5 most underrated Portland Trail Blazers of all time

LANDOVER, MD - CIRCA 1991: Terry Porter #30 of the Portland Trail Blazers grabs a rebound against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1991 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Porter played for the Trail Blazers from 1985-95. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

5 of 5

Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers, Photo by: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Nicolas Batum

One of the best draft-day trade acquisitions in Blazers history, Nicolas Batum played in Portland from 2008 to 2015 and was a versatile swingman who could score, rebound, and defend. He was a key player on the Blazers team that made it to the Western Conference Semifinals in 2014.

Batum was also a skilled passer and was often asked to run the Blazers’ offense. Despite his versatility, he isn’t always given the respect he deserves when discussing the great Blazers players of all time.

A contributing factor is that Batum played during a period when the Blazers were not as successful as they had been in the past. While they made the playoffs several times during his tenure, they were unable to advance deep into the postseason, and their success was somewhat limited compared to the success of Blazers teams in the 1980s and 1990s.

Batum also didn’t spend his entire career with the franchise, which may lead some fans to view him as less of a true Blazers legend.

Blazers all-time draft bust starting 5. dark. Next