Jailblazers: Rasheed Wallace and Bonzi Wells speak out

Rasheed Wallace and Bonzi Wells revisit their time playing for the Portland Trailblazers in the late 90s and early 2000s.
The team's brash nature earned a nickname: The Jailblazers.
Wallace and Wells reveal what the reputation cost them, how close the team was to a championship, and how they feel about that era now.
#nba #basketball #portlandtrailblazers #interview #jailblazers
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[@Goodgamebro]

Man, I loved these Trailblazer teams. Bonzi Wells was a CHEAT CODE on NBA Live too lol

[@underdogoriginals]

What a throwback. An absolute cheat code.

[@alecsanderhamilton9224]

U only wanna talk about find video game fantasy memories about Bonzi Wells when this nation has a bigger issue. A double standard of white vs black. Bill Walton smoked weed to 77 NBA title and beat the Afro and chocolate thunder of Dr. J and Darryl Dawkins to the satisfaction of white America and these guys smoked weed to whoop on Stockton and Malone but lose to Shaq and Kobe and everybody in America wanted their necks rung. Literally. White America must go down in flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. It's fine time.

[@navey3804]

For sure he was....it was like a Kobe light version on NBA live

[@crizstaphamarley4770]

He was

[@crizstaphamarley4770]

That was my 2nd favorite Western conference squad Kings n blazers

[@HouseDevice-g8m]

this team was incredible. Deepest team ever assembled. Sabonis Pippen Stoudamire Steve smith Rasheed wallce Brian Grant Bonzi Greg anthony Detlep Shrempf. unreal

[@HouseDevice-g8m]

oh ya Jermaine Oneal

[@DefSquadFan]

I like the team with J.R. Rider, Stacy Augmon, Sheed, Jimmy Jackson, Sabonis. Jail Blazers Lock out year! That was a squad.

[@8301TheJMan]

The 99 team was even deeper. They didn't have Pippen and Smith, but instead had Isaiah Rider, Walt Williams, Jimmy Jackson, Cato, and Stacy Augmon. Pippen was still great, but Smith was way over the hill, one-dimensional offensively, and a horrible defender. Rider was prolly the biggest headcase on that team and was hard to play with, but he was a FAR more versatile scorer, way more athletic, and a better defender. Plus that trade also included Jimmy Jackson, which absolutely infuriates me to this day. Cuz though he had some major knee injuries earlier in his career and wasn't the same star he once was, he was still a far more well-rounded player and more athletic than Smith, while also being a great defender and passer. He coulda put up every bit as many points, probably even more in fact, than Smith if he had gotten the minutes Smitty did. Hell the years prior to that, even after those injuries he was still a 15 to 20 a game scorer up to arriving at Portland. And that's just him, Rider offensively was even better at that point in time. The one thing Smith was clearly better than those 2 at, (aside for his leadership), was his outside shot, and the thing is - it wasn't THAT much better than either Rider's or Jackson's outside shot. Plus when they traded half their team for Pippen and Smith, it drastically limited the number of years that that team would be legit champ contenders. That team was the deepest team of all time imo, though both the 2000 squad and the early 90's Blazers during the Clyde era were certainly pretty close.

[@8301TheJMan]

@@DefSquadFan Took the words outa my mouth! It blew my mind that at the time, and even to this day people hail the trade for Smith, when it was one of the worst trades in Blazers history. Rider was a headcase no doubt, but was a way better all-around player, plus Jimmy Jackson was part of that deal too! And the thing is, despite not being the guy he once was prior to his knee injuries while at Dallas, Jimmy arguably was still better than Smitty at that point in time as well. Steve was an over-the-hill one-dimension outside sharp-shooter who was horrendous on defense. Trading to get him in exchange for two much better well-rounded shooting-guards is completely egregious imo, and i knew it at the time and was proven correct when that team's longevity was cut in half by trading so many good, (and in Rider's case - great), players for two aging vets, not to mention bringing in Detlef - who was also way past his prime. I much woulda rather had Jackson, Walt Williams, or Stacy Augmon that Detlef or Smith. Pippen was still great, so i don't mind that trade as much, but that Smitty trade was god-awful. Which is why im ust so stunned that pretty much everybody not only thinks that it wasn't a horrible trade, but in fact think/thought it was a fantastic trade! Like seriously, your the first comment ive seen under a late 90's to early 2000's Blazers vid that agrees with me!

[@DefSquadFan]

@8301TheJMan Yeah rider was the truth. He just didn't take care of his body like a pro. Post, Off the dribble, spot up 3, or above the rim. JR Rider could do it all. He was even better than Kobe at the time.

