Portland Trail Blazers: 15 Greatest Scorers of All-Time
By Jakob Ashlin
Pick Analysis. PF. Clifford Robinson. 8. player. Scouting Report. 34. (1989-1997)
- 16.2 PPG, 8 seasons
- 5th in franchise history in points (10,405)
- 6th in franchise history in steals (696)
Clifford Robinson far exceeded expectations after he was selected in the second round by the Blazers in 1989. Robinson averaged 9.1 points per game in his rookie year and appeared in all 82 games, an astonishing feat for a second-round rookie.
Robinson continued to contribute as a role player and was part of the 1990 and 1992 teams that made the NBA Finals. He had a breakout season in 1992-93 averaging 19.1 points per game and won the Sixth Man of the Year award.
In his next season, Robinson averaged 20.1 points and started 64 games. As a result, he was selected to his first All-Star Game. Robinson continued to showcase his scoring ability in the two subsequent seasons averaging 21.1 and 21.3 points per game. He even became a capable 3-point shooter. Robinson made 2.3 3-pointers per game and shot 37.8 percent from deep during the 1995-1996 season.
He became known as an iron man in the sport. Robinson set a franchise record by playing in 461 consecutive games for the Blazers. He played in all 82 games for the first five years of his career.
Robinson spent only one more season in Portland, and his scoring numbers slightly declined. He averaged only 15.1 points per game that season. After the season, he signed with the Phoenix Suns in free agency.
Although I have focused on Robinson’s scoring, he was well known for his defensive ability. He was selected to the All-Defensive team twice.
As a scorer, Robinson was able to score over 20 points per game for three consecutive seasons and earned an All-Star selection. Although he was primarily an inside scorer, he expanded his game and became a reliable 3-point shooter. He also spent 8 seasons with the franchise and rarely missed a game. For these reasons, Robinson lands at number 8 on our list.