------ The Trail Blazers season ended on Sunday night with a loss to the Utah Jazz and a heartfelt goodbye to Bill Schonely.
On Sunday, the Trail Blazers honored the original radio voice of the team Bill Schonely. During his career, Schonely was on the call for 2,522 games on both radio and television. His career behind the microphone began in 1970 and came to an end at the close of the 1998 season.
Schonely coined the famous phrase "Rip City" that originated in 1970 in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers after Jim Barnett swished a long jumper to tie the game.
In 2003, Schonely returned to the Blazers as a team ambassador that included lending his voice to a number of different projects including "Blazers Flashback" and a variety of radio spots.
Schonely was finally given the proper sendoff he deserved that prior management failed to provide after the end of his time behind the microphone for the team.
In a town that always embraces their heroes, Schonely will never be forgotten. His place in Blazers' history is secure and well deserved.
In the season finale, the Utah Jazz defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 111-80. Portland ends their season with a record of 27-55, which gives them the sixth-worst record in the NBA. That will supply the Blazers with a 37.2% chance at landing a top four pick and a 9.0% chance of getting the number one overall pick in the upcoming Draft Lottery announcement on May 17th.
Chad's Take- Thank God the season is over!
Up Next- Draft Lottery announced on May 17th, NBA Draft on June 23rd, and free agency in July.