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Larry Steele
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Larry Nelson Steele (born May 5, 1949) is an American former professional basketball player, best known for being on the Portland Trail Blazers team that won the 1977 NBA Finals.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Born in Greencastle, Indiana, Steele grew up in Bainbridge, Indiana, and played collegiately at the University of Kentucky under coach Adolph Rupp. As a junior at Bainbridge High School, he had a high game of 46 points and 38 points as a high game during senior year. He scored a total of 1,646 high school points. His senior year he was selected All-County, All-Sectional, All-Regional, All- Semi-State, Indianapolis News 1st Team All-State, and a member of the Indiana All-Star Team. In 2003, he was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.[1]
College career
[edit]At the University of Kentucky, he was a three-year starter, averaging 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He was selected 1st Team All-SEC twice, Co-captain, MVP, Leadership Award, Hustle Award, led the UK team in assists and free throws. In 2003, he was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.[2] As a junior in 1970, Steele earned 3rd team UPI/Coaches All-SEC honors and in 1971 as a senior 2nd team AP and 3rd team UPI/Coaches All-SEC honors.[3]
NBA playing career
[edit]Portland Trail Blazers
[edit]He was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 1971, with the 2nd pick in the 3rd round (37th overall) and by the Kentucky Colonels in the 1971 American Basketball Association draft. In 1974 he was drafted again by the Kentucky Colonels in the 5th round of the ABA draft of NBA players.[4] He joined the Trail Blazers at the start of the Blazers' second season and became a roster mainstay for nine years before knee injuries forced him into retirement at the end of the 1979–80 season.[5]
Steele played his entire NBA career for the team (retiring from basketball at the end of the 1979–80 season). Steele led the NBA in steals in the 1973–74 NBA season—the first year steals were recorded by the league with 2.68 swipes per game. He played 20.7 MPG on the 1977 championship team (starting nine games) averaging a career high 10.3 points per game. During his nine-year NBA career, all with the Trail Blazers, he averaged 8.2 points, 2.9 assists, 1.39 steals and 24.2 minutes while starting 337 games. The Trail Blazers retired his jersey (15) on October 11, 1981.
Personal life
[edit]After his playing days, he worked in the Blazers front office in marketing and served as a commentator with broadcaster Bill Schonely.[6] Steele later worked as a broadcaster for the NBA on CBS and as a head coach at the University of Portland from 1987 to 1994. He currently runs a basketball camp in Vernonia, Oregon.[7]
NBA career statistics
[edit]
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
| † | Won an NBA championship | * | Led the league |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971–72 | Portland | 72 | - | 18.2 | .481 | - | .722 | 3.9 | 2.2 | - | - | 5.1 |
| 1972–73 | Portland | 66 | - | 19.7 | .483 | - | .798 | 2.3 | 2.4 | - | - | 5.9 |
| 1973–74 | Portland | 81 | - | 32.7 | .478 | - | .789 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 2.7* | 0.4 | 9.7 |
| 1974–75 | Portland | 76 | - | 31.4 | .548 | - | .836 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 0.2 | 8.6 |
| 1975–76 | Portland | 81 | - | 29.4 | .495 | - | .759 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 9.9 |
| 1976–77† | Portland | 81 | - | 20.7 | .500 | - | .806 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 10.3 |
| 1977–78 | Portland | 65 | - | 17.4 | .470 | - | .820 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 8.0 |
| 1978–79 | Portland | 72 | - | 20.7 | .420 | - | .824 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 7.2 |
| 1979–80 | Portland | 16 | - | 27.9 | .425 | - | .815 | 2.8 | 4.2 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 9.1 |
| Career | 610 | - | 24.2 | .483 | - | .796 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 8.2 | |
Playoffs
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977† | Portland | 18 | - | 14.5 | .371 | - | .750 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 4.2 |
