Harry Glickman, the founder and former general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers, is dead at the age of 96, the team announced. Glickman founded the Blazers in 1970 after being awarded an expansion franchise provided he could gather enough investor support. He did so, and spent the first 17 years of the team's existence as its top executive. In that time, he and general manager Stu Inman hired Hall of Fame coach Dr. Jack Ramsay and drafted UCLA star Bill Walton, the duo that led Portland to its first and only championship in 1977.
"The Trail Blazers have long been the beneficiary of Harry's vision, generosity, and inspiration," said Jody Allen, Chair of the Trail Blazers. "As the team's founder and first General Manager, his leadership was instrumental in igniting our city's pride and passion for sports. I am grateful for Harry's many contributions to the franchise over the years. He will be missed by many."
Walton, the greatest player Glickman ever acquired, posted a letter to Glickman on the team's website in which he thanked him for his role in bringing the Blazers to Portland.
Glickman was promoted to president emeritus of the team in 1987, a role he held until 1994. In that span, the Blazers reached the NBA Finals twice, in 1990 and 1992, led by Clyde Drexler. They have not done so since then.
Former Blazers owner Paul Allen died just before the 2018-19 season. The death of Glickman represents another loss of a key figure in the team's history.
