Boom-Shaka-Laka! The iconic phrase (well, one of his many memorable catchphrases), so very familiar to every Blazers fan, as is the man behind it, is no more. Brian Wheeler, better known as “Wheels,” would often drop his famous catchphrase when a Portland player would slam a powerful dunk. Unless it was the ex-Blazer, Nic Batum, during which he would change it to Batum-Shaka-Laka!

Although he retired in 2019, Wheeler had become dear to every single ‘Rip City’ enthusiast, Damian Lillard, included. As per reports, the 62-year-old died due to extended health problems. In fact, that was the reason why he had to stop calling games; Travis Demers, taking his place for the team.

Calling 1,823 games through 21 seasons with the Trail Blazers would surely make one ingratiated to the city and the team. It wasn’t any different for Dame, either. After all, Portland does hold a very special place in his heart. Much like it did for Brian Wheeler.

Lillard took to Instagram to express his condolence, along with the rest of the NBA world. “Rest in peace wheels…” he wrote, followed by a folded-hands emoji on a photo where he was sitting alongside the play-by-play announcer. Given the 8x All-Star looks much younger in the photo, it is no doubt from his early years with the team.

Interestingly, former Blazers forward Antonio Harvey, who worked with Wheels on the radio for 12 years, had a little memory he shared with regards to Damian Lillard. According to Harvey, “Probably Dame’s three-point shot is his all-time greatest call.” The 54-year-old was referring to Damian’s 2014 playoff-series winning shot over the Rockets at Moda Center.

With just 0.9 seconds left on the clock, Damian Lillard found himself in the spotlight. Catching the inbound pass, he rose up for a three-pointer that sailed through the air—and with that swish, the Trail Blazers sealed a nail-biting 99-98 victory over Houston. That shot not only secured their spot in the second round but also gave Portland its first playoff series win in 14 years. See why Wheels was so beloved? The man’s energy could rival even the most passionate of fans! As such, it’s only right we look at his legacy.

Brian Wheeler: The voice that shaped Portland’s heartbeat

“I want to thank the Portland Trail Blazers for the incredible opportunity and honor of calling radio play-by-play for the past 21 years. I was honored and blessed to be a Blazer for 21 seasons, and fortunately, I’ve accumulated some precious memories that will last a lifetime.” These were Wheeler’s words that he released in a statement upon his retirement in 2019.

Brian’s connection to Portland was undeniable. He wasn’t just calling the action; he was living it, deeply invested in each game, each victory, and each loss. Whether he was shouting “Boom-Shaka-Laka!” after an incredible dunk or a playful “Ooh! That was nasty!” after a monster play, his energy was contagious.

Fans did not just listen to the game – they felt every moment, every high and low, right alongside him. But that wasn’t all there was to Damian Lillard’s “Wheels”. What made him truly special was his personality. Known for his colorful and sometimes comical antics – whether it was slapping the table in frustration or sharing off-the-cuff rants during breaks – Wheeler made every game feel like a shared experience.

If you listened to the above video of Lillard, you would understand that his excitement was never fake. It was just pure, unfiltered love for the Blazers and the city of Portland. While it was hard to imagine a Blazers game without hearing his familiar enthusiasm over the speakers, we got used to it after his retirement.

But there was still the comfort in knowing that he was still around. Now with him gone, what are we left with? As he mentioned in his press release, “some precious memories that will last a lifetime”. More importantly, Wheeler’s voice is forever embedded in the heart of Portland.