[@wegngis]

I remember watching Bonzi Wells warm up against a trainer during pregame. Bonzi was going backwards, 1/2 speed (if that) and the trainer had a hand on his hip, checking him. Trainer could barely stay in front of him. Bonzi was yawning. That’s when the full impact of NBA talent hit me. Bonzi was the man.

[@ajax203showme]

Yessir!

[@devadiponeness1]

Definitely want a documentary. This team was so good. All the way to when they had Darius Miles and Zach Randolph. Underrated squad.

[@tigacainta]

Sheed & Wells was 2 of the talented ballers that era.. Sheed has that high IQ cockiness !

[@patrickdukart3298]

Hey Bonzi!... Hey Sheed! As a life king blazer fan a a super fan of your teams... I always rooted for you!!!

[@RWQMUZK]

I need to see a documentary about one of my most favorite teams of all time!!!

[@jamestonga6281]

My favorite Blazer team. Game 7 4th quarter was my deepest defeat. JailBlazers 4 life!

[@trigliderider76]

I remember watching that game!! Rasheed was and always will be my favorite of all time! I still yell, "Ball dont lie!!!! Would love to see that documentary. They were my favorite team back then. When Rasheed left, whatever team he went to was my favorite team!! Love that guy! Go Tarheels!!

[@Fitness45233]

Yes doc please… still recovering from that game 7. I was 9 years old. My buddy and I went outside to shoot some hoops when we were up 17.. we came back and the lead had gone down to 5… a core memory!

[@KHLB516]

Can tell the love Sheed n Bonzi have for each other cus how easily/freely they point out each other’s shortcomings… “I missed 7 myself” (sheed) “ATLEAST”(Bonzi) And neither blinked or missed a beat

[@ajax203showme]

I peeped that two. They definitely have brotherly love for one another.

[@t.o.408]

I lived in the Seattle area during this era and was still a big Blazer fan, but the information I was getting was the narrative being presented by the national media. I would love to see a documentary that goes in depth with the players, the front office at the time, fans, and the local media. Please make it happen!!!

[@aaronmfarland]

The Jail Blazers era was my high school years. I never liked the term jail blazers. That was my favorite era of basketball in Portland. Sheed has always been one of my all time favorites… This Documentary needs to come to fruition!! Please do it.

[@JK-br1mu]

He was a whiny punk who complained about EVERY SINGLE CALL.

[@mr.de-are7047]

Yes we need that asap

[@TheODPETE]

Man I've been wanting to hear sheed talk about his time in pdx for a long time and am so glad I finally got to hear it. Also bums me out as a native Oregonian. These dudes and those teams will never be appreciated like they should be.

[@alitabatabaie396]

Great work, Sheed and Bonzi All heart. Great players that were misunderstood. Both played hard :)

[@THAUPALLNIGHTSHOW]

Rasheed Wallace is my favorite player of all time and has had a major impact on my life and basketball when I was 12 I chosen after a game to do a small interview with him post game it was so awesome and getting to shoot around pre game a couple times with him in Portland thank u for the great memories sheed u and damon were the best to me and still are love u too bonzi love that whole team!!!!!

[@lvmsoundwave2923]

I was a Portland fan during this time because Rasheed was my favorite player, along with Eddie Jones. Blazers had a squad back then. I wanted them to go to the championship. It’s good to see that Blazers core are still cool with each other.

[@DankBirdGang52]

I was a Brian Grant and Bonzi Wells guy, as well as Damon Stoudamire because he was from Portland.

[@margaretrielly7323]

We had that game back in 2000. 23 years on I'm still ruminating over it. Fuck.

[@dwightsledge]

Portland always has underrated squads

[@maxvirnig2062]

Fantastic! The jail Blazers were my childhood team and I always think of that squad fondly! We NEED a doc.

[@Logholders]

Man this the first time I’ve really heard Bonzy Wells speak. Always knew him as a Jailblazer from those days. Dude sounds so smart and articulate.

[@Broski_pdx]

Real ones ! Respect to them .❤️💯🏀

[@Huntfrasier]

Never heard this side of the story before! This was a great interview and I can’t wait to see more

[@underdogoriginals]

Appreciate it! A lot more coming

[@BlackSheeps00]

Been waiting YEARS for a documentary! Please 🙏🏼

[@underdogoriginals]

Love it

[@schuylerhicks849]

For real. Thanks to Wells and Sheed. We love you guys. So glad this mini was able to made. 🖤❤🤍

[@brandonmasters8261]

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeed! Damn that was a fun team to watch.

