Two Trail Blazers standouts return to team in a new role

PORTLAND, Ore. –Terry Porter and Brian Grant, two of the most popular players in Trail Blazers history, have formally rejoined the organization as the newest members of the Trail Blazer Alumni Ambassadors Corps, the team announced today.

Porter and Grant join a strong lineup of local alumni ambassadors that officially includes Jerome Kersey, Chris Dudley, Harry Glickman and Dale Schlueter, and is unofficially augmented by several local alumni for special occasions throughout the year at Trail Blazers games, volunteer opportunities and special events.

In Porter, Grant and Dudley, the Trail Blazers now boast three past recipients of the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award provided annually to the NBA player, coach or trainer who best exemplifies outstanding service and dedication to the community.

“We are excited that Terry and Brian have both made the decision to return to Portland and thrilled to have them represent the Trail Blazers once again,” Trail Blazers President Larry Miller said. “It is a compliment to our city, the organization and especially our fans that so many of our former players have made Portland home.”

The Alumni Ambassadors Corps represent the Trail Blazers at events throughout the community year-round, bridging the team’s past to its present, supporting team outreach as the public face of many of the team’s “Make It Better” programs, including Harvest Dinner, the Statewide Summer Tour and local basketball camps.

Porter, drafted by the Trail Blazers in 1985, played in Portland for 10 seasons and is the Trail Blazers’ all-time leader in assists and three-point field goals made, while ranking second in scoring, steals, field goals made, free throws made and minutes played. Porter is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame.

Grant, who signed with Portland as a free agent in 1997, played three seasons with the team, averaging 10.2 points and 7.9 rebounds in 172 regular season games. He is most notably remembered for his performances in the 1998 and 1999 playoffs. Grant remains among Portland’s all-time leaders for average rebounds in the postseason.