Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Portland Trail Blazers have featured some of the NBA’s most skilled playmakers, from elite traditional point guards to dynamic scoring guards capable of carrying an offense while facilitating at a high level. Across multiple eras, passing has been a major part of Portland’s identity, and these players stand out as the franchise’s greatest facilitators.

1. Terry Porter

Position: Point Guard
Years with Trail Blazers: 1985–1995
Why He Belongs:
Terry Porter is the greatest passer in Portland Trail Blazers history. He remains the franchise’s all-time assists leader with 5,319 assists and was the floor general behind Portland’s Finals teams in 1990 and 1992. (StatMuse)

Porter excelled in pick-and-roll offense, transition passing, and half-court control. During the 1987–88 season, he averaged a franchise-record 10.1 assists per game. (StatMuse)

His combination of leadership, efficiency, and scoring versatility made him one of the best point guards of his generation.

2. Damian Lillard

Position: Guard
Years with Trail Blazers: 2012–2023
Why He Belongs:
Damian Lillard transformed into one of the NBA’s elite offensive engines during his Portland career. He ranks second in franchise history with 5,151 assists while also becoming the Blazers’ all-time leading scorer. (Wikipedia)

Although known primarily for scoring and deep shooting range, Lillard’s playmaking was critical to Portland’s sustained playoff success. His ability to manipulate defenses off high pick-and-roll actions consistently generated open looks for teammates.

Lillard averaged over seven assists per game during multiple seasons and became one of basketball’s best clutch playmakers.

3. Clyde Drexler

Position: Guard/Forward
Years with Trail Blazers: 1983–1995
Why He Belongs:
Clyde Drexler was far more than an elite scorer and athlete. He ranks third in franchise history with 4,933 assists and served as a major offensive creator during Portland’s best teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s. (Wikipedia)

Drexler’s transition passing and drive-and-kick playmaking made him one of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive weapons. His ability to create offense from the wing was ahead of its time.

4. Rod Strickland

Position: Point Guard
Years with Trail Blazers: 1992–1996
Why He Belongs:
Rod Strickland may have been the most naturally gifted passer the franchise has ever had. He owns the highest assists-per-game average in Blazers history at 8.25 per game. (Land of Basketball)

Strickland’s creativity, ball-handling, and ability to finish difficult passing angles made him one of the NBA’s premier pure point guards during the 1990s. He also holds the franchise single-game assists record with 20 assists.

5. Damon Stoudamire

Position: Point Guard
Years with Trail Blazers: 1998–2005
Why He Belongs:
Damon Stoudamire brought stability and high-level floor leadership during one of Portland’s deepest roster eras. He ranks fourth in franchise history with 3,018 assists. (Wikipedia)

Stoudamire excelled at controlling tempo, limiting mistakes, and creating efficient offense within structured systems. His passing was a major reason Portland remained a contender in the early 2000s.

6. Andre Miller

Position: Point Guard
Years with Trail Blazers: 2009–2012
Why He Belongs:
Andre Miller was one of the smartest traditional point guards of his era. Though he spent only a few seasons in Portland, his passing precision and control of pace made a strong impact.

Miller thrived at creating opportunities without relying on athleticism, consistently manipulating defenses with timing and footwork. (Blazer’s Edge)

7. Arvydas Sabonis

Position: Center
Years with Trail Blazers: 1995–2001, 2002–2003
Why He Belongs:
Arvydas Sabonis was one of the greatest passing big men in basketball history. Even after arriving in the NBA well past his athletic prime, his vision and creativity remained extraordinary.

Sabonis routinely delivered advanced outlet passes, high-post assists, and touch passes uncommon for centers of his era. His basketball IQ elevated Portland’s offense throughout the late 1990s.

8. Bill Walton

Position: Center
Years with Trail Blazers: 1974–1979
Why He Belongs:
Bill Walton was the offensive hub of Portland’s 1977 championship team. He averaged over five assists per game during his MVP season and helped redefine how centers could facilitate offense. (Basketball Reference)

Walton’s passing from the post and elbows made Portland’s motion offense incredibly difficult to defend. His unselfish style became foundational to the championship Blazers.

9. Brandon Roy

Position: Guard
Years with Trail Blazers: 2006–2011
Why He Belongs:
Brandon Roy was a complete offensive player whose passing often gets overlooked because of his scoring ability. Roy consistently created offense out of pick-and-roll situations and functioned as Portland’s primary late-game creator.

His poise, vision, and ability to read defenses made him one of the league’s best all-around guards before injuries shortened his career.

10. Geoff Petrie

Position: Guard
Years with Trail Blazers: 1970–1976
Why He Belongs:
Geoff Petrie was one of the franchise’s earliest offensive stars and remains among the all-time assist leaders in Blazers history. (Wikipedia)

Petrie blended scoring and facilitation effectively during the franchise’s early years and helped establish Portland’s offensive identity.

Honorable Mentions

  • Scottie Pippen
  • Nicolas Batum
  • CJ McCollum
  • Kelvin Ransey
  • Steve Blake
  • Lionel Hollins

Terry Porter remains the definitive passing icon in Trail Blazers history, but Portland has consistently featured elite facilitators across generations — from Bill Walton and Clyde Drexler to Damian Lillard and Rod Strickland.

Sources:
Basketball-Reference Trail Blazers leaders
Land of Basketball Trail Blazers assist leaders
StatMuse Trail Blazers assists leaders
NBA.com Trail Blazers franchise leaders