National Basketball Association

Blazers to honor Jack Ramsey with uniform patch

Published Apr. 30, 2014 4:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Portland Trail Blazers will honor late former coach Jack Ramsey with what the team has described as "multiple salutes," beginning Wednesday night for their first-round playoff game at Houston.

The Blazers will wear a special uniform patch in honor of Ramsey, affectionately known as "Dr. Jack," who died in his sleep Monday at the age of 89.

"It's a very unique patch that pays perfect tribute to who Dr. Jack was," said Blazers general manager Neil Olshey. "It embodies his time in Portland, his vibrant personality, and ultimately all that he meant to the Trail Blazers and the NBA."

Ramsey coached the Blazers from 1976-86, leading them to the lone championship in franchise history in 1977. That year, the Bill Walton-led Blazers upset heavily favored Philadelphia for the title.

Overall, Ramsey coached in the NBA for 21 seasons with four franchises -- Philadelphia, Buffalo (now the LA Clippers), Portland and Indiana. He compiled a career record of 864-783, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.

Ramsey worked as a broadcast analyst in both television and radio from 1990 to 2013. More salutes to Ramsey will be announced Thursday, the Blazers said.

A funeral mass for Ramsey will be held Thursday morning in Naples, Fla.

"This is an emotional time for not just those who love the Trail Blazers, but also anyone who appreciated the greatness of Dr. Jack," said Chris McGowan, president & CEO of the Blazers and Moda Center. "The patch launches a series of recognitions we believe will bestow the honor and reverence Dr. Jack deserves."

The Blazers hold a 3-1 lead over the Rockets in their best-of-seven playoff series.