| 1978 | Portland | 6 | - | 31.8 | .417 | - | .905 | 4.3 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 11.5 |
| 1979 | Portland | 3 | - | 24.3 | .571 | - | .889 | 3.7 | 2.3 | 3.3 | 0.0 | 13.3 |
| Career | 27 | - | 19.4 | .424 | - | .823 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 6.9 | |
Head coaching record
[edit]| Season | Team | Overall | Conference | Standing | Postseason | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland (West Coast Conference) (1987–1993) | |||||||||
| 1987–88 | Portland | 6-22 | 1-13 | 8th | |||||
| 1988–89 | Portland | 2-26 | 2-12 | T-7th | |||||
| 1989–90 | Portland | 11-17 | 7-7 | 4th | |||||
| 1990–91 | Portland | 5-23 | 3-11 | 8th | |||||
| 1991–92 | Portland | 10-18 | 3-11 | 8th | |||||
| 1992–93 | Portland | 9-18 | 3-11 | 7th | |||||
| 1993–94 | Portland | 13-17 | 6-8 | T-5th | |||||
| Portland: | 56-141 | 25-73 | |||||||
| Total: | 56-141 | ||||||||
|
National champion
Postseason invitational champion
| |||||||||
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Hall of Fame hoopshall.com [dead link]
- ^ Retrieved 11-19-10 Archived November 26, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Retrieved 11-20-10 Archived March 2, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Retrieved 11-20-10
- ^ Oregonian/OregonLive, Jason Quick | The (December 25, 2009). "Blazers Top 40: No. 27 Larry Steele". oregonlive.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Retrieved 11-18-10". NBA.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2007.
- ^ Arnold, Geoffrey; Uthman, Daniel (June 4, 2007). "The 1976-77 NBA champion Portland Trail Blazers: 30 years later". OregonLive.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved June 4, 2007.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from NBA.com · Basketball Reference
- Profile at Portland Trail Blazers website
- Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
- Kentucky Wildcats profile
- Larry Steele Basketball Camp Archived July 10, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
Larry Steele
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and college career
Early life and high school
Larry Steele was born on May 5, 1949, in Greencastle, Indiana, and raised in the small town of Bainbridge, where basketball held a central place in community life during the 1960s.[1][5] Growing up in this environment, Steele developed a passion for the sport amid strong local support, including community parades to send the high school team to tournaments.[5] At Bainbridge High School, Steele excelled in basketball under coach Pat Rady, whose fast-paced, pressing defensive style significantly influenced his development and playing philosophy.[5] As a junior, he scored a career-high 46 points in a game, and as a senior, he notched 38 points in his top performance, contributing to the team's back-to-back regional titles and semi-state appearances in 1966 and 1967.[3] Over his high school career, Steele amassed 1,648 points.[3] In his senior year, Steele earned widespread recognition, including All-County, All-Sectional, All-Regional, and All-Semi-State honors, as well as selection to the Indianapolis News first-team All-State and membership on the Indiana All-Star Team.[3] Following high school, he transitioned to college basketball at the University of Kentucky.[3]College career
Larry Steele joined the University of Kentucky basketball program in 1967 and emerged as a three-year starter from the 1968–69 season through the 1970–71 season, playing under head coach Adolph Rupp during the final years of the legendary coach's tenure.[6] As a 6-foot-5 guard, Steele contributed significantly to the Wildcats' success, helping the team capture the Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season championship in each of his three varsity seasons.[7] His development under Rupp emphasized versatile playmaking, defensive tenacity, and leadership, transitioning from a surprise starter as a sophomore to a co-captain and key offensive facilitator by his senior year.[8] Over his college career, Steele appeared in 75 games, totaling 781 points, 499 rebounds, and 216 assists.[9] In his senior season of 1970–71, he averaged career highs of 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, leading the team in assists.[9] He also led the team in assists as a junior, while setting a school record for free-throw percentage at 91.8% (45-of-49) in 1969–70.[9] In his senior campaign, Steele earned team honors as co-captain, MVP, and recipient of the Leadership and Hustle Awards.[8] Steele's recognition included All-SEC honors: third-team in 1970 (UPI) and first-team (coaches) and second-team (AP) in 1971.[9] His role extended beyond statistics, as he provided steady leadership on squads that posted strong records, including 23–5 in 1968–69 and 26–2 in 1969–70, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament regionals each year, though falling short of the Final Four due to regional competition.[10]NBA playing career
