The Portland Trail Blazers entered the NBA in 1970. After a typical period of expansion blues during which the team languished at the bottom of the standings, the Blazers turned into one of the league's most solid franchises. In 1977, after only seven seasons in the league, the Blazers claimed the NBA Championship. Led by center Bill Walton, the teams of that era induced "Blazermania" in Portland and introduced the manic condition to the rest of the league.

The Trail Blazers continued to be successful in the late 1980s and early 1990s, rarely missing the playoffs and reaching the NBA Finals twice. Overall, Portland's first two decades in the league were marked by consistent play, periodic brilliance, and ardent fan support, and were an admirable contribution to the annals of basketball.

Portland paid $3.7 million to join the league, and the NBA Board of Governors granted the franchise on February 6, 1970. The Buffalo Braves and Cleveland Cavaliers were also new franchises in 1970, as the league expanded to 17 teams. The NBA was coming out of a decade dominated by the Boston Celtics and was responding to the challenge of the American Basketball Association. Buy Portland Trail Blazers Tickets.