No jinx here, the series is far from over, but I want to think who you believe was the last superstar that lead Portland out of the first round? Personally, I think Pippen would definitely be in consideration, but he didn't have that "superstar" role on this squad when he was in town. Smitty was way past his prime and everyone can agree that Sheed was never a superstar. Personally, I think Drexler was the last superstar to lead the Blazers out of the first round.
Led? As in their performance was the primary reason for advancing? Drexler. But don't count your chickens. I still think we lose either games 3 or 4 in PDX and have to win two in Houston to advance.
Like I said, this series is far from over. This was a general question for the history of the Blazers. Cause right now, we have 2 legit superstars, so if we make it to the second round, they lead us.
Scottie was a superstar and he did lead the team to a playoff series victory. It wasn't Wack er Sheed
Problem is there are two terms not really defined, superstar and led. Pippin was a superstar but did not really lead the Blazers in 2000. Opinion divided on whether Sheed was a superstar or whether he "led". Who did lead the 1999-2000 team? You could make a case for Brian Grant being leader but not superstar.
Pippen hit the series winning three the last time we won a series so I'd say it's him. He's one of the top 20 players of the last 25 years.
Grant wasn't a leader. Pippen absolutely was. He had been to the mountaintop before and he was trying to lead us there too. I think people forget how good Pippen was for us.
I think people don't realize what a cancer he was to the team's chemistry, basically the beginning of the end.
Pippen had a big mouth. As a player, he liked to belittle his own GM (a lot in Chicago, one time in Portland). When he was close to retiring, it was bizarre that he campaigned in the media for a Blazer front office job, considering his rebellious attitude.
Well considering there are really only two true superstars in the league today... in BronBron/Durant.... However....the term "superstar" is thrown around so loosely in todays NBA that once you make the all-star team you're considered one. Which is basic logic followed by todays NBA fan. However.. my opinion is. Lillard has yet to reach "superstar" status due to the fact he's unproven in the playoffs, and young. Could he get there? yeah most def. Aldridge is proving he belongs but he must continue to be the best player on the court to elevate himself to superstar level. If he does he'll be one of the top three players in the league. Not just the best big man. But to answer your question... Drexler.
Agree. You can argue whether Sheed was a "superstar" but no one would put him in the category of Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal or LeBron James. It's like there are stars, superstars, megastars, galaxies....