Trail Daddy: A Trail Blazers Podcast Hosted by Dave Deckard

On this week's edition of the Blazer's Edge podcast- host Danny Marang returns to talk about the Blazer's struggles against top end teams, Norman Powell's integration into the game plan on both sides of the floor, and focuses on whether or not the Blazers can trust Jusuf Nurkic... and/or trust his health. It's not all doom and gloom, as Dallas the adorabe Chi-weenie-poo makes her podcast debut! Intro Welcome in, Dallas Marang! Norman Powell through 6 games 2:30 Powell filling a role that's been mising for 7 years 4:30 Looking at Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and TJ Leaf acquisitions 6:30 Why couldn't Portland land someone like LaMarcus Aldridge? Looking at the context clues for the defensive woes 9:30 If you're looking for some semblance of silver lining... 12:00 Portland can cover up when CJ McCollum is out... 13:30 Can the Blazers trust Jusuf nurkic? 15:00 Portland still has playmaking issues without Nurkic on the floor 18:00 Can the Blazer's compete with/without Jusuf Nurkic? 19:30 There can no longer be discussion about the defense, action only 22:30 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 7 , 2021 The Portland Trail Blazers have two wins and two losses this week. Nurk gets hurt--again. Two new players join Portland's roster. Dave and Dia have a whole lot to say about all of this as well Norman Powell's role with the Blazers and how Gary Trent Jr is doing in Toronto--and more! Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 3, 2021 It's been an emotional week for Trail Blazers fans as Gary Trent Jr and Rodney Hood left the team to join their new team. Portland welcomes Norman Powell to the roster, and Jusuf Nurkic finally makes his return. The Trail Blazers manage to win all 3 games this week and that's cause for celebration--at least Dia thinks so, Dave is a little more hesitant. The two also talk other trades around the league, the buy out market and how the second half of the season will play out. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 24, 2021 The trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Trail Blazers still haven't made a move. Dave and Dia don't agree on how to proceed, and as always, both are pretty stubborn. CJ McCollum is back, Gary Trent Jr is struggling, and Damian Lillard is getting banged up. We talk about 3 wins and two losses, a 17 point come back with only 6 minutes remaining, and Coach Stotts' 500th win. Lebron is injured and Dame is moving up in the MVP talks. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 18, 2021 The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and there are plenty of rumors as to what the Blazers might do. Dave and Dia discuss some of the noise rumors-- could Lamarcus Aldridge be coming home? Is Aaron Gordon an attainable option? Dave puts Dia on the spot and asks what moves she wants to see, and she can't escape answering this time. All of that plus CJ McCollum's impending return, a couple of tough losses and a win, and more trade talk on this week's episode. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 11, 2021 The All Star break has come and gone, and the Trail Blazers made quite a show out of the events, with Robert Covington in the skills event, Anfernee Simons in the dunk contest and Damian Lillard playing in the All Star game. Dave and Dia discuss the events of the day. With the All Star break over, it's time to talk about the second half of the season and with that, the hopeful return of CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic. Dave and Dia also discuss the upcoming trade deadline and there's an extra special guest who makes her first ever podcast appearance, but it probably won't be her last. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 4, 2021 This week the Blazers played the Lakers and the Hornets-- and Dave & Dia have a lot to say about it. In the process, the team breaks more than one record within a week. All Star weekend is coming up and Portland has a big presence in the competitions. Dia gets a new mic and Dave calls her old. But don't worry, they still find common ground. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Danny Marang returns after a health related hiatus - but with the help of Steve Dewald they're able to jump back in and take a look at where the Blazers are now, where they were and what we know - or don't know about this team as they get ready to head into the All-Star Break. Hot shooting, poor defense, trade deadlines, rotations, breakout play of Gary Trent Jr, Anfernee Simons and Nassir Little, looking at the 2nd half schedule and the contractually obligated pick 'em team-by-team that is sure to have everyone in agreement and a whole lot more! Intro Opening comments - we're back! Health & homes, the officially washed life Where are the Blazers now, good-bad or otherwise? Is it time to panic? 2:00 Bailing water is what needs to happen 4:00 Damian Lillard as the best clutch player in the league 5:00 Do we know what this team really is yet, two years later? 6:00 Looking at how Portland deals around the margins 8:00 Anfernee Simons, Damian Lillard and Robert Covington at All Star weekend 11:00 Gary Trent Jr showing he's one of the best 3pt shooters in the league 13:00 Simons developing as a playmaker 14:00 What are we seeing from Nassir Little 17:00 Why can't the Blazers do more when Lillard is trapped? 20:00 Putting Covington back into the playmaking role 26:00 2nd Half Schedule pick 'em - how many games does Steve think Portland wins? 30:00 Midseason award picks 35:00 Utah Jazz are a title contender 37:00 Playing the young guys over the vets 38:00 Does coaching change the ceiling on this team? 44:00 Twitter questions! 45:00 Spencer Poole @spencp99 Do you think it's still in the Blazers best interests to look at another rotation big? I'm thinking someone with some defensive acumen like John Henson Colin Petitt @ColinPetitt Have you heard anything on the trade front for us? Feels like this team could use a consolidation type trade, altough our best trade asset may be Trent and losing him would be tough Kristian @IllKrill Could Trevor Ariza be the saviour once again? He could get the Hood minutes and he was pretty good with the Blazers last season conrad @cxnrvd Cj for Middleton. Who says no? Rick S @r_sparber A calf strain didn't sound serious but it's been a long recovery for Giles. Anyone know at eta? Return of Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum 58:00 Closing Comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

February 24, 2021 The Trail Blazers are coming off tough losses 3 games in a row, Dame got snubbed as an All Star Starter, and Dave expects Dia to be positive. The duo discuss Portland's recent struggles along with the 3 point heavy NBA and what that could mean for the future, Carmelo Anthony's hot streak, Derrick Jones Jr and Robert Covington and their place on the team, subway sandwich orders (yes, seriously), how much Dia hates change, and more! Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

February 17, 2021 In this week's podcast, Dave and Dia are ecstatic about the fact that the Trail Blazers have won every game since we last recorded! They talk about the Blazers' defense, Damian Lillard for MVP, the All Star game and their thoughts on wether or not it should even happen, Robert Covington, Clutch Damian Lillard, Stephen A Smith's apology and more! Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

