The Portland Trail Blazers are on the brink of a pivotal decision with the likelihood of an expansion draft looming. This scenario isn't new for them; they faced a similar challenge back in 1989.
That year, they lost center Steve Johnson to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise for Portland, as Johnson became one of the less successful picks in NBA expansion draft history.
Recently, Josh Cornelissen from Lake Show Life highlighted the best players lost by each team in expansion drafts, and Johnson was his pick for Portland. Despite his All-Star status during his stint with the Blazers, Cornelissen controversially labeled him among the 'worst players in history to make an All-Star team.'
Johnson's departure came just a year after the Blazers left him unprotected in the 1989 expansion draft. He was picked by the Timberwolves but found himself out of the league within two years.
Kevin Duckworth's Rise and Johnson's Fall
The trade that brought Steve Johnson to Portland involved sending former No. 1 overall pick Mychal Thompson to the San Antonio Spurs. The Blazers were plagued by injuries, notably to Sam Bowie, whose broken leg sidelined him and paved the way for Johnson's All-Star selection in 1988. Unfortunately, Johnson couldn't participate in the game due to his own injury issues.
Johnson's injuries created an opportunity for Kevin Duckworth, who seized the moment and emerged as one of the franchise's standout players. Duckworth's performance earned him the Most Improved Player award in 1988. With Portland's strategy of playing two big men proving ineffective, Johnson was suddenly expendable.
The Blazers struggled with roster balance during the 1988-89 season, resulting in head coach Mike Schuler being replaced by Rick Adelman midseason. Johnson moved to Minnesota that summer, and under Adelman's leadership, a revamped Blazers squad reached the NBA Finals the following season. The divergent paths of the Blazers' success and Johnson's declining career underscored the wisdom of not protecting him, despite his recent All-Star status.
As Portland potentially faces another expansion draft, they must weigh their options carefully. While some players are making significant contributions this season, the team needs to consider future dynamics. Emerging talents could soon render current contributors expendable, as they prove themselves ready for larger roles.