Portland Trail Blazers
Larry Steele was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the third round (37th overall) of the 1971 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky.[1] He signed with the team shortly after and made his NBA debut on October 15, 1971.[1] In his rookie season of 1971–72, Steele adjusted to professional play as a versatile guard-forward off the bench for a young Trail Blazers franchise in its second year of existence, averaging 5.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 48.1% from the field in 72 appearances.[1] His role emphasized hustle and perimeter defense, helping him earn consistent minutes despite the team's 29–53 record.[4] From the 1972–73 to 1976–77 seasons, Steele evolved into a defensive specialist for Portland, solidifying his reputation as a steals threat and contributing to the team's gradual improvement.[11] In 1973–74, he led the NBA in steals per game with 2.7, a franchise first, while averaging 9.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.[1] His defensive prowess continued in subsequent years, with career averages of 1.8 steals per game, as he anchored the backcourt alongside emerging stars like Bill Walton.[1] One standout performance came during the 1974–75 season, when he recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds, 10 steals, and 9 assists against the Los Angeles Lakers.[12] The Trail Blazers reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 1976–77, where Steele appeared in 18 postseason games, averaging 4.2 points in 14.4 minutes while providing key bench energy during their run to the NBA Finals.[1] In the Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, he played limited but impactful minutes across five games, averaging 3.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.0 minutes per game, often tasked with guarding perimeter players like George McGinnis to support Portland's championship effort.[13] The Blazers won the series 4–2, securing their lone NBA title to date, with Steele's defensive versatility praised as a stabilizing factor for the squad.[11][4] Steele's final seasons from 1977–78 to 1979–80 were hampered by accumulating knee injuries, which reduced his production and availability.[14] He averaged 8.0 points in 1977–78 and helped Portland to another playoff appearance, but knee issues limited him to 72 games in 1978–79 at 7.2 points per game.[1] In his last year, 1979–80, Steele appeared in only 16 games, averaging 9.1 points, before retiring at age 31 due to chronic knee problems that ended his nine-year career entirely with the Trail Blazers.[1][11]Career achievements
One of Larry Steele's standout achievements came during the 1973–74 NBA season, when he led the league in steals per game with an average of 2.68, totaling 217 steals over 81 games played for the Portland Trail Blazers.[15] This marked the first year the NBA officially tracked steals, highlighting Steele's prowess as a defensive standout nicknamed "Man of Steal."[16] His ability to disrupt opponents' offenses established him as a key perimeter defender early in his career. Steele played a vital supporting role in the Portland Trail Blazers' 1977 NBA Championship victory, appearing in all 18 playoff games and providing crucial defensive stability off the bench.[1] Averaging 14.5 minutes per game, he focused on containing opposing guards, contributing to the team's balanced defensive effort that limited the Philadelphia 76ers in the Finals.[17] His tenure with the championship squad underscored his reliability in high-stakes situations. Over nine seasons exclusively with the Trail Blazers from 1971–72 to 1979–80, Steele solidified his reputation as a defensive specialist and team stabilizer, amassing 846 career steals while playing in 610 games.[1] In recognition of his loyalty and contributions to the franchise, the Trail Blazers retired his No. 15 jersey on October 11, 1981.[16]Post-playing career
