Greatest Trail Blazers: #2 Kersey vs. #7 Rider - I Am A Trail Blazers Fan - Message Boards - Team

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DHawes22
Posts: 6481

Posted 08/01/2011 2:30 PM

Who should advance?
#2 Jerome Kersey (31)
91%
#7 Isaiah Rider (3)
9%

FREMONT REGION
#2 Jerome Kersey vs. #7 Isaiah Rider

No. 25 Jerome Kersey | Small Forward | 6-7 | 225 lbs

Career Stats As A Trail Blazer: 25.8 mpg, 12.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.8 bpg, .476 FG%, .198 3PT%, .699 FT%

Taken with the 46th overall pick in the 1984 draft, the Trail Blazers found a diamond in the rough out of tiny Longwood College in Virginia in the form of Jerome Kersey. His all-out, breakneck style of play not only won over the hearts of BlazerManiacs but also helped carve his niche early on in his time with Portland. The only speed Jerome that knew was full. And he used that mentality as an advantage to wear out the opposition by constantly challenging every play, diving on the floor for loose balls, and running the break. On a team that loved to play in the open court and push the tempo, there was no better finisher on the fly than “Mercy Mercy” Jerome Kersey. His thunderous jams rocked the Coliseum to a fever pitch.

If Drexler was the superstar, Porter the captain and Buck the glue, then Kersey was the jack-of-all-trades, because there isn’t any category Jerome hasn’t left his mark on. He is one of only two Trail Blazers to score over 10,000 points, grab more than 5,000 rebounds and hand out at least 1,000 assists. All-Time, Kersey ranks second in games played (831), rebounds (5,078), third in minutes played (21,400), steals (1,059), fourth in points (10,067), blocks (621), field goals made (3,981), and eighth in assists (1,762).

Schonely Speaks:
"Mercy Mercy Jerome Kersey. A true team player. Gave his body...full out. Could do it all."

Photo Gallery: Jerome Kersey Through The Years

No. 34 Isaiah Rider | Shooting Guard |6-5 | 215 lbs

Career Stats As A Trail Blazer: 34.2 mpg, 16.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.2 bpg, .434 FG%, .350 3PT%, .805 FT%

Isaiah “JR” Rider’s off the court troubles overshadowed his talents on the hardwood , which is a shame, because he could flat out play. After being acquired from the Timberwolves in the summer of ‘96, it was evident early on that Rider was a keeper. There wasn’t any way to stop Rider from getting buckets. Whether he was slashing hard to the cup, putting up jumpers from all distances or using his bulk to back his man down, the stocky, shooting guard was as versatile as they came. During his three seasons in Portland (96-99), Rider averaged 16.1, 19.7 and 13.9 ppg respectively – the latter two years leading the team in that department. Isaiah, not shy about showing his emotions on the hardwood, laid it all on the line during his tenure in Rip City and was, in essence, the ringleader of that 1999 Trail Blazer team.

On a squad so loaded with talent they were considered “12 Deep”, it was Rider whose star shone brightest during that ’99 playoff run, boosting his team-leading average to 16.5 ppg (up from 13.9). Setting the tone, Rider torched the Suns for a game-high 25 in Game One of the opening round. In the following round against rival Utah, JR again posted top score, going off for a career playoff-high 27 as Portland stole home-court away in Game Two. Finally, in the series clincher over Utah, Rider rose to the occasion, notching a game-high 24 points including 14 makes from the charity stripe – the third highest all-time for free-throw marksmanship in franchise playoff history.

Schonely Speaks:
"Controversial to say the least, but he could play."

Photo Gallery: Isaiah Rider Through The Years

The polls will stay open for one week, The player with the most votes will move onto the next round. Who should advance in this matchup and why?

Bracket: The Greatest Trail Blazer Of All-Time

I am a fan of

Who should advance?
#2 Jerome Kersey (31)
91%
#7 Isaiah Rider (3)
9%

barnettfan
Posts: 371

Posted 08/01/2011 7:30 PM
Jerome Kersey had heart for the game. It always seemed like he gave 110% when he played. Absolutely in my top 3 favorite Blazers to play since their conception. Statwise is he a better player than Rider? No, but as far as the little things on the floor and the spark he brought I think I will stick with Kersey.

I am a fan of

Kassandra
Posts: 448

Posted 08/01/2011 8:08 PM
this one isn't quite as difficult as Hollins-Gross or Duckworth-Grant. Kersey was a major cog in two finals runs. he averaged fewer points, but his hustle is what i've learned sets him apart from a lot of players. Rider could score and have a big game, but he was too much of a headcase to even be considered in a bracket for best blazer of all-time given the importance of character to blazers fans (no offense for putting him in there though, Dustin!). vote to Kersey.

