Brian Wheeler, Beloved Radio Voice of the Portland Trail Blazers, Passes Away at 62

Brian Wheeler, the iconic radio play-by-play announcer for the Portland Trail Blazers, has passed away at the age of 62. Known affectionately as “Wheels,” Wheeler had been the voice of the Blazers for over two decades, from 1998 to 2019, before stepping away due to health complications.

Wheeler’s career with the Trail Blazers was marked by his enthusiastic commentary and memorable catchphrases, such as “Boom-Shaka-Laka!” He called more than 1,800 games for the team, including over 1,300 consecutive games prior to 2013. His dedication and passion for the game were evident in every broadcast, making him an irreplaceable part of the Portland basketball community.

Wheeler’s health issues forced him to take several leaves of absence in his final seasons, and he officially announced his retirement in July 2019. Despite his retirement, his legacy continued to resonate with fans and players alike. Damian Lillard, a key player for the Trail Blazers, paid tribute to Wheeler on Instagram, reflecting the deep impact he had on the team and its fans.

Colleagues and friends have also shared heartfelt tributes. Kerry Eggers, a longtime Portland sports media member, described Wheeler as having a “booming voice and a good heart.” Mitch Levy, a Seattle sports talker and friend of Wheeler’s, highlighted his kindness and the significant impact he had on the NBA community despite overcoming a challenging upbringing.

Wheeler’s passing has left a profound void in the Portland community, where he was more than just an announcer; he was a fan deeply invested in every aspect of the team’s journey. His voice and spirit will be remembered for generations to come, embodying the heart and soul of Blazers basketball.