Coaching career
In 1987, Larry Steele was hired as head basketball coach at the University of Portland, drawing on his nine seasons of professional playing experience with the Portland Trail Blazers to transition into coaching.[18] He served in the role for seven seasons, from 1987 to 1994.[19] During his tenure, Steele compiled an overall record of 56 wins and 141 losses, yielding a .284 winning percentage, with a conference mark of 25 wins and 73 losses (.255) in the West Coast Conference (formerly the West Coast Athletic Conference in his first two seasons).[19] The Pilots struggled consistently, posting losing records in all seven seasons, including particularly challenging campaigns such as 2–26 overall (2–12 conference) in 1988–89 and 6–22 (1–13) in 1987–88.[20] The team's best performance came in 1993–94, with a 13–17 overall finish (6–8 conference), but the program never achieved a winning season or qualified for postseason play, such as the NCAA Tournament or National Invitation Tournament.[21] Portland achieved its best conference finish of fourth place in the 1989–90 season. In the other seasons through 1992–93, they finished no higher than seventh, reaching that position in 1992–93.[22] Steele's coaching approach emphasized fundamentals and defensive principles honed during his NBA career, though the team faced ongoing challenges with recruiting and competitiveness in a tough conference.[11] He resigned from the position in 1994, paving the way for his successor, Rob Chavez.[23]Front office, broadcasting, and basketball camp
After retiring from playing in 1980 due to knee injuries, Larry Steele joined the Portland Trail Blazers' front office, where he served as marketing manager under general manager Jon Spoelstra for several years, contributing to the organization's promotional and administrative efforts.[4][11] His role involved supporting the team's community engagement and business operations during a transitional period following the 1977 championship.[8] In broadcasting, Steele worked as a color commentator alongside Bill Schonely on Trail Blazers radio and television broadcasts for multiple seasons in the early 1980s.[4][11] He later contributed as an analyst for the NBA on CBS during the 1980s, providing insights on national telecasts of league games.[4][24] Steele established the Larry Steele Basketball Camp in 1986 at Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, Oregon, motivated by his experiences as a key contributor to the Trail Blazers' 1977 NBA championship team.[4] The camp, now in its 40th year as of 2025, operates as a five-day, four-night sleepover program for boys and girls ages 9–18 of all skill levels, with separate sessions typically held in June for girls and July for boys.[4][25] Held in a scenic outdoor setting amid woods along a creek, the camp emphasizes fundamental skill development—including shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, defense, and teamwork—through daily drills, competitions, guest lectures, and games, while fostering sportsmanship and resilience in a supportive environment.[25][8] Steele personally leads clinics and demonstrations, drawing on his nine-year NBA career to guide participants.[8]Personal life
Family
Steele has three children with Britt: Ryan, Kari, and Kyle Steele.[11][26] The family relocated to Oregon following his NBA career, where the children grew up in Lake Oswego and attended Lake Oswego High School.[4] Steele has six grandchildren, five girls and one boy.[4] His granddaughter Ally Schimel, the daughter of Kari and her husband Bill Schimel, is a basketball player who enrolled at Oregon State University as a freshman walk-on in 2024, earned a scholarship during her freshman year in which she appeared in all 35 games averaging 3.4 points and 19.5 minutes per game, and is continuing as a sophomore as of 2025.[4][27][28] In high school at Corbett, she earned 3A Player of the Year and state tournament MVP honors as a senior, including a record 42 points with eight three-pointers in the state championship game victory.[29][30] The Steele family shares deep ties to basketball, exemplified by Kari and Bill co-directing the Larry Steele Basketball Camp, and has provided steadfast support during Steele's various career transitions.[4]Residence and interests
