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Blazers: Will Lillard and McCollum surpass Drexler and Porter?

By Spencer Gordon

Oct 22, 2014; Ontario, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts talks with guard C.J. McCollum (3) and guard Damian Lillard (0) in the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2014; Ontario, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts talks with guard C.J. McCollum (3) and guard Damian Lillard (0) in the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Is the new one-two punch Portland’s best of all time? Can the current Blazers backcourt surpass the legendary guards of Portland’s past?

There is no doubt that with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum signing multi-year extensions, Blazers fans have years of exciting basketball ahead of them. On one hand, Lillard has solidified himself as a top marketable brand for the NBA. In the other, McCollum’s popularity has risen dramatically after his Most Improved Player win and NBA analyst appearances. They’ve become one of the best backcourts in the NBA, especially after a competitive series against the Warriors this year.

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Both Lillard and McCollum have boasted some of the best numbers in the NBA despite their youth (Lillard 25 while McCollum 24). They’re entering the primes of their careers and will wear red and black for most of it. Not only does that develop Portland’s chemistry, but a dangerous backcourt may eventually lure big name free-agents to Rip City.

The last time Portland had this exciting of a backcourt is undoubtedly Terry Porter and Clyde Drexler era. Regarded as one of the best teams to never win a championship, Portland reached the finals twice. Feeding off Drexler’s energy and the smooth play from Porter, the Blazers became one of the most exciting teams in basketball.

With all signs pointing toward an exciting future, could McCollum and Lillard become the best backcourt in Blazers’ history?

Jan 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) look on against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) look on against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

For starters, they need a Western Conference Finals appearance, and it could happen as early as next season. Although it seems to be the Warriors’ title to lose, the Western Conference has an interesting race for number two. Portland will most likely be competing with the Spurs, Grizzlies and Clippers for that spot. With each team seemingly losing their grasp on title contention, Portland has a shot at crashing the party. If Portland can earn their way in to the conference finals for the first time in 16 years – then it will be truly time to start comparing backcourts.

Because in all honesty, the only way McCollum and Lillard surpass the Blazers legends would be to win a championship. Even if their playoff careers look better than Porter and Drexler’s on paper, it would only be comparable, not better. 

If McCollum and Lillard earn a championship, even if it’s after one finals appearance or just one magical playoff run, they immediately slingshot into the best backcourt in Blazers’ history. Portland has had so many heartbreaking defeats since their 1977 championship, including several with Drexler and Porter. It’s what the NBA is all about, and nothing would mean more to Portland and our backcourt’s legacy than if we hang a new championship banner in the rafters. In fact, it would be poetic if Lillard and McCollum could take down Lebron James‘, when we couldn’t take down Michael Jordan all those years ago.

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So for now, it’s fair to start comparing. We’re lucky enough to watch two of the NBA’s youngest stars enter their primes here in Portland. Whether or not they surpass our greatest backcourt ever is yet to be seen. However the future seems laid out for Lillard and McCollum to do just that.