February 10, 2021 The Portland Trail Blazers six game road trip is over, and Dave and Dia have a lot to say about it! They discuss the huge win against the 76ers, and CJ Elleby's breakout performance as well as other young players who reveled in the spotlight while most of Portland's starting line up was injured. Dia has a Knicks trade up her sleeve and Dave avoids talking about the Knicks game as much as possible. Then, due to technical difficulties with the podcast, there's a surprise ending even Dia doesn't see coming! All of this and more! Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

February 4, 2021 The Trail Blazers are on a road trip and still struggling through injuries, and defense problems. The internet is abuzz with who to blame, and this week Dave and Dia don't agree--not even a little. Words are exchanged, voices get louder, and nothing is solved, but lots is talked about. They also talk abour Charles Barkley, Nassir Little and his record 30 point game, Melo's joy and pain, and more! Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Blazer’s Edge podcast, Danny Marang sits down to talk with The Athletic’s NBA Anlayst (and former Milwaukee Buck’s Director of Basketball Research) Seth Partnow about; how to look at shot quality (and quantify it) why it matters, what to do with it, the ideas behind how Portland defends opponents and where breakdowns occur, the idea of Carmelo Anthony as a “sineater” for the offense, whether or not you should be worried about Robert Covington’s shooting struggles and should the Blazers be taking a look at the young guys on the roster while there are so many injuries and a whole lot more! NOTE: This was a really great/fun discussion I got to have with Seth about a lot of top level ideas and how teams fundamentally look at things. If you want to get a better understanding on how things are looked at from inside an organization, listen to this pod and definitely seek out Seth’s work. Intro Seth Partnow! What is Second Spectrum tracking data? 2:00 Using tracking data and algorithms for shot quality 4:00 Limitations of what’s currently available by manual tracking 6:00 Seth’s introduction to Shot Quality on The Athletic 8:00 Why Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum and other stars have “higher shot difficulties” and “lower shot quality” 9:30 Limitations of tracking and how to categorize things for an individual player 11:30 Understanding scoring area of the floor and how to capitalize on those things 14:00 Are book keepers fudging long 3’s in the books? 16:30 The Price is Right with midrange shots 18:00 The set up for a midrange shot has gone away with the 3-point revolution 19:00 The idea of moving through space vs occupying space 20:00 Looking through the lens of Carmelo Anthony post ups in shot quality theory? 21:00 “Anthony works as the Sineater for the offense” - Partnow 22:00 Understanding shooting luck/variance 24:00 Why do corner 3’s come open so often? 26:00 “Giving up the corner 3 is much more about a breakdown somewhere else” - Partnow 28:00 How Portland tries to walk the line of “Four Factors” but falls short 29:00 Why does Portland’s defense breakdown so easily? 31:00 “Failure to guard an initial action (point of attack)” 32:30 “Portland doesn’t have sufficient defensive acumen to be much more than an average defense” 34:00 Looking at Robert Covington and where he fits Dame and CJ as point of attack defenders Playing good offense is hard work Derrick Jones Jr & Covington - disappointment in production 36:00 Are you “worried” about Covington’s shooting? 40:00 “He (Zach Collins) is more - projects to be more of a rim anchor than Nurkic could be” - Partnow 46:00 “If you’re operating at a talent deficit, you don’t win.” 47:00 Why Portland should look to experiment with so many injuries 48:00 Looking at the idea of sunk cost 52:00 Coaches as control freaks and leaning on veterans 55:00 The relationship between coaching, personnel, time on floor and organizational demands 58:00 “lineup card is yours - but you can’t play Pena at 1st base... I traded him” - Moneyball Closing Comments Outro https://theathletic.com/2351786/2021/01/29/nba-introduction-to-shot-quality-and-expected-results-seth-partnow/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

January 28, 2021 The Trail Blazers are once again, beaten and bruised and broken down. Now down six players from a 14 man roster, is it time to dust our expectations as Blazer fans? Dave and Dia discuss this, Damian Lillard's new twin babies and his record breaking game, The Blazers' young players stepping up and what that could mean for trades, the Oklahoma City shoe controversy and more Trail Blazers related topics. As the podcast was recorded on the one year anniversary of Kobe Bryant's death, Dia tells a story about that and talks about how human decency and kindness in the face of tragedy makes all the difference. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Blazer’s Edge podcast, Danny Marang takes a look at the Portland Trail Blazers after 5 days off due to the NBA postponing two games against the Memphis Grizzlies and how that impacted their first game back to action against the New York Knicks and going forward. What can we take from the new defensive looks? Can the bench be counted in to score like it did in the first half vs New York? Is this a building block for Anfernee Simons? Will they continue to use Derrick Jones Jr more in the pick & roll? Which changes will stick and which will they throw away? There’s a lot to get into in this shortened, quick hit, podcast so buckle in and get your week started right! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

January 20, 2021 The Trail Blazers injury curse is running rampant with both Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum suffering injuries within a week of each other. So what do the Trail Blazers do now? Do we still have a chance at the playoffs? The Western conference Finals? The Championship? The situation seems dire, but is it bad enough to finally crush Dia's sense of optimism? Dave and Dia get into the nitty gritty of what the season looks like now, plus the Blazer's defense, Damian Lillard's role in all of this, Gary Trent Jr, Harry Giles, and more! Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, host Danny Marang takes a look at what Portland could/should do with Jusuf Nurkic out for 8+ weeks, the re-emergence of Rodney Hood, the value of Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr, Enes Kanter's ability to fill in as a starter, how to get more our Gary Trent Jr and optimize Carmelo Anthony, as well as adjustments with the late breaking news about CJ McCollum being out for 4+ weeks when further tests reveal more extensive damage. Intro Opening comments Rodney Hood starts & looks... great? 2:00 What does Hood's play mean - if anything? 4:00 CJ McCollum status update 7:00 Will Portland add another body? 8:30 Can the Blazers Stay Afloat While Nurkic's out? 10:00 Enes Kanter is fine as the fill in guy 12:00 How has Robert Covington looked so far? 14:00 Derrick Jones Jr/Covington leading to good things on both ends 16:00 What changes are actually showing up in the adjustments? 18:00 Balancing Carmelo Anthony's role & possessions 20:00 The inconsistency of Gary Trent Jr's place on the team 22:00 How can Portland get more out of the bench? 