Steele resides in Beaverton, Oregon, with his partner, Autumn Rose, having established deep roots in the Portland area following his arrival in 1971.[4] In his personal time, Steele has developed a strong enthusiasm for pickleball, a sport he plays predominantly in doubles format at least four days a week at Life Time Fitness in Beaverton. He has also attended major events, including the Professional Pickleball Association finals in San Clemente, California.[4] Steele has often reflected on how Portland quickly became his home upon his 1971 arrival, citing the region's natural beauty—including its ocean and mountains—as well as the supportive community that has fostered his long-term integration into the area.[4]Legacy
Honors and awards
Larry Steele was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003, honoring his standout high school career at Bainbridge High School where he scored 1,648 points and earned All-State recognition, as well as his college achievements at the University of Kentucky as a three-year starter averaging 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.[3] During his professional tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers, Steele contributed to the team's 1977 NBA Championship victory, appearing in 18 playoff games with averages of 4.2 points and 1.0 assists while providing defensive support as a key reserve.[1] Steele led the NBA in steals during the 1973–74 season, recording 217 steals at a league-high 2.7 per game across 81 appearances, earning him the nickname "Man of Steal."[1] At the University of Kentucky, Steele received multiple All-SEC honors, including third-team selection in 1970 by UPI and first-team by coaches, second-team by AP, and third-team by UPI in 1971.[9] In recognition of his contributions to the franchise, the Portland Trail Blazers retired Steele's number 15 jersey in 1981.[31]Community impact
Larry Steele has been a steadfast presence in the Portland community since arriving in 1971 as a rookie with the Trail Blazers, establishing long-term residency and contributing to local basketball culture over more than five decades.[4] He raised his family in Lake Oswego and later settled in Beaverton, remaining actively involved in the region's sports scene through various roles that extended his influence beyond the court.[4] A cornerstone of Steele's community work is the Larry Steele Basketball Camp, which he has operated for 39 years in rural Vernonia, Oregon, at Camp Cedar Ridge.[4] The five-day, four-night program for ages 9 to 18 emphasizes basketball fundamentals like shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, and defense, alongside teamwork and sportsmanship, in an immersive outdoor setting that promotes personal growth and character development.[8] With a low staff-to-camper ratio of 8:1 and instruction from experienced coaches, the camp fosters leadership and hustle among participants from diverse backgrounds, particularly benefiting youth in underserved rural areas by providing accessible skill-building opportunities.[8] Steele's mentorship extends through his post-playing roles in the Trail Blazers organization, including as a radio analyst alongside Bill Schonely and as marketing manager under Jon Spoelstra, where he helped shape the team's community engagement and operational culture.[4] As a long-serving ambassador and alumni figure, he has drawn on his reputation as an NBA steals leader and defensive specialist to inspire younger generations, emphasizing hustle, loyalty, and tenacious playstyles during broadcasts and front-office interactions.[16] Steele's legacy in basketball continues through his family, notably his granddaughter Ally Schimel, a sophomore guard at Oregon State University who walked on to the Beavers' team after a standout high school career, including a 3A state playoff record of 42 points. During her freshman year in 2024–25, she earned a scholarship and appeared in all 35 games, averaging 3.4 points and 19.5 minutes per game.[28][32] As the daughter of Steele's daughter Kari—a former All-State player at Lake Oswego High School and starter at San Jose State—Schimel's collegiate success represents an extension of the family's multigenerational commitment to the sport, mirroring Steele's own path from Indiana to the NBA.[4][32]NBA career statistics