[@paddle_my_mad_laddle]

So glad to see this video I've been playing tons of NBA 2K1 and 2K2 on my Sega Dreamcast and I love playing as the Blazers

[@xchange1582]

What kind of question is that? Of course we need a documentary! This is the team that captured my heart and forever made me a fan. ❤

[@shhlie]

I’m so happy to be able hear this story. I had 1/4 season nosebleed tickets during this era. All the fans that I knew never believed the media bull. You were an amazing team and that was a phenomenal run.

[@russelldevore3576]

This was great. Would definitely catch a documentary! Please make it happen.

[@dennisstrand5566]

Outstanding

[@Kc_Jocking]

We want THE DOCUMENTARY!❤💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💯💯💯

[@Tranquille92]

Word word ‼️

[@ninodean8099]

2 of the best to ever do it I appreciate you both for the memories and great moments

[@jeremystarck5189]

Awesome shit. I grew up going to Blazer games in the 80's and 90's and Sheed was my favorite player. That team was so damn good. It still hurts knowing how close they came. I love all them dudes A documentary about that team, if done well, could be a huge hit. They could all get paid once again if they find the right partner. It would be huge #CTC , just like Sheed used to say. Lol

[@Skylives2sail]

Haven’t had a team like them ever since 😢

[@12thman75]

As a 01-03 season ticket holder I loved my blazers back then. Rasheed was the man

[@StarWarsDaddy]

This was awesome. Sheed and Bonzi are my favorite basketball players of all time. Would love a documentary on this Blazer time period and to hear more of what they have to say. Thanks for giving us this interview!

[@lvmsoundwave2923]

Loved that Blazers squad. Portland really messed up. They definitely could have tried to keep this roster going. Smh Sheed Bonzi Steve Smith Brian Grant Damon Stoudamire Pippen Sabonis

[@jamesroberts1810]

Facts fam..i loved the blazers...Sheed my fave pf off all time...these guys went hard on nba live 200-2001 ..they didn't put these blazers on any of the nba 2k games

[@TarnishedtheGOAT]

As a life long Portland resident I will always have love for this era of Blazers basketball. Sheed and Bonzi were bad asses. Fun fact: my mom sold a car to Jermaine O’Neal is rookie year

[@RedGarnett-n2p]

He was only eighteen

[@desert_hunter83]

Most definitely want that Documentary! Love to hear the REAL stories from the Players, uncensored! 🎙️👀🎧

[@Jonathan-vt3tk]

Wow...Love hearing this!!!!!....These teams were so good!!!!...This was a great Conversation!!!!.... Absolutely lets see a documentary!!!!

[@ursoyboyy7778]

thanks to YT algorithm i found this channel. the way u tell us abt a story and the way u wrap that up into interesting content is beautiful. i cant wait for the next videos

[@shootercinema8577]

Love these two I remember watching this game.. one of the best ever played.. That team and Sac the two best.. The Lakers stopped a lot of shine...These two men are awesome I always loved watching them play Wells was a beast they had a 15 man team 10 of them could start on other teams.. What a time to be alive...Basketball started to die in my mind a few years after this..Great video!

[@byrondenny1636]

Lmao at taking white mens job

[@jacobbruce3174]

I think you meant the refs stopped a lot of shine blazers an kings got screwed by the refs

[@aaronmfarland]

Amen brother. That game 7 was just before I graduated high school and I thought it would be a picture perfect senior year then we shit the bed in the last 7 minutes. We would have absolutely destroyed Indiana too!

[@jacobbruce3174]

@@aaronmfarland I was finishing my junior year in high school too. I stopped watching basketball for a long time after that game. Took me years to get over that series

[@RedGarnett-n2p]

​@@jacobbruce3174the refs screwed both teams over Portland in 2000 and they did the same thing to the Sacramento Kings 2 years later

[@lil_bear]

I’ll never get over that game 7. I remember eating dinner in silence with my family after that game. Those blazer teams were fun to watch.

[@Jonathan-vt3tk]

Watched this Twice, just cause it was so good!!!