24:00 Establishing the pecking order 27:00 Listener Questions! mathew @MathewPurcell Will Little see the court Monday? Who starts at the 2 Monday and beyond with cj out? When will our D finally click? Loving the steals and finger tips on balls but our 3pt d seems to be let them shoot their average and deal with it on the offensive end. Slater Smith @slaterjsmith Will Giles off the bench fit better with Melo off the bench? (Vs. the Kanter pairing) Dion and the Belmont Goats @Culcordia How much time you think Giles is going to get while Nurk is out? Is it time to develop his talent, or do we play it safe? Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No catchy headlines, no breakdown, just some unfiltered thoughts about Jusuf Nurkic suffering another injury and what it means for the Trail Blazers right now and in the future. Do they roll out Enes Kanter as the starter? How about going the way of Noah Vonleh and giving Harry Giles token starts before the veteran Kanter comes in to play 30 minutes a night? Could they pursue a low level trade with a smaller piece of the roster to get an extra body with both Nurkic and Zach Collins down and who could they look at? Could Terry Stotts get really weird and opt to play small ball and begrudgingly move Robert Covington to the center spot defensively while utilizing Derrick Jones Jr as the 5-man offensively? There’s so many different questions with so many answers and ways things could end up going that I couldn’t touch on all of them, but with so many questions sent my way tonight - I wanted to address as many as I could right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

January 14, 2021 On this week's episode, Dave and Dia break down the Trail Blazers 3 game winning streak--what Portland is doing well and what we hope to see going forward. Dave can't wait to talk about the Toronto win, and Dia is feeling pretty justified in her don't-trade-CJ-McCollum take. Can CJ continue this level of play while Damian Lillard plays like Damian Lillard? Will Jusuf Nurkic tie everything together? Can the Blazers make a run for the Western Conference Finals? Dave and Dia discuss all of this and more. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

January 6, 2021 The Trail Blazers are 7 games into the regular season and Dave and Dia have feelings about it--and they don't necessarily agree. Dia tries to come to terms with the current state of the team, and feeling like something is off, while Dave tries to get to the bottom of it. There are some references to putting on pants, unicorns coming out of a cup, and a whole lot of back and forth. This season has been weird and it's still anybody's season. At least one of us thinks so. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 30, 2020 Regular season games are here and Dave and Dia react to the Trail Blazer's first week of games: Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers. We discuss Carmelo Anthony and his role with the team going forward. Gary Trent Jr. came out and put on a show and we have feelings about it. We talk about the rest of the players as well as giving them grace and remembering they're humans before they're basketball players. Dave also brings up an issue with media, and just like most things, we have opinions. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Blazer's Edge podcast, host Danny Marang is joined by Blazersedge.com Associate Editor, Steve Dewald to take a look at: James Harden adding the Trail Blazers to his list of potential destinations and why Portland needs to act now, Portland's first two games vs the Utah Jazz and the Houston Rockets, Carmelo Anthony's rough start with the second unit, Enes Kanter doing Enes Kanter things, Jusuf Nurkic getting back in the groove, Damian Lillard is still REALLY good and the upcoming road trip that will see Portland take on Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Steph Curry. That and more on this week's episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 23, 2020 The NBA is back, and Dave and Dia are ready to talk about it. They glaze right over the Denver pre-season games (because lets be honest, that was tough), chat about brainwashing their children into Blazer fandom (that's how it works, right?), discuss Zach Collins' future with the team (Dia gets really honest about this one), touch on Damian Lillard's MVP talk (he's always been our MVP), and propose a challenge to the listeners (with a reward--kind of). Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 16, 2020 The Preseason is underway! Dave and Dia talk about the first two preseason games against Sacramento. How is Carmelo Anthony looking as the 6th man? Is Rodney Hood back to his pre-injury self? Do the Blazers stand an actual chance at a Championship this year? Does Dave still have a job at Blazers Edge? these questions and more are answered as Dave and Dia discuss all things Trail Blazers basketball. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 9, 2020 Melo vs BRoy? Harden to Portland? Ant as backup Point Guard? Dave and Dia discuss some of the hot topics amongst Trail Blazers fans going into the Pre-Season. Should Melo wear number 7? Should Portland make a move to get James Harden? How will Anfernee Simons be as back up Point Guard? Can Dia keep her cool while discussing these topics (spoiler alert: Nope). Join us this week for all the chit chat leading up to the Pre-Season start up! Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Danny Marang is joined by new Portland Trail Blazer's wing - Derrick Jones Jr! Together they hit on; the rapid cross country move from Miami to Portland, how he's getting acclimated to the region, if he's talked with Carmelo Anthony about their back and forth during the season last year (Jan 5th, 2020) , playing basketball "without chains," putting the ball anywhere near the rim and he'll go get, what his role will be, breaking down his defensive versatility, building up a 3-point shot and a whole lot more! Intro Opening Comments Getting acclimated with Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum and Carmelo Anthony immediately 2:00 Going back and forth with Melo - have you talked to him about that at all? 4:00 With you and Robert Covington on the team together - you're two of the most successful G-League pairings yet, what would you tell those guys that are still grinding down there? 7:30 Who is/are the guys you want to cover- that you want to take on the challenge of guarding? 9:30 Breaking down film with Derrick and his defensive versatility and how it impacts a night to night basis? 11:00 Guarding the pick and roll and knowing my job 14:00 Learning from veterans like PJ Tucker and Jared Dudley on how to have active hands 16:00 What part of your offensive game are you most looking forward to developing? 17:30 Where do see your confidence at now? 19:00 When you're playing off of guys in the starting lineup- where do you find you role? 21:00 Have you had the discussion with Dame about lob passing/timing? 22:00 What have you done/are you doing to develop that 3-point shot? 24:00 Taking a look at defensive versatility and how Jones Jr can be effective up and down the lineup? 