Rip City Project
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Portland Trail Blazers: 15 best draft picks of all-time

By John Buhler

BOSTON - 1970: Bill Walton #32 of the Portland Trailblazers makes a pass against the Boston Celtics during the NBA game at the Boston Garden in Boston, Masachussetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON - 1970: Bill Walton #32 of the Portland Trailblazers makes a pass against the Boston Celtics during the NBA game at the Boston Garden in Boston, Masachussetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Lionel Hollins, Portland Trail Blazers
(Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images) /

For many NBA fans today, you’ll know of Lionel Hollins as a head coach. He once led the Memphis Grizzlies to the Western Conference Finals in 2013. Hollins most recently coached the Brooklyn Nets from 2014 to 2016. But before any of that coaching stuff, Hollins was an outstanding point guard, mostly with the Trail Blazers.

Portland used the No. 6 overall pick on the Arizona State Sun Devils floor general in the 1975 NBA Draft. Hollins made the All-Rookie first team in 1976 when he averaged 10.8 points, 4.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game in 25.6 minutes per contest. As a second-year player, Hollins really grew into his own, as the Trail Blazers won their only NBA title to date.

In year three, Hollins boasted his best season as a professional. As the starting point guard for the 1977-78 Trail Blazers, Hollins made his lone trip to the NBA All-Star Game. He averaged 15.9 points, 4.7 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 33.8 minutes per game for the Trail Blazers. Hollins would stick with the Trail Blazers for a few more years before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for a first-round pick in 1980.

He played in the NBA through the 1984-85 NBA season before retiring at age 31. Hollins immediately got into coaching, taking on an assistant role for his alma mater in Tempe. It should be noted that Hollins made two All-Defensive teams while with the Trail Blazers in 1978 and 1979. Even though he only played part of five seasons with Portland, Hollins has his No. 14 jersey retired by the Trail Blazers. To this day, Hollins remains one of the very best backcourt players to star in Rip City.