[@stevie_mix2511]

I would love to see that documentary! I’ve thought about doing either a doc or blog on the Jail Blazers as well. I lived in Portland through that era and it was during this time that I was following the team most closely. Sheed is still my favorite Blazer. So many stories from Jermaine a regular at the silver dollar a pool hall in NW under age. Z Bo’s brawls Quentel Woods showing up to Clackamas town center smelling of blaze Damien and the foil wrapped pot at the airport (doh) and the pounds at home. Kemp?!! When Trader bob rationed with Paul Allen on the growing expense of the team (sooo far over the salary cap, almost 2 starting 5’s on the team at 1 time). He couldn’t beat the Lakers with the draw of Hollywood but he could with money. But with the amount for Kemp, Witsett looked at Paul and said that’s about the equivalent of the value of a dime to you. It was a period when Paul was willing to spend to win, the only thing that works in this small market town. Once that ended with that team he was never willing to spend the same to win, plus he got a NFL ring with Seahawks, his actual town, so he got it and the Blazers fell out of favor, more of an investment less of a passion. What it must have been like for the guys to have to deal with the Portland PD, the racist history in Oregon and Paul Allen and Vulcan 🖖 (or the Vulcan’s as they call themselves). One player, can’t remember who, said this when watching the team enter for pre game warmup ‘where did they get all these guys?’ You pack in that much talent, 2 NBA quality starting 5’s, other teams benches would come in and they’d be more like secondary players and scrubs our bench would go in and they would be starters on any other team in the NBA JR Rider came off the bench. Brian Grant came off the bench. the list goes on. so you pack in that much talent, the richest owner in sports Atown no one wants to play in or go to and that time in history and yeah you’re you’re looking for trouble.

[@bluewolf5925]

Those were some fun times as a Blazer fan. My father who was a lakers fan called me just about the same time Bonzi spoke of. My dad said congratulations. The Blazers are going to win this game and go on to win the championship. Then fate as Sheed said happened. My dad now bragged about his laker team. I had some season tickets that year. I had full playoff tickets all the way through the championship. Interesting how the preprinted the tickets. Oh what could have been.

[@PizzaHomie]

More of this please!

[@cuddyross5432]

I remember that game 7. Still hurts to this day. The local media unfairly judged them and put a black cloud over the players. They had to deal with a lot of bs off of the court but they played hard every night.

[@bizonc]

It def had racial overtones and the local media got the old conservative whites hyped up. It felt uncomfortable and us youngins always supported them throughout.

[@RedGarnett-n2p]

They were robbed by the referees and so are the Sacramento Kings 2 years later

[@overratedgm5713]

They let Kobe Bryant get away with rape, but somehow they got labeled as the Jail Blazers. The NBA would do anything to prevent them from winning, obviously David Stern wanted the Lakers to win. Most of the fouls called against Sabonis were nonsense. I think Sabonis was the key.

[@RedGarnett-n2p]

@@overratedgm5713 spot on

[@jaridatkinson4907]

That game 7 was crazy watching it live as a laker fan I thought it was over after 3

[@reeftanks3525]

Great video. Sabonis' passing was crazy on those teams. Too bad they had to sell game 7 in 2000 for the new LA Dyna$ty

[@kenwoodall837]

This was great. I would love to see a documentary.

[@pensarebasketball]

This IS INCREDIBLE!

[@underdogoriginals]

Glad you like it!

[@pensarebasketball]

@@underdogoriginals I've gotta do a community post or channel shout out for your work man. This doc was so well composed and thought out. Kudos on the work you're doing. Sheed was def one of my all time favs.

[@MrML4L]

We gotta see it. This team was and is everything to me sports-wise. I have rasheeds jersey hanging on my wall proudly. My favorite player ever and I emulated my own game after his. Do the doc!

[@seansos54]

Great interview, really hope the documentary gets done

[@admiralkrankandhismightyba158]

Not a Blazers fans. But I really admired that team. Wallace is well known of course. Bonzi wells was so good too. One of my favorite players.

[@mattbuzzno7402]

Love this content! Great work! Rasheed will always be a favorite player from back then

[@underdogoriginals]

Thanks for watching

[@gullscomic]

It'd be great to see a full documentary with player stories. What an era! I was obsessed and am a huge fan of this team.

[@MrBeastchops]

Fuck yeah make a doc. This was my favorite blazers team

[@rprada707]

Lets get go!!! Documentary 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@Boss3Nate]

Man... so many people were fans of this team. I was never a Trailblazers fan before this team or after this team... but man did I like this team and want them to win. I think a lot of people felt the same way. Wanted so bad to see Sheed, Pip, Stoudamire, Smitty and company get that ring!!

[@patrickdukart3298]

Rasheed Wallace is my all time favorite athlete. I wish he had more affinity for the franchise and the area but I cannot blame him or Bonzi for their I'll will. People here don't know the greatness when they have it and then they riot for damian number zero

[@JoeyStaletoTV]

Your videos are amazing!! You need more recognition!!

[@underdogoriginals]

Thank you! A lot more content on its way

[@markmiller3308]

“Both teams played hard..” - Sheed That team was fun to watch.