26:00 Coming to Portland and getting the chance at a "green light" 28:00 "I can't wait!" 29:30 Have you and Anfernee Simons had a little dunk off yet? 30:00 Closing Comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 2, 2020 Starting lineups, win projections, and the ways in which social media shapes our modern sports experience. Listen to hear Dave and Dia discuss these topics and more. Or, just come to hear the explosion of Mount St. Dia. Nope, we are SO not kidding. Music: Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/3271E/traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5983745033.mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Greg Wissinger of The King's Herald hops on to take a look at former Sacramento King, and newly signed Trail Blazer big, Harry Giles III. How healthy is he? What kind of player is he now and could he be later? How does he get on the floor - and should he play Enes Kanter? Why doesn't he shoot 3's and how on Earth did he end up a free agent already!? That and more on this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast. Intro Opening Comments How on Earth did Harry Giles end up a free agent already? 2:00 The handling of Giles by the Kings early on 5:00 Where is Giles at physically now, are his knees still a worry? 8:00 What are the things you want to drive home about Harry Giles the player? 9:30 "He's a poor man's (Nikola) Jokic as a passer" 10:00 Athletic profile of Giles, "he moves more like Nic Batum than some center" 12:00 Why hasn't Giles been able to get more playing time? 14:00 "He could be a passable defender..." 17:00 Could coming to Portland (where there might be a defender or two) help him out? 19:00 Why doesn't Giles shoot 3's?! EXPLAIN IT TO ME! 21:00 An elite finisher, solid midrange but a black hole in between 23:00 Will/Should Giles get minutes over Enes Kanter? 26:00 Why it makes sense to get Giles on the floor 31:00 What do you see Giles' ceiling as? 34:00 Giles as a screener looking like Zach Collins 36:00 One non-basketball thing you love about Giles 40:00 Does Giles have a nasty streak? 42:00 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 26, 2020 Dave and Dia discuss the Blazer's off season as it currently stands. Our thoughts on the draft, trades, big moves and did Portland finally win? How are we feeling about the team with just a few weeks before the season begins? Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 26, 2020 Meet Dave and Dia. Who are they? What are their formative Blazers memories? How in the world does a Portland fan survive living in LA amongst Lakers family members? Find out the answers to these questions and more at the start of a brand new podcast series. Podcast Music Credits Protofunk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4247-protofunk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Blue Ska by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3453-blue-ska License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, host Danny Marang is joined by Nekias Duncan of basketballnews.com (and follower of all things Miami Heat) to talk about: the Trail Blazer's offseason acquisitions; specifically former Miami Heat wing Derrick Jones Jr, the impact that Robert Covington could have on the Blazers, a changing and possibly more aggressive Portland defense, how the rotation could shake out, where Portland sits in a loaded Western Conference and more! Intro Nekias Duncan on the show! Opening Comments Thoughts on Derrick Jones Jr getting the MLE 1:30 Who Does DJJ remind you of? 3:30 What will DJJ's primary role be in Portland? 5:45 DJJ is the best athlete Portland has had in two decades 7:30 What are the drawbacks of DJJ - what will keep him off the floor? 9:00 Do you believe he can continue to add to his game? 10:30 Do you think DJJ is going to have the work rate to maximize his potential? 13:30 Does coming to Portland unlock anything for DJJ? 14:30 How good are DJJ's hands - can he go catch it anywhere? 17:00 Thoughts on the addition of Robert Covington? 18:00 Will Portland get more aggressive defensively this year? 19:00 Is Covington a floor raiser or a ceiling raiser? 22:00 Portland has added a lot of bigs, is this the way to go? 24:00 Portland has real versatility now - can they mix & match? 26:00 Is Covington more of a 3 or a 4? 27:00 What's the best starting lineup Portland could roll out with everyone healthy? 28:00 Does Portland need to add another ball handler? 31:00 The Blazers have a 2nd generation behind the starters 33:00 What do you like about Harry Giles and his fit in Portland? 34:00 How much should Giles play? 38:00 The return of Carmelo Anthony 41:00 What will Melo's role be this season? 42:00 Who is left out of the rotation in the frontcourt? 46:00 After the early free agency period, where do the BLazers fall in the Western Conference? 48:00 Have the Blazers done enough to make a Western COnference Finals run? 50:30 How the Western Conference is shaping up; Luka Doncic, Chris Paul to the Suns 53:30 What would Portland have to do to be a no doubt contender? 54:30 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Danny Marang is joined by Steve Dewald to take a look at the next 24-72 hours, the opening of Free Agency, the potential big moves of Chris Paul, James Harden of Russell Westbrook, will the Blazers take Jay Scrubb and SHOULD they, Damian Lillard endorsing Giannis Antetokounmpo in Portland, who Portland will sign with the MLE and more! Intro Opening Comments 3:30 Jay Scrubb - Could the Blazers draft him? 5:30 Could the Blazers trade back? 7:00 Who does Scrubb remind you of? 9:30 Do you trust the Blazers to pick Scrubb at 16? 12:30 The Blazers don't really give off false signals 14:00 A wild Monday to start the new NBA season - who gets moved? 15:00 Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, James Harden, LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMar Derozan and everyone else on the move 17:00 Could the Blazers go after Lauri Markkanen? 18:00 Do the Blazers have someone lined up to sign at the MLE as soon as the window opens? 20:00 Josh Jackson, Danilo Gallinari and Jae Crowder - any of them make sense? 24:00 Expectations over the next 24-48 hours as the season opens up? - Philadelphia 76ers getting spicy? 26:00 Will Trevor Ariza still be with the team next season? 30:00 Does continuity REALLY matter? 32:00 Portland needs to get longer, stronger and more athletic 34:00 How close is Gary Trent Jr to being a starting level player in the NBA? 36:00 Damian Lillard endorsing Giannis Antetokounmp to Portland? Closing Comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Danny Marang is joined by Steve Dewald to take a look at: Open Comments Season restart Draft Christopher Mazzeo @Maznorthwest Assuming all the top tier wings are gone at 16 who do you suggest the Blazers pick? trades Brandon Niles @2guysbrandon Ariza, Collins, and a first seems like the best way to combine assets with contract value to get a trade going. What are the odds we use something like that to go after a big upgrade somewhere, and who might it be? Oladipo? Hield? Covington? 40:50 Hayden Tompkins @ImRipCity07 What would be your ideal trade package in return for CJ? --- 36:00 Combining McCollum with Nurkic for Joel Embiid + more? Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel Give us your best Jrue Holiday trade idea involving the Blazers and Pelicans. Free agency Matthew @ReverendRomulus Danilo Gallinari, Jerami Grant, and Jae Crowder have all been spoken of as possible Blazer free agent targets. Are any of these reasonable gets for Portland or should we expect a free agent from the next tier down? wayne hughes @SuzFellow More then likely Neil will just work around the fringes of free agency. Lets say no large trades are made. Please cover those low cost FA vet players that makes sense. drew elizarde-miller @DrewElizMiller Nurkic trajectory -- have we seen his ceiling? how good could he get from here? drew elizarde-miller @DrewElizMiller what were the roots of the blazer 3rd quarter issues this year? how can this be resolved and how much is this related to roster construction vs. effort? Thomas Cogswell @ThomasCogswell Who is the starting 4 at the beginning of the season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blazer's Edge podcast returns after a long hiatus to take on some Mailbag questions with host Danny Marang. On the pod Danny hits on where he's been - some announcements, addresses the "trade CJ McCollum" article, then dives into some offseason questions as the Portland Trail Blazers look to gear up for what might be a quick turnaround from the 2020 NBA season. Intro Opening comments We’re back! Mailbag Questions! Nason @TheNason How bad would CJ have to get before Blazer fans would stop overvaluing him and be ok with trading him? 3:00 Rolling it back to 2015 and thoughts on CJ’s break out series vs the Memphis Grizzlies At the point where you can’t get better value for McCollum? 6:00 Thought process behind making a trade 9:00 Assembling enough star power or building through depth? 12:00 Neil Olshey hasn’t traded a rotation player w/more than a year left in his tenure 16:00 Lando @lando_commandoh Which former blazer would you bring back on the cheap: Plumlee, ET, Pat, Mo, or Meyers. 18:00 king donut@jellydonut52 Do you think Nassir Little will develop into a player who can contribute at a high level? What is his ceiling/potential? 19:00 Lando @lando_commandoh Which SF/wing in the draft do you like best: Vassell, Williams, or Bey? 22:00 Josh Sargent @itinerantusa Expectations for Ant for this year? Who’s your favorite backup PG target if the Blazers decide to get a vet? 24:00 But still my main question remains what is going on with Collins and will he be ready if the season starts in January? 26:00 Kyle Nishida @Kyle_Nishida Portland has pick No. 16. Theoretically (b/c Neil is married to draft picks), what trade value does that pick have? 28:00 Cement Halo @DitchCathedral Which players do you think are most likely to be traded or released before the season starts? - What do you see as the most likely starting lineup? - If they can stay healthy this year, where do you see the Blazers at in terms of playoff seeding/success? Thanks! 29:00 How ridiculous does the West look next season? Arrival of Jamal Murray, Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell – and the return of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors 31:00 @EvenOddsPodcast @EvenOddsPodcast Make it a Gordon Hayward pod you coward. 34:30 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blazer's Edge: Picking Your Poison- LeBron James or Anthony Davis - Who Do the Blazers Need to Stop? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tara and Cassidy are taking a break from their break to indulge in some blazing hot and bountiful Blazer Bubble talk. But first, an announcement! We are changing our name--W.H.A.T. now stands for We Have A Take because we have takes and we’re looking forward to bringing in even more different voices to talk basketball and Blazers and whatever else comes up. On this episode, they chat about our playoff-bound Trail Blazers and their incredible and incredibly stressful Bubble Season (sorry, “Seeding games”). Next they talk about NBA Summer Camp/Varsity Summer League highlights. Tara’s got some off the wall theories (of course) and (of course) Cassidy has a Round 1 Playoffs Disney Bubble Playlist! They also ask what can’t Gary do (yet), pause for some Carmelo Anthony appreciation, and come up with a new idea for post-basketball careers for Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Finally, W.H.A.T. celebrates some friends of the pod and their amazing recent accomplishments! (Check out new podcasts by @Jannelle12 and @SharonShyBrown and lots of great work from @britrobotista) It is the NBA like we've never seen it before! 4:30 Bubble/Wubble highlights 5:30 The dire coffee situation in the Bubble 7:40 Are the Bubble Blazers everything we expected? 16:45 What is something going on in the bubble you'd like to see implemented as part of the regular season? 24:45 Efficacy of jersey messages. 29:00 The Blazers rocking Ant gear 29:30 Dear Jeff Curtain, We love Jordan Kent. 32:00 Blazers v Lakers 39:30 2020 Disney Bubble ROund 1 Playoff Playlist 53:00 Shout out to our friends and wrap up Bubble Playlist: EASTERN CONFERENCE ROUND 1: When You Wish Upon A Star: Bucks-Magic Series Try Everything: Raptors-Nets Series Almost There: Celtics-76ers Series I'll Make A Man Out Of You: Heat-Pacers Series WESTERN CONFERENCE ROUND 1: Stand Out: Blazers-Lakers Series I Just Can't Wait To Be King: Clippers-Mavericks Series Let It Go: Thunder-Rockets Series Dig A Little Deeper: Nuggets-Jazz Series Social Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @wehaveatake, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Cassidy @CassidyGemmet. Join the Women’s Hoops And Talks Facebook group to talk about Trail Blazers with others who identify as women who love basketball. Music used in the episode: “Happy Alley” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Danny Marang is joined by editor-in-chief from Silver Screen & Roll, Harrison Faigen. Together they preview the first Blazers-Lakers playoff series since 2002 including; how will the Lakers guard Damian Lillard and how will the Blazers deal with Anthony Davis? Lebron James matching up with longtime friend Carmelo Anthony, X-factors for each team, whether rest or rust will make a difference and more! Intro Opening comments Meme acceptance Harrison's ability to inspire Damian Lillard all by himself 2:00 Overall thoughts on Lakers-Blazers 4:00 Rest vs Rust 8:00 Playoff Lebron James activated 10:00 How do the Lakers look to slow down Lillard? 15:00 What are the positives for the Lakers heading into the playoffs? 17:00 Kyle Kuzma being the 3rd best player for the Lakers Who guards LeBron James for the Blazers? 19:00 How will the Blazers guard the 1-2 punch of Lebron and Anthony Davis? 21:30 Carmelo Anthony vs LeBron defensively 24:00 Javale McGee and Blazer's Kryptonite 27:00 Lillard having a chance to right some wrong perceptions 32:00 The Blazers missing Trevor Ariza mightily in this match-up 38:00 Overall thoughts on the level of basketball in the bubble and future playoff seeding/match-ups 41:00 Official prediction time 42:30 "The Blazers are a shooting laxative" - Harrison Faigen 44:00 Closing Comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Danny Marang is joined by Steve Dewald to take a look at your questions about: the first 6 games in the bubble, red hot play of Gary Trent Jr, the disappointment of Zach Collins' inconsistency, Jusuf Nurkic - is he a Top 5 center, Intro Opening comments What is the best excuse to miss a COVID test? - DeAndre Ayton 2:00 First week of Blazer's basketball in the bubble 4:00 Mailbag Questions Why has Gary Trent Jr been the most impressive? 5:00 Damian Lillard and a 50 piece 7:00 Grading on a curve in the bubble? 7:30 Gary Trent Jr and a superstar level growth 9:30 The difference between a building block & a core piece? 12:30 Value on the defensive end 15:30 How does GTJ's emergence impact Rodney Hood, Trevor Ariza & Carmelo Anthony? 18:30 Does Carmelo Anthony return next year? 20:00 What kind of contract could GTJ get? 24:30 Who's been the bigger disappointment in the bubble- Zach Collins or Hassan Whiteside? 25:30 The Blazer's have to see Collins play and know what they are going to do going forward 28:00 Measuring Collins' development on a different curve and what could hold him back 29:00 Could you see the Blazer's losing to the Mavs and/or Nets? 36:00 Impressions of Jusuf Nurkic's first 6 games 37:00 Nurkic and better conditioning 40:00 Is Jusuf Nurkic a Top 5 center? 