197879 Portland Trail Blazers season

The 1978–79 Portland Trail Blazers season marked their ninth year in the NBA. It was highlighted by Bill Walton's decision to sit out the entire season due to dissatisfaction with the team's handling of player injuries. The Blazers' draft focus shifted after Larry Bird, a highly anticipated prospect, decided to remain in college despite being eligible for the draft. His hometown team, the Indiana Pacers, initially held the first pick but traded it to Portland when they couldn't persuade him to leave early. Portland used this pick on Mychal Thompson from Minnesota.

The Blazers experienced a significant drop in performance, finishing with a 45–37 record, which was 13 games worse than their previous season's franchise-best. Despite this, they secured the sixth and final playoff spot by just two games over the Clippers. In the playoffs, Portland faced the Phoenix Suns and lost a best-of-three series 2-1.

Awards for the season included Mychal Thompson and Ron Brewer being named to the All-NBA Rookie Team. Maurice Lucas earned recognition as an NBA All-Star and was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, with Lionel Hollins also earning a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team.