Regular season
Larry Steele played all 610 of his regular-season games with the Portland Trail Blazers from 1971 to 1980, posting career totals of 5,009 points, 1,781 rebounds, 1,719 assists, and 846 steals while averaging 8.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals, 24.2 minutes per game, and a .483 field goal percentage.[1][33]| Season | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | FT | FTA | FT% | Reb | Ast | Stl | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971–72 | 72 | 18.2 | 2.1 | 4.3 | .481 | 1.0 | 1.3 | .722 | 3.9 | 2.2 | — | 5.1 |
| 1972–73 | 66 | 19.7 | 2.4 | 5.0 | .483 | 1.1 | 1.3 | .798 | 2.3 | 2.4 | — | 5.9 |
| 1973–74 | 81 | 32.7 | 4.0 | 8.4 | .478 | 1.7 | 2.1 | .789 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 2.7 | 9.7 |
| 1974–75 | 76 | 31.4 | 3.5 | 6.4 | .548 | 1.6 | 1.9 | .836 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 8.6 |
| 1975–76 | 81 | 29.4 | 4.0 | 8.0 | .495 | 1.9 | 2.5 | .759 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 2.1 | 9.9 |
| 1976–77 | 81 | 20.7 | 4.0 | 8.0 | .500 | 2.3 | 2.8 | .806 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 10.3 |
| 1977–78 | 65 | 17.4 | 3.2 | 6.9 | .470 | 1.5 | 1.9 | .820 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 8.0 |
| 1978–79 | 72 | 20.7 | 2.8 | 6.7 | .420 | 1.6 | 1.9 | .824 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 7.2 |
| 1979–80 | 16 | 27.9 | 3.9 | 9.1 | .425 | 1.4 | 1.7 | .815 | 2.8 | 4.2 | 1.6 | 9.1 |
| Career | 610 | 24.2 | 3.3 | 6.9 | .483 | 1.6 | 2.0 | .798 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 1.8 | 8.2 |
Playoffs
Steele participated in 27 NBA playoff games during his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, contributing to their 1977 championship season.[1] His career playoff averages were 6.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 19.4 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of .424.[1]Career Playoff Totals and Per-Game Averages
| Statistic | Totals | Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played (G) | 27 | 27 |
| Minutes Played (MP) | 525 | 19.4 |
| Points (PTS) | 185 | 6.9 |
| Rebounds (TRB) | 64 | 2.4 |
| Assists (AST) | 39 | 1.4 |
| Steals (STL) | 26 | 1.0 |
| Field Goals Made (FG) | 67 | 2.5 |
| Field Goals Attempted (FGA) | 158 | 5.9 |
| Field Goal % (FG%) | .424 | .424 |
| Free Throws Made (FT) | 51 | 1.9 |
| Free Throws Attempted (FTA) | 62 | 2.3 |
| Free Throw % (FT%) | .823 | .823 |
Year-by-Year Playoff Statistics
Steele's playoff appearances spanned the 1976–77, 1977–78, and 1978–79 seasons.[1] The following tables provide totals and per-game averages for key statistics.Totals
| Season | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | FT | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976–77 | 18 | 261 | 26 | 70 | .371 | 24 | 32 | .750 | 27 | 18 | 9 | 76 |
| 1977–78 | 6 | 191 | 25 | 60 | .417 | 19 | 21 | .905 | 26 | 14 | 7 | 69 |
| 1978–79 | 3 | 73 | 16 | 28 | .571 | 8 | 9 | .889 | 11 | 7 | 10 | 40 |
Per Game
| Season | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | FT | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976–77 | 18 | 14.5 | 1.4 | 3.9 | .371 | 1.3 | 1.8 | .750 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 4.2 |
| 1977–78 | 6 | 31.8 | 4.2 | 10.0 | .417 | 3.2 | 3.5 | .905 | 4.3 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 11.5 |
| 1978–79 | 3 | 24.3 | 5.3 | 9.3 | .571 | 2.7 | 3.0 | .889 | 3.7 | 2.3 | 3.3 | 13.3 |
1977 NBA Finals Contributions
In the 1977 NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, which Portland won 4–2, Steele appeared in 5 of the 6 games.[13]Totals
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played (G) | 5 |
| Minutes Played (MP) | 50 |
| Field Goals Made (FG) | 7 |
| Field Goals Attempted (FGA) | 22 |
| Field Goal % (FG%) | .318 |
| Free Throws Made (FT) | 5 |
| Free Throws Attempted (FTA) | 6 |
| Free Throw % (FT%) | .833 |
| Rebounds (TRB) | 7 |
| Assists (AST) | 5 |
| Steals (STL) | 0 |
| Points (PTS) | 19 |
Per Game
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played (MP) | 10.0 |
| Field Goals Made (FG) | 1.4 |
| Field Goals Attempted (FGA) | 4.4 |
| Field Goal % (FG%) | .318 |
| Free Throws Made (FT) | 1.0 |
| Free Throws Attempted (FTA) | 1.2 |
| Free Throw % (FT%) | .833 |
| Rebounds (TRB) | 1.4 |
| Assists (AST) | 1.0 |
| Steals (STL) | 0.0 |
| Points (PTS) | 3.8 |