[@lamarrrobinson6370]

We need the documentary

[@Nasirr1421]

Doc please!!!. Loved that team.

[@jinnij.caiman]

I’ve watched every video so far, make more, lol this is my favorite so far. I swear I hate the media sometimes and the grasping for straws and problems they try to make up for the professional athletes and celebrities.

[@underdogoriginals]

Thanks for watching. Really glad you like it

[@MrMe7111]

Can’t wait for documentary !!!

[@jonrandall6713]

Team is one of the greatest ever to fall short of a championship. I am among those that felt the jailblazer label was unfair. Go Blazers!!! :)

[@derickeisele3799]

Fantastic and yes we need a doc

[@georgethompson8196]

Documentary is Mandatory!!!!! They're 1 of thee Most Talented/Deep'EST Teams EVER!!!!!! Should've won That Game 7 & Went on To have A Historic 🏃🏽‍♂️ 🏃🏽‍♂️ 🏃🏽‍♂️ 🏃🏽‍♂️ 🏃🏽‍♂️ 🏃🏽‍♂️ 🏃🏽‍♂️

[@nice1288]

The NBA didn't want Portland vs Indy was boring

[@patrickdukart3298]

Anything Blazers, especially if this era ... I will tune in for. Again Sheed is my all time favorite athlete and I love hearing his view

[@surah1655]

I want to see a documentary on this time. They were fun to watch. I remember them.

[@scottohaver]

Yes please do a documentary on this team as they were so talented. But make it fair and balanced.

[@Slap1008]

Hell yeah we need a documentary

[@bwen18]

This channel will be blowing up soon!

[@Ls-xg7wq]

indeed

[@tmartinez401]

I love these form of videos

[@underdogoriginals]

Appreciate it!

[@rayrayrun]

man I was only 9 on that game 7 but I knew who was the underdog and I was rooting for yall... where did the time go..

[@jtownjumpcity5937]

My favorite team. Period.

[@TurnOffYourTV]

Great Fking Watch... wow do they tell real stories. Bonzi and Sheed, thanks. Super Piece.

[@TarnishedtheGOAT]

“Felonius type dudes”. Lol I love Bonzi

[@ajax203showme]

Phrase made me giggle. Sounding like Beanie Sigel from State Property.

[@codyoh77]

Bonzi Wells is my all time favorite NBA player. That Trail Blazer team is must see TV

[@dennisstrand5566]

Yes please make a documentary

[@bblesener]

As a grade school kid during the Jail Blazers era I vividly recall being unable to understand why everyone treated these guys so bad, and the adults calling them thugs never had good explanations for why smoking a plant that kinda just did what alcohol did was so bad. I feel looking back with a modern lens, and media darling Steve Kerr's presence for some of it, could really set the record straight.

[@marshallsmith9741]

Let's see a full documentary!

[@keithspernak6456]

Loved that team.

[@Mega866]

Sheed is the most underrated 4. He is the prototype stretch 4. Post game, mid range and a three point shot.

[@amadopadron2124]

Yes, I wanna see the documentary.

[@danw.5730]

Loved this team and thought they should’ve been a dynasty. Please make a documentary and let me know how I can help.

[@streetsdapokemane]

i still yell "Raaaaaasheeeeeeed Waaaaaaaallllace" every time I light my blunt

[@TVanH]

I was never mad or angry at the Jail Blazers. I fucking loved it!

[@danmacmillan5114]

I am glad to hear more of their side of the story. The local media narrative pissed me off and i felt was mainly birthed by the agenda and horrible attitude of John Canzano. No one wanted to talk to him because he turned everything negative. I want to hear Sheed and Bonzi talk about that. They were a great team, just had some huge emotions and an edge that caused some problems and formed a perception. I still think Sheed is in the Blazers all time top 5 or 6 for talent.

[@robertorivera791]

Insane. They remind me of when the nba was the nba

[@underdogoriginals]

Whole different game

[@rcnyoplait]

Blazers miss you Sheed

[@Junatic30]

Need a documentary ASAP

[@lilscrappy50cent20]

We are ready for full story

[@crothwell71]

Would love to see a documentary!

[@Prestigiousguy]

And .. weed is legal recreationally in Oregon now!! Haha. I always rooted for you guys no matter what!! Its nice to see Bonzi and Sheed smile again. Blazers ❤️‍🔥for life.

[@danthompson6008]

Would love to see a documentary on the jail blazers

[@D-BOtastic]

Would love to see a doc

[@Bigbarrison4269]

such an underrated youtuber!

[@ScorpioandSebek]

This was great