42:00 Will the Blazers make the playoffs? 46:00 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast Danny Marang is joined by Trail Blazers Stage Manager, Kristen Kerbaugh to take a look at: The first impressions of the return to play Having front row seat to Dame-Time The ridiculousness that is NBA officiating NBA denying us trash talk with piped in music Jusuf Nurkic returns! Gary Trent Jr shines! Portland vs Memphis Zach Collins' struggles Portland vs Boston A miraculous near-comeback Looking ahead to Houston ......and more! Intro Opening Comments Kristen Kerbaugh - Trail Blazers Stage Manager Best Seats in the House! - 2:00 Two games in, what are your initial thoughts on the return of the Blazers? 4:00 Being front row for Damian Lillard replay reviews 5:30 The magic of Terry Stotts at the replay booth 7:30 The never ending foul parade... Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, Hassan Whiteside 9:00 The NBA has cranked up the volume in the arena to deny us the trash talk on the floor! 11:00 First impressions on the return of Jusuf Nurkic? 14:00 The difference in the Blazer's with Nurk on the floor 16:30 Nurkic and the necessary risks he takes 18:00 How has he looked defensively? 18:30 Levels of activity 21:00 Gary Trent Jr is alive! 23:00 The build up of Trent this year 25:00 Zach Collins and fouls are a problem 29:00 Putting a bow on the Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies 32:00 How do you keep Hassan Whiteside happy? 33:30 Whiteside WILL have a game where he'll matter 37:30 The half that shall not be named 39:00 Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker present problems 40:00 A different Blazers team in the 2nd half vs the Boston Celtics Damian Lillard and an injury that he needs to work through every year 41:00 Focusing on everything but the final minutes 43:00 Looking at the final play where Lillard passed to Nurkic for 2 45:00 Should the Blazers look to make a lineup change? 48:00 Where do you see Collins more comfortable at? 53:00 Looking at the Houston Rockets 55:00 Should the Blazers go to Nurkic and pound inside? Does Portland opt to go Box and one vs James Harden again? 57:00 How many games does Portland need to win to force the play in game? 1:00:00 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Danny Marang is joined by the Washington Post's (and Blazer's Edge alum) Ben Golliver- who is is one a select few who will be reporting live from the bubble in Florida for the entire duration. Together they discuss the process for quarantining on arrival, the atmosphere and precautions taken, how different covering this event really is. Intro Ben Golliver! How much are you willing to risk to cover the bubble? 2:00 The process to get into the bubble 4:00 Being locked in a hotel room for a week...8:00 NBA Summer Camp 10:00 What is it like having this kind of environment between players & media 12:00 Picking and choosing what you're going to cover 14:00 94 night reservation at the Disney Resort 16:30 Being able to experience the entire length of the bubble 17:30 Ben's inability to name 3 Disney movies 19:00 How has the Lou Williams & Richaun Holmes situations impacted the campus? 22:00 Being in the ball rooms for games - having Giannis Antetokounmpo & Lebron James playing right after each other 24:00 Is there an asterisk on this season? 27:00 Which all-time team would you "invite" to cover in the bubble? 30:00 The outside world recounting Ben's misery in quarantine 33:00 Lego Lambo 36:00 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Steve Dewald joing Danny Marang to take a look at how the 1st week in the bubble has gone, Skinny Melo(!), Portland gearing up offensively, what birthday meal you would have in the bubble, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings dealing with missing players, how many wins will it take to make the playoffs, end of season awards and more! Intro Opening comments Losing weight in quarantine Are you buying Skinny Melo? 1:50 Do you think it's going to matter? 4:30 Could Portland reap the benefits of having an offensive ready starting 5 going into the Bubble? 6:00 Damian Lillard's 30th birthday catered by CJ McCollum What are you getting delivered for your birthday in the bubble? 8:00 How do you eat a lobster with hotel silverware? 9:00 Shocking reveal, star player has presidential suite! 14:00 Ben Golliver and the media bubble 16:00 Favorite moments of the "campus life" so far 17:30 Lillard: "don't waste our time here" Zion Williamson, DeAaron Fox (and now Marvin Bagley) out for a period leading up to the restart 20:00 How many games do the Blazer's need to win to get into the playoffs? 21:50 Are you more confident that the bubble will work now? 23:00 What are you looking for during the restart? Anfernee Simons needed a reset 26:00 Expectations for Nassir Little 30:00 Regular season awards! Where does Dame fall as an ALL NBA player? 31:00 Who's your DPOY? 32:00 Is it Ja Morant or Zion as your Rookie of the Year? 33:30 Closing comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Danny Marang is joined by Trail Blazer's wing Nassir Little to talk about his growth during his rookie season, developing his three point shot, confidence feeding into a young player, staying in shape through the shutdown, making an impact with social justice and protests, looking ahead to the bubble, carrying Carmelo Anthony's wine case on road trips and listener questions throughout the show! Opening comments If you could go pro in anything else, what would it be? 1:00 Listener Questions Have you been able to workout? 3:00 Welcome to NL Fitness! 5:00 Have you been working on your 3 point shot? 7:00 Nassir breaking down his 3 point shot on video 8:00 Building confidence through the year 15:00 Working on his shot in the gym with the Arc System 18:00 Nassir on his development: "If we had a rank during quarantine, you (Nassir) are easily the most improved player. I think I've made huge strides." 20:00 Nassir on playing in the bubble in Orlando, and why it makes sense for him (and his teammates) to play 24:00 The financial ramifications of not playing 26:00 Working out at the practice facility during the lead up to the restart 27:30 Nassir on social justice, Black Lives Matter, marching in the protests here in Portland 29:00 Nassir "I have Black Lives Matter on my jersey. I put that in today." 31:00 Looking ahead to the 8 games during the restart and getting out to a hot start 35:00 Having "home court" in Florida at Disney 38:00 How different will it be to be away from family/loved ones 41:00 What is a piece of advice that sticks with you? 45:30 Giving back to his parents 47:30 What's one thing you love and one thing you don't about the NBA life? 52:00 Having to carry Carmelo Anthony's wine bag 55:30 What was it like coming out of the Draft with Zion Williamson 57:30 How did you adjust to falling on Draft night? 59:00 How much truth is there to Jusuf Nurkic's new jumpshot? 1:03:00 How much are you looking forward to playing with Nurkic? Do you see yourself as more of a 3 or a 4? 1:06:00 What has it been like playing with and being around Carmelo Anthony? 