Terry Porter (born April 8, 1963) is one of the most popular players in Trail Blazers history as a team leader for 10 seasons at the Rose Graden and Veterans Memorial Coliseum. His leadership at the guard position saw the teams advance twice to the NBA finals.
The timing was perfect for Terry, growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin then playing for Dick Bennett at Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Even at a small college, Terry drew big-time attention. During his junior season in 1984, Porter averaged 19 points per game and shot 65% from the floor. The Pointers advanced to the NAIA championship game and Terry was named NAIA Player of the Year.
That got him invited to the USA Olympic team trials where it made it to the final cut. By graduation, Porter had grown to 6 foot 3 inches and won back-to-back NAIA All-America honors. The Trail Blazers drafted him with the 24th pick of the 1985 draft.
With the Blazers, Porter quarterbacked a roster that included Clyde Drexler and established a franchise record for assists: 5,319. He played in two All-Star Games (1991, ’93), played in the 1990 and ’92 NBA Finals and received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1993.
Porter moved from the Blazers to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995 and also played for the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs before retiring in 2002. Over 17 total pro seasons, he averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 assists per game.
Porter moved into coaching following his playing career and became head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns. He later also led the University of Portland team that featured both of his sons for five seasons.
The Trail Blazers retired his jersey number 30 in 2008. He has continued to serve as a scout, broadcaster and team ambassador for the Blazers.
