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08:07 AM ET 12.13 | In the eyes of many, Sam Bowie remains a sympathetic character in Trail Blazers history, a reputation recently called into question. Is he a forgettable franchise footnote, a 7-foot-1 package of fool's gold who's mammoth size and potential convinced the Blazers to draft him ahead of Michael Jordan, who became the NBA's greatest player? Or is Bowie a calculated liar who deceived the Blazers about his health and covered up the extent of his ailing left leg before the 1984 NBA Draft? "Anybody that knows me, from the hierarchy in the Portland Trail Blazers during my playing days to my teammates to my friends and family, knows I would never deceive or trick or lie to anybody," Bowie told The Oregonian during a phone interview Wednesday.

Michael Jordan, Getty Images

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December 13, 2012 08:48 AM ET

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You Were Lucky Enough To Play For The Lakers, Bro.

I Love LA

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December 13, 2012 09:40 AM ET

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Originally posted 09:05 AM ET 12.13 by 33Birdman

It's always sad to see a player not reach their potential b/c of health.... We've seen it a lot through the years. Growing up, it was Bill Walton first that I noticed that.... Then it was Bowie.... Derek Smith after him.... Ralph Sampson. I'm talking great players, got the most hype.... Walton did have 2 productive seasons before succumbing to foot injuries... Greg Oden and Brandon Roy are the most recent.... Feel free to add players to the list.....

Bernard King to a degree....