25.5 points and 8.0 rebounds despite playing only 57 games. "During my rookie year I wanted to obtain my Chemical Engineering degree from Purdue, so Chicago let me attend school and play on weekends and holidays." Dischinger recalled. "One time after class I left Purdue at 4 PM, taped my ankles in a cab and played that night in San Francisco. It wasn't that tough of a year because I received my degree, the rookie of the year award, and was paid to play the game I loved." Dischinger was named rookie of the year over four future Hall of Famers, whom he joined on the 1962–63 NBA All-Rookie Team: Zelmo Beaty, Dave DeBusschere, John Havlicek and Chet Walker.
After his rookie season the Zephyrs moved to Baltimore, Maryland and became the Baltimore Bullets (today's Washington Wizards). In his second season, Dischinger averaged 20.8 points and 8.3 rebounds as Baltimore finished 31–49 under Hall of Fame Coach Leonard. Dischinger playing alongside future Hall of Famers Walt Bellamy and Rod Thorn, as well as Kevin Loughery, Gene Shue and Sihugo Green.
Dischinger attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana from 1959 to 1962, where he was also a member of the 1960 USA men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics under head coach Pete Newell. Dischinger, who was 19 years old and finishing his sophomore year of college, was the youngest member of the team. As a starting guard/forward, he was teamed with future Basketball Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Jerry Lucas. The team was named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. He started all 8 games, scoring 90 total points, with an 11.3 points-per-game average as the fourth-leading scorer on the team. "It was a fairy tale because I played with my idol, Oscar Robertson. The experience made me a much better player." said Dischinger.
Dischinger attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana from 1959 to 1962, where he was also a member of the 1960 USA men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics under head coach Pete Newell. Dischinger, who was 19 years old and finishing his sophomore year of college, was the youngest member of the team. As a starting guard/forward, he was teamed with future Basketball Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Jerry Lucas. The team was named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. He started all 8 games, scoring 90 total points, with an 11.3 points-per-game average as the fourth-leading scorer on the team. "It was a fairy tale because I played with my idol, Oscar Robertson. The experience made me a much better player." said Dischinger.
Dischinger averaged 6.1 points and 3.0 rebounds in 15 minutes per game for Blazers during the 1972–73 season, mainly as a reserve player. He recorded a high of 21 points on Feb 13 against the Buffalo Brave, the start of a 4-game stretch where Dischinger averaged 15.5 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists before his playing time was reduced.
Dischinger was involved in an altercation on December 5, 1973, with Mike Price of the Philadelphia 76ers. "Dale Schlueter and LaRue Martin got into a fight, and I went over to help out and Price reacted," Dischinger recalled. "It was a one-punch thing, and you know how those things are in sports. I had teeth loosened, but I didn't lose any. I thought I had a tooth in my mouth, but I felt in there, and it was chewing gum. I threw it away. I decided it was time to retire after that year," Dischinger said, jokingly, "if that is the only thing you're remembered for, something is wrong." |
Dischinger retired after his single season in Portland and attended dental school in Memphis Tennessee. Following his completion of school in Tennessee, Dischinger returned to Portland and begin an orthodontic practice in Lake Oswego. My younger son Brennen was seen by Dr. Dischinger in the early 90's after he lost his front tooth due to an accident with a swing set. My wife Shellie was unaware of who the dentist was initially but filled me in on his office when she returned home. A video of his office can be seen at the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BSmCBNgJn8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BSmCBNgJn8
2020
The Blazers played their first regular season game ever in July as well as recording their 1st win win of the 8 game restart. CJ McCollum led the way with 33 points and Damian Lillard finished with 29 points and nine assists as the Trail Blazers boosted their hopes for a seventh consecutive playoff appearance. Carmelo Anthony added 21 points as Portland moved within 2 1/2 games of the Grizzlies for the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk0qlcVMCmg |