By Chris Helgeson

Whether you call it ‘making the leap,’ ‘taking the next step,’ or ‘rising to the next level’ it really makes no difference, but there are times within each franchise’s history where certain teams turn a corner and catapult into the forefront of NBA supremacy.

The Utah Jazz and the Cleveland Cavaliers made such leaps during last year’s playoffs.

The Miami Heat saw new heights after the signing of Shaquille O’Neal.

The Trail Blazers, however, never had one particular moment that stood out amongst the rest. From 1982 to 1989, Portland saw a franchise that was a perennial playoff contender, but they could never get over the hump. In 7 playoff appearances, the team only had 2 trips to the Western conference semifinals and 0 trips to the NBA’s greatest stage.

But by the 1989 season, this all changed.

From top-to-bottom, the Trail Blazers roster was littered with overachievers. Point guard Terry Porter averaged 9.1 assists per game and Clyde “The Glide” Drexler led all Trail Blazers with an average of 23.3 points per game.

A 6’8” Buck Williams led the team in rebounds with 9.8 per game.

Then, there were the hustle players, who played with a tenacity that actually scared the sun out of Oregon during the regular season…

Kevin Duckworth.

Jerome Kersey.

And future Sixth Man of the Year candidate Clifford Robinson.

The list reads like the “Who’s Who” of Trail Blazers history, but even still, it’s hard to argue that the acquisition of one of these players pushed Portland into the realm of greatness. Instead, they were a team that grew together, that took their bruises together, and eventually learned to win together.

It is fitting that “Heritage Night,” which will celebrate some of the most popular names in franchise history, is taking place this Tuesday.

Heading into the season, the Trail Blazers seemed like the youngest brother in the ultra competitive Western Conference. Sure, they had some talent, but talent usually subsides to youth and inexperience…

That is, unless the team grows together.

Much like their teammates from 17 years prior, this young squad is starting to come together. They’ve taken their licks, suffered through injuries, and yet, at the end of the day, they still find themselves on a 3 game winning streak.

They’ve played the toughest division in the NBA to a stand still, finishing 3 and 3 despite facing at least 3 series contenders for this year’s NBA championship.

And most importantly, they’re still unbeaten at home.

In order to stay that way, the 2007 Trail Blazers will have to do something that the 1989 Trail Blazers, unfortunately, failed to do: beat the Detroit Pistons.

The Detroit Pistons, led by Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, knocked off the Trail Blazers in 5 games to clinch the NBA’s greatest prize.

But, fast-forward 17 years and the Trail Blazers should have the upper hand against their Eastern Conference foe.

Riding the momentum of a three-game winning streak, the Trail Blazers should look to exploit the mismatches created by their dynamic duo. Shooting guard Brandon Roy elevated his game against the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 32 points, and should find his match-up against Rip Hamilton to be just as enticing as the Dallas defense was.

Then, there’s the highlight of the night as sophomore forward LaMarcus Aldridge goes against former Trail Blazer Rasheed Wallace.

After 8 roller-coaster years with Rasheed Wallace, the Trail Blazers had to search far and long for player with his similar strengths- someone who could stretch the defense with some long range shooting but wasn’t afraid to mix it up around the block.

They found LaMarcus Aldridge, who has done everything and more for this Trail Blazers team.

Aldridge is averaging 19.2 points, 1.17 blocks and 7.7 rebounds on the season and it’s his effort that drives the Trail Blazers front court.

The faces have changed, but basketball in Portland is back with a vengeance and there’s no better time to celebrate than Tuesday!

Make it 4-in-a-row with Trail Blazer legends Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter and Kevin Duckworth or if you can’t make it to the game, tune in to Comcast Sports Northwest and 750am KXL for all the action.

Don’t miss a minute!