1:08:00 Why did you cut your hair? 1:10:00 Closing Comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Blazer's Edge podcast, Danny Marang is joined by Sean Highkin of Bleacher Report to discuss: NBA schedule release for the restart, the path to the playoffs for the Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings & New Orleans Pelicans, do the Pelicans and Zion Williamson have and easier path, Trevor Ariza opting out of the restart, the lineup changes with Ariza absent, Blazer's roster moves (if any), and a whole lot more! Intro Opening comments Tom Thibadeau, Daryl Morey and the Rockets situation SCHEDULE RELEASE! 2:15 "Starting the season with the Jazz is a choice" -Highkin First game for the Blazers return is against the Memphis Grizzlies 3:00 Did the New Orleans Pelicans get a softer path to a playoff opportunity? 4:30 Taking a look at the Blazer's 8 games and a shot at a play in game How many games do the Blazer's need to win to make the play in game? 7:00 Could the Blazers get lucky on the back end of their schedule? Can you judge the schedule based on performance earlier in the season? 10:00 Player privacy and positive tests being disclosed 16:30 Trevor Ariza opting out of the restart due to family situation 19:00 What do the Blazer's do now? 20:00 Do you move Carmelo Anthony down to the 3? 21:00 Who starts....again? 22:30 Could Gary Trent Jr be the answer to start at the 3? 26:00 Who are the free agents the Blazer's could sign? Michael Beasley, Iman Shumpert, Allen Crabbe, Allonzo Trier? 29:00 The NBPA and Nike working together to customize jerseys to highlight protests 32:00 Can the Blazers/Will the Blazers have the shot at the play in games? 35:30 Overarching thoughts on the restart of the season, the bubble, protests, media access and a lot more 40:00 8 year anniversary of Damian Lillard's draft night and fake earrings Sean Highkin's story on the 10 year anniversary of the FIBA team that shaped the current NBA 46:00 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's podcast, Danny Marang is joined by Marcus Greaves of KOIN-6 to discuss the recent leaks from NBPA meetings about regarding the possible retur to play, the thought that players want opt out of playing to try to keep focus on a civil rights movement, how some players believe that continuing the season is more beneficial, the Blazer's chances of making it to the playoffs and more! Opening comments Could a healthy Blazers team catch a team (Lebron James & the Lakers) off guard? 2:00 Breaking down the idea of sacrifice during COVID-19 and projecting problems 4:30 Taking a look at the outline to return to play - "No One is Being Forced to Play." 11:30 Looking at the reporting coming out of the phone calls and player's meetings 14:30 Understanding what is currently going on in the US/World with civil rights right now 17:00 Platforming the movement with the league vs. opting not to play 19:30 What is the value that you have to figure out to say one option is better than the other? 24:00 How do you measure the net gain of not playing? 26:30 Would a sports blackout across the board be possible? 31:00 Carmelo Anthony wanting to pool resources and platforming a message 33:30 Listener Questions Wearing sweats with the suit top? 41:00 Will any players have any kind of advantage in the bubble? 44:00 Veteran players vs younger players, and single players vs married players 46:30 CJ McCollum wanting contact practice early and the Blazers having to ready Day 1 of the season resuming 52:30 Rodney Hood looking great on Instagram returning to basketball activities 54:00 Something is off with the Nets - Marcus 55:30 Damian Lillard's leadership mindset/mentality reminds Marcus of Kobe Bryant and Lebron James 59:00 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's edition of the Blazer's Edge podcast., Danny Marang is joined by guest host Kendyl Bennett to take a look at the Portland Trail Blazers as they return to competitive basketball July 31st. The lead up to the resumption of the season, how Jusuf Nurkic and Hassan Whiteside do (or don't) fit together, how Zach Collins will be able to integrate, whether or not the Blazer's have a real chance at the playoffs and more! Intro Opening comments Kendyl Bennett! First thoughts on the return of the season? 2:00 Safety, quality competition... competitive? Will there be a Ray Felton candidate? 4:00 Worried about players being in shape and ready to play without getting injured? 4:30 Is there a point where you would be "comfortable" if you're not already,. about the return to play and at what point would you have to shut things down? 6:00 Open roster situation and how rigid will it be? 7:30 Looking at the early financial implications of the restart to the season and how that impacts a soon-to-be free agent such as Hassan Whiteside 11:00 Looking at how Hassan Whiteside, Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins all get minutes and how to maximize the contribution of each 13:00 Who gets the starting nod at center for Portland when the season resumes? 17:30 Kendyl's love/hate relationship with Hassan Whiteside 18:30 Which version of Whiteside will Portland get int he restart- heading to free agency in a shortened year, how will that impact (or will it at all) how he plays? 25:00 How the schedule will likely play out - and who has a head start with seeding? 30:00 Who gets the starting nod at power forward for Portland when the season resumes? 34:00 How much do you care/how invested are you in a restart to the season? 37:00 How the return of Nurkic and Collins impacts the guys further down the roster 44:00 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Danny Marang is joined by fellow NBC Sports Northwest Blazers Outsiders co-host, Joe Simons to discuss the current events surrounding the death of George Floyd and the protests around it, the return of the NBA and how the Blazers may benefit, the value that Damian Lillard brings to the franchise OFF the floor, Dan Orlovsky not sticking to football, best and worst case options for the league's return, why the NBA should get weird with the tournament and a whole lot more! Intro - Joe Simons on the show! Thoughts on current events- protests and solidarity 1:30 The NBA is coming back, probably? 4:30 Thoughts on what the league is doing/not doing and are they getting it right? 5:30 Why can’t they just make a decision and get rolling 7:00 How does the NBA calendar set up going forward? 8:30 What is the reason for the NBA dragging their feet on the restart? 10:30 Can there be a consensus restart for the league? 13:30 Is there any chance the league caps out at 16 teams for the restart and leaves Portland on the outside? 16:30 Yes, small markets are getting a leg up here because they have Damian Lillard and Zion Williamson Dame’s leverage play with Chris Haynes 17:00 The value of Damian Lillard and his understanding of his power, pull and reach 18:30 Dame vs Dan Orlovsky 19:30 This is the opportunity to experiment for the league 24:30 Do you like the NBA looking at a NCAA or World Cup inspired tournament play in? 27:00 The return of Zach Collins and Jusuf Nurkic 29:00 Who starts between Jusuf Nurkic/Hassan Whiteside and Zach Collins/Carmelo Anthony? 33:00 Why starting Jusuf Nurkic makes sense 36:00 Why isn’t Shain Brenden on Blazers Outsiders anymore? 39:00 On-air vs off-air relationships 41:00 Overall takeaway for what the NBA will do, what they should do and how the Trail Blazers will come out? 44:00 Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast Danny Marang is joined by Steve Dewald, Editor at Blazer's Edge and draft driven vagabond to take a look at what the return to the season could look like for the Portland Trail Blazers. What might the entail? Will the Blazers actually get to play more games- if so how many? Do they have a real chance of surpassing the Memphis Grizzlies and rookie star Ja Morant? Then it's a first look at Steve's 2020 Draft Big Board - who will be available? Who is the best fit? Will there be a surprise Portland pick? What's the value of a draft pick this year and a whole lot more! Intro Opening Comments Does lettuce belong on tacos? The return of basketball 4:00 Money talks 5:30 This isn’t about the best way to do it - it’s about what’s best for them collectively, that’s what the NBPA is there for 8:00 GM Survey 10:00 How many games will be played? 