~ Kassandra

I am a fan of my team fighting to win each and every game.

Tobyus Sanchezo
Posts: 1604

Posted 08/01/2011 11:03 PM
Some dork traded Clyde Drexler for JR Rider. We've been crawling outta that hole ever since.

MERCY MERCY! JEROME KERSEY!!

I am a fan of playoffs in two zero one three

DHawes22
Posts: 6481

Posted 08/02/2011 9:41 AM

Posted By Tobyus Sanchezo on 08/01/2011 11:03 PM
Some dork traded Clyde Drexler for JR Rider. We've been crawling outta that hole ever since.

MERCY MERCY! JEROME KERSEY!!

We actually sent James Robinson, Bill Curley and a future 1st for JR Rider. Considering what Rider gave us on the court and in another trade (Steve Smith), that was one of the better trades this team has made in my opinion.

I am a fan of

DHawes22
Posts: 6481

Posted 08/02/2011 9:45 AM

Posted By Kassandra on 08/01/2011 8:08 PM
Rider could score and have a big game, but he was too much of a headcase to even be considered in a bracket for best blazer of all-time given the importance of character to blazers fans (no offense for putting him in there though, Dustin!). vote to Kersey.

~ Kassandra

None taken. But who else should be ahead of him? Yes, character gets taken into consideration, which is why he's so low on this list but like I said he could play. Also, if we take character into consideration, then should Sidney Wicks be left out as well? I just really remember that 99 team as the team that brought Blazer Mania back. It was a bunch of good players, none great, that took the league by storm and nearly reached the NBA Finals had it not been for Sean Elliot's Memorial Day Miracle. And it was JR Rider usually leading the charge.

I am a fan of

Kassandra
Posts: 448

Posted 08/02/2011 1:13 PM

Posted By DHawes22 on 08/02/2011 9:45 AM

Posted By Kassandra on 08/01/2011 8:08 PM
Rider could score and have a big game, but he was too much of a headcase to even be considered in a bracket for best blazer of all-time given the importance of character to blazers fans (no offense for putting him in there though, Dustin!). vote to Kersey.

~ Kassandra

None taken. But who else should be ahead of him? Yes, character gets taken into consideration, which is why he's so low on this list but like I said he could play. Also, if we take character into consideration, then should Sidney Wicks be left out as well? I just really remember that 99 team as the team that brought Blazer Mania back. It was a bunch of good players, none great, that took the league by storm and nearly reached the NBA Finals had it not been for Sean Elliot's Memorial Day Miracle. And it was JR Rider usually leading the charge.

i honestly don't know who i'd put up there instead of him (though you know i have a soft spot for Ha Sun-Jin!). i was more being figurative with that in support for Kersey. the thing which sticks out to me is that Rider was inconsistent. like i said, he could score and have a big game. however, you just never knew you could rely on him. it was when Rider was playing when i really was understanding the blazers and the game much more than i had and i never cared for the uncertainty you got with Rider.

~ Kassandra

I am a fan of my team fighting to win each and every game.

ClydeFrog
Posts: 975

Posted 08/02/2011 2:01 PM
My favorite Blazer from that era, Jerome Kersey. As a kid, it didn't get much better than watching him get the ball from Porter or Drexler on the wing and soar home for a monster jam on the fast break.

I am a fan of Watching Elliot Williams Take Flight!

BlazerBear
Posts: 97

Posted 08/03/2011 2:41 PM
While I did love Rider grabbing his jersey and pulling it away from his chest, revealing his tat after a huge play, Kersey simply made more of those amazing plays.

I am a fan of J.J. Hickson Making SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays On A Nightly Basis!

BDawg
Posts: 1471

Posted 08/05/2011 8:51 AM
Character for me doesn't enter into this equation, as BOTH of these men have had issues...one of them (Rider) has just had his more publicized. For me, I'd have to agree with both Kass and Clydefrog...consistency and the electrifying, often game-changing throw-downs in the open floor, are the difference. When Mercy wasn't finding his range, he found other ways to contribute while on the floor. That is what sets good players apart from great players.

On a related note...if anyone reading this knows of a way I can replace my "Uh Oh" Nike poster from the glory days...you know, the black and white with TP, Buck and Jerome...please let me know! I would die for one.

I am a fan of players that play with PASSION and PRIDE

DHawes22
Posts: 6481

Posted 08/08/2011 9:45 AM
Jerome cruises to an easy 28-3 win!

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