Few “what ifs” in NBA history spark more debate than the 1984 NBA Draft. The Portland Trail Blazers held the No. 2 overall pick and famously selected Sam Bowie, leaving Michael Jordan to be taken at No. 3 by the Chicago Bulls. Ever since, fans have speculated, but did the Blazers pass on Jordan because they already had Clyde Drexler, a talented shooting guard they drafted the previous year? Or was there more to the story? Interestingly, Jordan’s early career was filled with defining moments — like the day he punched Steve Kerr at practice — that shaped his competitive legacy.
Let’s break down the facts, myths, and real reasons behind one of basketball history’s most pivotal draft decisions.
What Was The Context Of The 1984 NBA Draft?
The 1984 draft is considered one of the greatest ever, producing Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton. As a reminder of Jordan’s influence beyond the game, Charles Barkley once admitted that Michael Jordan made people say they “need sneakers”, highlighting his impact both on and off the court.
Chicago Bulls (No. 3 pick): Selected Michael Jordan, a 6’6” shooting guard from North Carolina.
Houston Rockets (No. 1 pick): Selected Olajuwon, a generational center.
Portland Trail Blazers (No. 2 pick): Selected Sam Bowie, a 7’1” center from Kentucky.
Did Portland Really Pass On Michael Jordan Because Of Clyde Drexler?
The narrative that the Blazers didn’t draft Jordan because of Drexler has been partially true but oversimplified.
Draft Need Over Best Player Available: The Blazers believed they had their backcourt set with Drexler (SG) and Jim Paxson (another All-Star guard).Frontcourt Priority: Portland desperately needed a center, which is why they targeted Sam Bowie. Their philosophy was “fill the hole” rather than “take the best talent.”GM and Coach Comments: Former Blazers executives have admitted they didn’t see Jordan as a good fit at the time. Then-GM Stu Inman even said the team needed size, not another shooting guard.
So yes, Drexler’s presence influenced the decision
How Good Was Clyde Drexler At That Time?
When Portland drafted Bowie in 1984, Drexler had just finished his rookie season:
Averaged 7.7 points per game in limited minutes.Showed flashes of elite athleticism.By 1986, Drexler had developed into an All-Star caliber player, averaging 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists.What Happened To Sam Bowie And The Blazers?
Repeated leg injuries derailed Sam Bowie’s career. Ironically, years later, Jordan’s name would continue to dominate NBA headlines through a variety of fascinating stories — from his mysterious Hanes commercial mustache era to rare collectibles, such as t he unique Michael Jordan–Kobe Bryant card, which broke records in 2025.
Played just 76 games in his first two seasons.Missed the entire 1987–88 and 1988–89 seasons.Averaged only 10.9 points and 7.5 rebounds for his career.What Did Michael Jordan Do After Being Passed Over?
Jordan went on to:
Win 6 NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls.Earn 5 MVP awards and 6 Finals MVPs.Become the NBA’s all-time cultural icon, often called the greatest of all time (GOAT).Conclusion
So, did the Portland Trail Blazers pass on Michael Jordan because of Clyde Drexler? Yes—but not entirely. Drexler’s presence was part of the decision, but the bigger reason was the team’s desperate need for a center. Unfortunately for Portland, Sam Bowie’s injuries turned that choice into one of the most infamous “what ifs” in NBA history.
Had the Blazers taken Jordan, the course of the NBA in the 1980s and 1990s would have looked dramatically different.
The post Fact Check: Did Clyde Drexler Stop The Trail Blazers From Drafting Michael Jordan? originally published on Total Pro Sports.