10:30 Will every team be returning? 12:00 Gearing up for the return 13:00 Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins & Rodney Hood have been working out thru all of this 13:30 Will there be a “Ray Felton” spotting around the league? 14:30 When will the season conclude? 15:00 Will it matter how “old” a team is when it comes to coming back into the season 17:30 Do you like the idea of a play-in tournament? 19:00 Could the Blazers get hot enough to make noise in a play in tournament? 20:30 Portland isn’t going down without a fight- on or off the court 23:30 Will Nurkic and Collins be ready when things come back? 25:00 How will the cap situation effect the Blazers going forward 26:30 Looking at the Draft 29:30 There will be guys selected in the Top 5 that will get executives fired 30:30 The Blazers have done well with value in their draft picks 31:30 Who are the guys that will be available between picks 10-16? 34:30 Aaron Nesmith & Saddiq Bey - “a guy who could play for Terry Stotts as a rookie” -Steve Dewald Where could Portland draft? 37:00 Who is the absolute best fit for this Portland team in the draft? 38:30 Sneaky picks? R.J. Hampton 39:30 Guys to stay away from 42:30 Just Nurkic the Spirit Animal 47:00 Who could change the narrative on their season? 49:00 They have got to find a way to mic the floor 51:00 Watching “The Match” and the return of trash talk 54:00 Ridiculous trash talk from Summer League 54:30 Closing Comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finally! Tara and Cassidy are joined one last time by Sasha Ashall and Jannelle Moore to declare a winner of the 2020 NBA Championship bracket. After a round for mascots and a round for uniforms, we focus on which teams have the coolest players and finally, we try to determine who would win in actual basketball games. Along the way we discuss who might be the coach of the Rockets next season, a surprising candidate for the coolest Laker on the team, and what is James Harden like off the court? On our way to picking a winner we talk about how much we would love to watch a Damian Lillard vs LeBron James playoff series, who might be the most exciting matchup in the Eastern conference finals and how might the season actually play out? After this episode we’ll be going on hiatus for a few months. Take care of each other and stay in touch by following us on Twitter @tcbbiggs and @cassidygemmet and @hoopsandtalks Highlights :30 Whats next for WHAT 2:45 Championship bracket round 3, coolest players 5:00 Who will be the next coach of the Houston Rockets? 10:00 A surprising nominee for coolest Los Angeles Laker 19:30 What is James Harden like off the court? 21:00 Down to the final Four. Who wins Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards? Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers. 31:00 Damian Lillard vs LeBron James in a playoff series would be the best show in town. 38:00 Possible endings for the regular season. 42:00 Chris Paul might be crabby on the court but he seems like a good person to be leading the players union right now. 48:00 Announcing the winner of the 2020 NBA Championship Bracket Download Part 2 Download Part 1 Get social Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Cassidy @CassidyGemmet. This week’s guest: @jannelle12 Join the Women’s Hoops And Talks Facebook group to talk about Trail Blazers with others who identify as women who love basketball. Music used in the episode: “Happy Alley” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. Subscribe to the podcast Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang are joined by Trail Blazer's TV Analyst and all around good-guy, Lamar Hurd! Together they hit on; life since the season was postponed, his new show "Hurd Mentality" highlighting those that are helping those in need, the impact of basketball on Lamar's life early on, remembering this season, what we learned about this current group of players and more! Editor's Note: This is Tara (Team Mom's) Bowen-Biggs' last podcast here at Blazer's Edge. Attached here is a video message from Tara, wishing goodbye to all of the readers after 5 fantastic years. We wish her the best and if you feel so inclined - leave her a goodbye message in the post below or you can tweet to her @tcbbiggs - Thanks Tara! Intro Opening Comments Checking in - 2:00 Lamar's new show, Hurd Mentality and giving back 4:00 What did youth basketball mean to you? 9:30 Lamar's "origin story" and how basketball has impacted his life 10:30 How are you looking to impact basketball/programs when things return to normal? 20:30 What are you going to remember most about this season? 27:00 What (non-Damian Lillard plays) have been the most memorable/enjoyable sequences in your time as an analyst? 35:45 Nurk Fever 37:00 Maurice Harkless and Jusuf Nurkic trolling Lamar pregame 39:30 What are some of the things we learned this year? 42:00 Damian Lillard having a Steph Curry like impact 45:00 Culture, Bright Spots and missing out on Rodney Hood 51:30 What are the things that could be a challenge as a broadcaster if the season does resume? 55:00 Closing Comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang are joined by "Apple Valley's Finest" and Portland Trail Blazer's guard, Gary Trent Jr! Intro Opening Comments Trent Jr on "The Last Dance" 1:00 The genesis of Gary Trent Jr 4:00 Trash talk and Tyus Jones 5:00 The impact of growing up the son of an NBA player, and having "uncles" like Sam Cassell and Kevin Garnett 7:00 When did you jumper surpass your Dad's? 9:00 Hard work pays off, eventually 10:00 How have you been the last couple of months? 12:00 What was it that clicked for you- what specific what did you put in to slow the game down? 15:00 Breaking down tape with Trent Jr 16:00 Coming together and building on success 24:30 If you’re always ready, you’ll never have to get ready 26:00 The transition game developing was just a part of growth and experience 27:00 Guarding a CJ McCollum or a Damian Lillard, that can’t do anything but help you 27:30 Who are the guys in the league who you watch to pull from? 28:30 The origin of “Gary will be in the league for at least a decade” 31:00 What were your thoughts when you found out you were drafted by Portland 32:00 Evan Turner taking GTJ under his wing 33:00 Trent Jr on his fashion 35:00 As the years progress, it (my fashion) will only get better 36:00 2K Battle between Trent Jr and Hassan Whiteside 38:00 Did they get your jumper right on 2K? 39:00 Do you have any Gary Trent Jr approved nicknames? 41:00 Call to action: We need an official Gary Trent Jr nickname 43:00 Listener questions Were you at Tyus Jones’ draft party? 46:00 Start, bench, cut - Kobe, MJ, LeBron 47:00 What is the most valuable lesson you’ve gained from playing alongside Carmelo Anthony? 49:00 Who’s the better storyteller- Kevin Garnett or Carmelo Anthony? 51:00 What does the development path look like for you between now and whenever NEXT season starts? 53:30 Closing Comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices