Trail Daddy: A Trail Blazers Podcast Hosted by Dave Deckard

Dan and Tara talk about what its like to watch the best Blazer basketball they have seen in a long time. 01:45 Most fun basketball in 10 years 04:30 Please get better soon Moe Harkless 07:20 Does the team have an identity now? 10:00 They have an identity and its bifurcated. 11:45 What does the Jimmy Butler trade mean for Portland 19:30 How CJ Is finding his way 22:00 Aminu Appreciation Segment 25:15 Jake Layman appreciation segment 26:20 The old "Ice the other team by leveling the rim" trick 27:50 Why hasn't Dame gotten to the foul line for basically 3 games? 34:00 Twitter questions: 35:05 Nickname for Seth? 36:20 What it is like to have a name that is a food? 37:10 How will be bench and Zach Collins do on the upcoming road trip? 38:30 Dan goes in on how well Zach Collins has been the last few weeks. 42:10 Two handed rebounding this year 45:10 Collins appears to be being groomed to play power forward at least for a few years. 46:30 Will Aminu be traded at the deadline? 53:10 Portland bench on the road is shooting well, almost 50, 40, 90 55:10 Fouls are not worrisome this year. 55:45 Not another Marcus Aurelius quote 57:10 Who is your favorite Marvel Super Hero? 1:01:00 Would we like Melo for the Trail Blazers on a veteran's minimum? 1:04:04 What would it take to trade for Kelly Oubre or Otto Porter Jr if Washington blows everything up? 1:07:05 Has the energy in the arena improved? 1:11:30 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 take a look at the Blazers 4-1 week, commiserating over a Lakers loss but moving on, with a big chunk of time spent discussing the situation and role of CJ McCollum as he tries to find his way within the Blazer's shifting offensive game plan. A deep dive into when and where McCollum is getting his touches and then what he's doing with them highlight his attempts at trying to fit in rather than fit out. From there it's onto the nightmare fuel that is the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo and the upcoming Los Angeles Clippers and their surprising revival through the first 10 games of the season. All that and more on this week's episode!! Intro Opening Comments :30 Tara as a scout 2:00 Arguing about Zach Collins, a tradition unlike any other 4:00 Review the week that was 5:00 Did you know Anthony Davis was out? 5:20 Anthony Davis tried to give it a go vs POR 7:00 Bingo card- Dan reminds us he's old and has bad knees! (also Moe Harkless should get 100% healthy) 8:00 Shout out Jake Layman for doing good things! 10:40 Tara's theory on the Wizards game - "Last gasp win" 12:50 Lakers game, felt like it had the "coach is about to get fired bump" 13:30 Lonzo Ball is still bad. Like, really, really bad. 15:00 Should you feel bad for the Timberwolves? 16:00 Listener question! Who's been the biggest disappointment? 18:00 Aminu struggling from deep 21:45 What's wrong or different with CJ McCollum? 22:00 Nerd alert- play type data breakdown. Different scenarios and role for McCollum 24:00 McCollum is getting the ball less, handling it less, and in different spots 26:00 He's trying Jennifer 28:15 CJ is going to the rim more than ever, but has been awful finishing 29:00 He has to figure out how to finish in traffic 30:00 I just have faith that he's going to figure this out... 31:45 "Reality is overrated" 33:00 Taking a look at the Bucks 35:00 Giannis + 3 point shooting = terrifying 35:30 Easily the biggest test of the season so far 35:40 You can't, you won't, Giannis is unstoppable 36:45 Is Giannis the most dynamic athlete in the history of the league? 37:00 Giannis got his grown man body...you just live with him getting his 38:00 Make Giannis a shooter. Be a very basic defense 38:15 Why do teams game plan to take away everything but the stars? 40:50 Bucks probably have the toughest bench match up all year, maybe Jazz? 41:30 Does/Will Stotts have a trick or two up his sleeve? 45:00 This is a nightmare Match up for for Jusuf Nurkic 47:20 How can the Blazers win this game? 49:00 So, the Clippers are an actual team? Seriously. 51:00 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 take a look at the Blazer's past week where Portland found themselves dropping two of three games in pretty terrible fashion against the tire fire that is the Washington Wizards and failed to come out with enough energy against the Fighting Dwyane Wade's in Miami. Along the way they discuss Tara's love for the Beastie Boys, what happened in the closing minutes against the Wizards, CJ McCollum's slow start, Damian Lillard playing at a truly elite level, Zach Collins' emergence as a box score contributor, looking forward to games against the Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets and much more! :30 Tara's Beastie Boys love Intro 2:00 Opening Comments 3:45 Is it fool's gold, is everything we saw gone? Please send help. 5:00 Why didn't the Blazers go small vs the Wizards 6:00 The Wizards won't have a players only meeting, they can't stand each other 9:20 Is there something up with CJ or is he just having a slump? 10:40 Miami was the 6th time Dame has scored 40 or more in a loss 12:00 As long as you're not crossing a line, say what you want- Orlando fan is still a schmuck 12:35 Lillard makes 30/5/5 make simple now 13:50 The first half (vs MIA) just felt like last year...did you see anything extra concerning in that game? 14:50 Burn the game tape and move on 16:15 Nurkic looked baaaaaad 18:40 CJ has had a a rough stretch match up wise to start the season 20:15 Dwyane Wade was in vintage mode 23:00 People should stop with the Meyers Leonard slander 24:10 Meyers obliterating someone with a screen let Damian Lillard get downhill over and over 26:30 I didn't expect him (Collins) to impact the box score the way he has this early 29:00 His jumper is still a bag of cats when his base isn't good, but when it is- it looks really solid 32:00 He (Collins) NEEDS to get credit for that (8-for-8 FTs) 34:20 I think we've seen more progress from him (Collins) 35:50 Did you read Tyreke Evans' apology- it was the best 40:10 Teams play defense- higher pace, more 3's, more free throws equals more points 43:10 I'm worried about the Rockets game just because things have been going so bad for them 44:30 They don't have their defensive coach anymore... you gave me Carmelo, what am I supposed to do with this? 45:00 Chris Paul looks miserable and he just looks like he doesn't want to be there 49:15 "Mirotic" sigh... 50:45 There's gotta be a way to beat them (Pelicans) 53:00 I'm loving him (Evan Turner) running that 2nd unit 53:50 Is Moe with us tonight? 54:40 What would you do (with Harkless out)? 56:20 I've noticed this year, if guys got the ball and weren't in a good position for a shot they gave it up 59:35 I feel like Aminu's handle has gotten a lot better 61:00 I just realized, this is Aminu in a contract year 62:30 This should be a pretty telling week 63:00 Couple things we can tell so far, Dame has elevated to true 1st Team All-NBA status 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 take a look at the Blazer’s 2-0 start, the madness of the first week of NBA action, “Spitgate”, early storylines, Portland’s bench revival, Maurice Harkless coming off the bench, Damian Lillard picking up where he left off last season, how hot is “the sauce” and more! IntroOpening Comments:40 What the hell is going on in the NBA? 1:45 Coach Stotts introduces the whistle wrinkle 3:10 Dan has never seen Sound of Music.4:05 What has made the last two games so fun to watch?4:20 Vet Minimum Signing Nik Stauskas carries game one. He earned his whole salary that game.6:00 Dame’s NBA Award speech6:50 The Moda center crowd is bringing it7:40 Checking in on where the Blazers are with Assists, Rebounds and Fast Break Points9:00 Fast pace because of Lakers and because of Evan turner10:05 Even Turner is straight up playing well in his job of bench playmaker11:20 Zach Collins-- game one impacted the game defensively, game two he impacted it offensively. Evan Turner has been a big part of that.13:15 Is the bench play something that can continue the whole season?14:30 Nik Stauskas able to get into the paint is unexpected and provides different looks.16:30 Will Maurice Harkless continue to come off the bench? He’s really effective. Is he happy there?18:45 Jake is doing just fine in the starting lineup. Stotts is treating it like the Noah Vonleh experiment. Jake starts, Hakless gets the bulk of the minutes,20:15 Has the Blazer Bench Celebration Brigade peeked too early?21:25 Portland guards gave the San Antonio guards a heck of a night.23:15 Meyers off the bench: 8-10 minutes and creating things for others, partially by effective screening, which is a thankless job.26:15 Lets talk about the starters.26:50 Damian Lillard MVP Campaign has already started.29:05 Damian Lillard has been this good all along, and that is part of what makes him great.30:15 Is anyone going to vote for Chris Paul for all star anymore? Rajon Rondo might see an uptick!33:15 Thoughts on players being friends.35:15 Feels like there is an edge or extra tension throughout the league this season.36:15 This league-wide hyped up NBA offense might be the offseason wrinkle that no one saw coming. Probably somewhat due to more free throws and newer coaches unleashing 3 point shooting.39:15 Also, more 3s mean longer rebounds which pushes the pace.40:20 Previewing upcoming games. Washington (also Nurkic talk).44:00 Miami and Orlando: Portland tends to struggle in both locations45:40 Tara brings up injuries despite complaining every time anyone else brings up injuries. 47:00 Don’t let either one of the Florida games be a trap game!47:45 Remembering Paul Allen51:25 First Women’s Hoops And Talks meet-up of the season is October 27! Join us to watch Blazers take on Miami. Find out more by joining our Facebook group or visit us on meetup.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the latest edition of the Women’s Hoops And Talks (WHAT) podcast, Tara and guest hosts Alex Haigh (@owlhix) and Cassidy Gemmet go team-by-team through the Western Conference. Who were the major additions, who moved on, which young teams have a bright outlook and which old stars will drag their teams through the season? We also chose walk-up songs for each team, you can find all of them on our WHAT Western Conference YouTube Playlist. Timestamps 3:00 Remembering Portland Trail Blazer's owner Paul Allen 7:20 Los Angeles Lakers, I Need a Hero, Bonnie Tyler10:30 How bad would it be if they didn't make the playoffs13:00 San Antonio Spurs, Montage Song from Team America17:30 Houston Rockets, So Close By Hall and Oats22:30 New Orleans Pelicans Dancin’ On My Own, Robyn28:30 Minnesota Timberwolves Love the One You're With, Stephen Stills 34:40 Los Angeles Clippers, I Hope You Dance, Leanne Womak 40:05 Golden State Warriors, Theme to Dynasty AND Hit ‘em High Monstars Theme song 43:00 Denver Nuggets, The Climb, Miley Cyrus47:15 Dallas, Dallas Theme Song51:15 Phoenix Suns, Nothin' to Lose by Kylie Minogue53:15 Memphis Grizzlies, Take Back the Night by Justin Timberlake56:30 Utah Jazz , Stuck in the Middle with You, Stealer’s Wheel, 58:45 Sacramento Kings, Joan Baez There But for Fortune Go You or I63:30 Oklahoma City Thunder, Stand By Your Man, Tammy Wynette Get Social Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Kendyl @kendylbennett16. This week’s guests: Alex Haigh (@owlhix) and Cassidy Gemmett (not on Twitter, yet!) Women’s Hops And Talks (W.H.A.T.) 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, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang take a look at the Trail Blazers preseason, what looked good, what needs work and what to look forward to into the season. From there it's opening night and the Los Angeles Lakers, will the Blazers win? Then it's a twist on a Western Conference Preview, where we take a look at some different questions/storylines, which ultimately leads to Tara making her greatest hot take proclamation. That and more on this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast Intro Opening Comments Tara's Fantasy Basketball Draft Birthday Basketball! Blazers v Lakers Opening Night Buy into LeBron James' teams starting slow K.I.S.S. - Blazers mantra Blazers win on opening night? Overall feeling heading into the season Blazers bench unit ups and downs Meyers Leonard can shoot, seriously Preview Edition Most overrated and underrated in the Western Conference? Which team finishes with a better record, Suns or Kings? Which team finishes with a better record, Warriors or Rockets? What team in the Western Conference has the best bench? Role playing time! What do I need to do to make the franchise relevant again- Memphis Grizzlies What do I need to do to make the franchise relevant again- Los Angeles Clippers What do I need to do to make the franchise relevant again- Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowtizki retirement tour Tara picks a winner opening night Seeding projections! Thoughts on the Spurs losing their backcourt Lakers missing the playoffs? Something new, different, or interesting this season Utah Jazz execution, Houston Rockets going YMCA lineup 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 take a look at the first 3 preseason games; who has stood out, who has lacked some polish, what are the big picture take aways, Jusuf Nurkic with the green light from 3, Nik Stauskas operating outside of expectations, Anfernee Simons continues to shine, Meyers Leonard delivering on offense, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum look ready to start the season, injury concerns for Moe Harkless and Evan Turner and more! Intro Opening comments French tuck spotted! What have we learned through 3 games of preseason basketball? Nik Stauskas revival What could this mean for the early season rotation? Development curve for role players under Terry Stotts Meyers Leonard delivering offensively so far Dunks and 3's oh my! Tara calls Meyers a giant squid Does Meyers look different? Jusuf Nurkic 3's are real! Nurkic has found a great balance on both ends Doubling down on Anfernee Simons Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are in midseason form Seth Curry and the 3-guard lineup McCollum looking to facilitate Zach Collins early impressions- a bit rough? Don't expect Collins to replace Ed Davis Is Collins a slow starter? Where will Wade Baldwin fit in this year? Being on the floor for the halftime show Maurice Harkless and Evan Turner both out- cause for concern? Things you want to see over the last preseason games? Meyers continuing to shoot well Overall roster health Seth Curry and Zach Collins have get right games before the season tips off Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tara, Kendyl and Karol Collymore of XRAY-FM in the Morning cover a wide range of topics from how we as fans judge players, what do players really “owe” us, using sport as a platform and what role sports plays in community activism and involvement? Join us this week as we talk about players asking for trades, why we are worried about super teams and will this be Jake Layman’s year? We share how we are coping with LeBron in a Laker jersey, preview some of the Eastern Conference teams that intrigue us and ask if Lonzo Ball deserves to be in Space Jam 2? 00:30 Introduce Karol Collymore 4:00 What is going on with Jimmy Butler 10:30 Kawhi Leonard--does he owe anyone an explanation? 14:00 Will this be the year of Jake Layman? 18:30 How are we handling the Lebron to the Lakers situation? 25:00 The ring debate. How important is a ring for a player to be in the Hall of Fame? 29:30 What is Space Jam 2 going to be like? 33:00 Mini East Preview: Kendyl looks at Celtics and Raptors 41:30 Mini East Preview: Tara talks about the Wizards and the Hornets 48:00 How are sports part of social and community activism? Get Social Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Kendyl @kendylbennett16. This week’s guests: Karol Collymore (@karolcooks) Women’s Hops And Talks (W.H.A.T.) Join the Women’s Hops 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, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang break down Media Day highights; Maurice Harkless injury news, more ball movement, more 3's on offense and more. Then it's onto Preseason basketball, yes it's officially here and things are already in midseason form! Damian Lillard makes it look easy, questioning rotations, hope for Meyers Leonard, wondering if Harkless will contribute- the story lines are here folks! Plus some insights from Fanfest, thoughts on a few tweaks to the Blazers offense, what we've seen that's new for the Blazers on both ends of the floor and a whole lot more! Intro Opening Comments Stand out thoughts from Media Day Harkless being shut down during the Summer Is Maurice Harkless the glue guy? Blazers pecking order on offense Damian Lillard's Media Day thoughts Dad Lillard Lillard & McCollum on playing in Portland Blazers will move the ball more on offense Putting pressure on the ball defensively Will Portland rack up fouls based on reputation? Neil Olshey goes to bat for Jake Layman Jusuf Nurkic is getting 3's up More 3's by committee Seth Curry and the run up to the season Giving Curry a month to get into the groove Seth Curry, better version of Allen Crabbe Blazers need to find rebounding with the 2nd unit How did Leonard and Collins play off each other? Jusuf Nurkic first thoughts in preseason Will Nurkic take 3's? Is Zach Collins a slow starter? Meyers Leonard sinking down into the corner for 3 Leonard gets love at Fanfest Rookie Dances Gary Trent Jr has all the confidence Anfernee Simons has the ability to create his shot effortlessly Nik Stauskas pushing to get in the rotation 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 have on special guest Sean Highkin to talk about the now epic saga of Jimmy Butler, Karl Anthony-Towns, Coach Thibodeau, Sean's wildest days covering the Chicago Bulls beat, whether or not Portland is really a player for Butler, should the Blazers include CJ McCollum in a deal, what this means for the Western Conference, expectations for the Blazers rotations, favorite media day quotes, what to look forward to in the preseason and more! Intro Opening comments Sean Highkin everybody! The Timberwolves and the apocalypse How dirty has the whole situation become? Breaking down the events of the past week A bored Stephen Jackson is amazing Realistic destinations for Butler Most dysfunction team Sean's seen/covered Tara feels bad for Timberwolves fans, but loves the carnage How much leverage do the Timberwolves have Should Portland offer CJ in a deal? The package that Portland should offer The price of Butler, financially could get messy Why you need to take the best offer Butler is cut from a different cloth, would that work in Portland? Coach Stotts and consistency What are some of the keys to the Stotts system Looking forward to the Blazers defense this year How the Blazers could offer different looks between Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins Could the Blazers switch on defense? The Blazers in transition on offense...can it get better? Is Seth Curry the answer for the 2nd unit and transition points? Sean's thoughts on Collins heading into the season Blazers Media Day! Best media day quotes Giving coaches player personnel power is not a good idea Closing comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the latest edition of the Women’s Hoops And Talks (WHAT) podcast, Tara and special guest host Alex Haigh (@owlhix) talk about the stories they are looking forward to in the upcoming NBA season. From the Eastern Conference Trail Blazers (also known as the Brooklyn Nets) to Wade Baldwin’s loooooong arms, and from retirement tours to all-in-the Curry family fun, there will be something for everyone this year. Then we invite Jannelle Moore, writer for Golden State of Mind, to tell us what stories to watch for as the Warriors go for their third straight championship. You’d be surprised what is on her mind! While there is plenty of talk about Steph Curry and the rest of the All Stars, there are other interesting stories to keep an eye on this year. Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Kendyl @kendylbennett16. This week’s guests: Alex Haige (@owlhix) and Jannelle Moore (@jannelle12) Women’s Hops And Talks (W.H.A.T.) Join the Women’s Hops 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, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang take a look at the recent changes at NBC Sports Northwest, Damian Lillard's off-season workout video, the ticking time-bomb that is the Minnesota TimberBulls, whether or not Jimmy Butler is a viable target for the Trail Blazers, the value of a good locker room, how much continuity can matter, international basketball, lineups, rotations and more! Also, why Tara now hates dunks. Intro Opening comments Announcements! Damian Lillard offseason workouts CJ McCollum, sad Browns fan TimberBulls, Assemble! What is going on in Minnesota? Ramifications of the Jimmy Butler meeting Will the Timberwolves have to choose between Butler and Karl Anthony Towns? The value of a a good locker room When does continuity matter? How far will Minnesota go to placate Butler? International Basketball Al-Farouq Aminu and Nigeria secure 2019 FIBA spot Jusuf Nurkic, Point Gawd! Review of Nurkic for Bosnia & Herzegovina Tara hates dunks Taking a look a rotations for this season Most likely to step into a bigger role? Where and when will Zach Collins play? Will the starting lineup change this year? Gary Trent Jr. and opportunity 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 take on preseason awards like MVP, 6th Man, Most Likely to Get Punched in the Face, Most Likely to Become a Folk Hero, Most likely to Regress and more. Then it's possibly Dan's hottest take yet... does Anfernee Simons have "it"? That and more on this week's episode! Intro Opening Comments The worst pun ever Most likely to get punched in the face Fist Magnets Gary & Gary Violence! MVP choices Tara comes full circle on Nurkic Most likely to become a folk hero Who's the one to regress Does Anfernee Simons have "it" More likely- CJ to feature on Dame's album or Dame breaking another story Kevin Durant should've actually gone with Slim Reaper Dame's breaking news shop Shout out Chris Haynes Blazers not all over Instagram this offseason Did the playoff sweep change the Blazers Nurkic's interior defense- pretty decent Carmelo Anthony and watching the world burn Why won't Carmelo Anthony go full heel Most likely to get into a Twitter beef 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 take a look at the moves made this week by the Los Angeles Lakers (buying out Luol Deng), the Phoenix Suns (sending out Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss) and the Houston Rockets (moving Ryan Anderson and De'Anthony Melton) - and how that could impact the Western Conference and what it could potentially mean for the Trail Blazers. Beyond that, the Suns apparently picked up the phone to call and ask about Damian Lillard...without including Devin Booker or DeAndre Ayton. Danny and Tara discuss how that phone call probably went and then dive down the rabbit hole of a deal that maybe could work. From there it's the rise of Donovan Mitchell's profile nationally and how that could impact Damian Lillard in the coming years. That and more on this week's episode! Intro Opening Comments Luol Deng bought out by Lakers Lakers punting on the season LA's ability to be the next superteam Phoenix-Houston trade First of all... what the?! Is Houston a good place for developing players What exactly is Houston doing? Have the Rockets gotten better this summer? Contracts of 2016, who's left standing? The Suns called about Damian Lillard How did this phone call go? Is there a deal that could be made between Portland and Phoenix? What if the Suns called about CJ McCollum- is there a deal there? Damian Lillard and Khalil Mack...a rant. Donovan Mitchell over Damian Lillard as a All-Star next year, buying it? How is Lillard looked at nationally vs Mitchell? 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-Bigg cover the week that was in social media from CJ McCollum's "Im trying Jennifer" to Anfernee Simons making his debut in the vaunted workout Instagram summer workout videos, gambling is coming to the NBA- what does that mean, the worst tan lines ever, the Rip City Cornhole Tournament and more on this week's Blazer's Edge podcast! Intro Opening Comments Rip City Cornhole Tournament Instagram Workout Time Anfernee Simons debuts on the Workout circuit What to take from workout videos, if anything Set Curry returns to the court for 5-on-5 action CJ McCollum embracing the role of villain? McCollum doubles down on "disgusting" "Im trying Jennifer" T-shirt bonanza Gambling is coming to the NBA Intro Q & A to gambling What are my options for betting on basketball right now How to place a bet to that impact it could have on the league Places like Buffalo Wild Wings trying to take advantage early What are the benefits to the league The NBPA and Adam Silver are both in support What are the potential pitfalls Insider knowledge and what that means for the press The impact on the viewing product Blazer5 Gaming is upset in the First Round 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 take a look at the NBA schedule release and break down the highs, lows, and everything in between for the Portland Trail Blazers. Danny makes a bet with Rip City Radio's Chad Doing that could really hurt, Tara has more conspiracies, winning streaks on the line, appreciating CJ McCollum and player contributions, adjusting to NBA trends and more! IntroOpening commentsBets being madeChip Challenge deathConspiracies!?!Tara’s important winning streaksScheduling highlightsOpener, road trips, Christmas Day and moreBreaking down the season and projecting where Portland ends upPredicting games in August!Win totalsSimulation numbers and hand picksWestern Conference win totalsNBA trends and how the Blazers have adjustedReplacing Ed Davis’ offensive reboundingWill the Blazers change their styleThe changing style of the NBA and the value of free throwsUnderstanding and appreciating CJ McCollumWhere should Portland look for growthClosing commentsOutro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tara and Kendyl (and Kendyl’s dog with occasional background vocals) were joined by the Portland Trail Blazers’ new Digital Content Manager, Amara Baptist. They learned more about Amara’s background, how she got to where she is today and what it is like to be the person behind the social media accounts. Then they talked about meeting the newest Trail Blazers at Summer League and how she is adjusting to life in her new city. Listen in to find out if she has decided on a doughnut allegiance yet. Amara is the person behind all of the Blazer’s digital accounts: twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat (trailblazers), and trailblazers.com 1:30 introducing Amara Baptist, regw up a Lakers fan, worked at Fox Sports, spent two years with Memphis Grizzlies running their social media.3:30 on hearing a lot of “nos” and pushing through.4:00 Interning at the Kobe Bryant Skills Academy and with The Drew League. 6:30 What is it like to be a digital content manager and how is it going with the Blazers?9:00 How do you take on a voice that is already established?10:30 How do you deal with backlash or fan reactions when things are rough? Being with the Grizzlies who lost 60 games last season, learned that you can’t take it personally, that fans need to express themselves.12:30 Brooklyn Bar-B-Que tweet cheers folks up during a 16 game losing streak. 14:00 Settling into Portland and meeting the players. Getting to know the younger guys at Summer League.16:00 Giving Amara some tips on things to do in Portland18:00 Does she have a doughnut preference yet? 20:30 Who is a woman who inspires her? Her friend @minapark who worked for the LA Rams and recently started her own digital agency, Crispy Chicken Co. Join the Women’s Hops 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 Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang take a look back at the week that was; NBA Africa with Al-Farouq Aminu and the basketball savant Joel Embiid, Neil Olshey's "State of the Blazers Union" address with specific highlights such as; TPE value discussion, conspiracy theories, the real reason the Blazers let Ed Davis go, Olshey doing his best Jeff Goldblum impersonation, how Portland changed their offseason plan quite drastically Las Vegas Over/Under and more! IntroOpening commentsNBA AfricaJoel Embiid, basketball savantAl-Farouq Aminu did somethingOffseason workouts and developing skillsThe work players put in to develop their gameNeil Olshey interviewUnderstanding what Olshey was talking about with the TPE value and admitting they got it wrongConspiracy Theories! The real reasons the Blazers let Ed Davis goImpact on the big man rotationThe difference between trust and talentNeil Olshey goes Jeff Goldblum and finds a wayLooking back at getting CJ into the lineup early in his careerAdmitting mistakes that don’t matterOlshey states that Portland had 5 wings in mind- who could they have been?Overall reaction to the Olshey State of the UnionFavorite Blazers offseason memories of all timeBlazers over/under announced at 41.5 winsClosing commentsOutro 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 take a look around the league to break down player movement; LeBron to the Lakers and everything else that followed, Kawhi Leonard traded for DeMar DeRozan, DeMarcus Cousins signing in Golden State, and then CJ McCollum and Kevin Durant discussing the current state of the Warriors, their impact on the league and how the Warriors are viewed by players, why the Blazers not using the TPE isn't the end of the world and more! It's definitely the late offseason folks... IntroOpening CommentsPlayer movement updatesPat Connaughton and sneaky athleticNik Stauskas, next in line for 'bench guy’Evan Turner loves weddingsCJ McCollum and Kevin DurantOverall takes from CJ’s podcastDurant baiting McCollumCJ on Boogie CousinsCJ on Jusuf NurkicSelf awareness is not as common as you may thinkWas CJ wrong about his take on the Warriors?Is the league better when players are friends or enemies?Best moves of the offseasonThoughts on Kawhi being traded to TorontoWinners/losers in the tradeWhat team will surprise this year?Outside of LeBron James, what are the Lakers doing?Rajon Rondo is not the guy you bring in to stabilize the rosterThe Real Lakers of Los Angeles are going to be a disaster you can’t look away fromWith things as they are now- where does Portland fall?Why the Blazers not using the TPE isn’t the end of the worldThere are plenty of things to be mad/frustrated aboutHow the TPE was presented vs. how it’s historically been usedBlazer5 Gaming update-playoffs!!Closing CommentsOutro 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 take a minute to celebrate the 2018 Summer League champion Portland Trail Blazers, then it's time to discuss Portland's rotation players and what dreams, expectations, and potential growth opportunities are there for the Blazers main contributors returning to the team. How much can someone expect a player like CJ McCollum to grow, where is it most likely to happen? How much more does Damian Lillard have to give? Can Jusuf Nurkic be a 20 and 10 guy nightly? That and more on this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast! IntroOpening CommentsSummer League ChampsEnjoying Lakers exceptionalism being snuffed outHopes and reasonable expectations for the veteransDamian Lillard - All Star starter?Lillard, becoming more efficient as a shooterLillard upping his scoring potential and efficiency to the greatest Blazer of all timeCJ McCollum dreams- making an All Star team?Hopes for McCollum, making it to the free throw lineThe value of McCollum getting to the line more oftenJusuf Nurkic - be aggressive and be consistentExpectations for Nurkic, 100 dunk attemptsAl-Farouq Aminu dreams- be a Trail Blazer at the end of the seasonAminu expectations, more consistent as a 3-point shooterMaurice Harkless, where do you start?The expectations and dreams of Terry Stotts for this team- having a small forward to count on night in, night outDreams for Harkless, contribute nightly. Evan Turner- dreams, reverting back to his former self as Boston Celtic while also finding ways to score off the ballMeyers Leonard dreams, hopes and expectations- figure out how to stay on the floor.Blazer5 GamingClosing CommentsOutro 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, Jamie Hudson of NBCSportsNW joins Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang to talk all things related to Blazer's Summer League; the emergence of Wade Baldwin, Anfernee Simons showing more than expected early on, CJ McCollum's shoe release, the growth of Zach Collins and more! Danny and Tara break down what really matters at Summer League, what's best to observe and what's better to discount, how impactful can the young Blazers be, highest hopes and likely expectations and more! Intro Opening Comments Jamie Hudson joins the show Things you may notice in the media section Caleb Swanigan talking on the floor How do you get this far into the show and not mention Wade Baldwin Has Baldwin played himself into a contract with the Blazers this season Wade Baldwin and #fullthrottle Veteran Blazers and the impact on the young Blazers CJ McCollum appreciates Anfernee Simons' patience early on McCollum's shoe release Biggest changes for Zach Collins between last year and this year Anfernee Simons' focus for the season- targeting the defensive side of the ball Jamie's latest How will the young players work their way onto the floor How can Simons get on the court Small forward position is wide open Theme for the season; High hopes, reasonable expectations Gary Trent Jr, what's the path for him this year Can Trent Jr. be a defender If Baldwin is guaranteed, how do the Blazers utilize him Can Baldwin bring the nasty Caleb Swanigan continues to struggle offensively Zach Collins struggling to finish inside Collins is showing out defensively but his offense is still a ways off How does Collins improve offensively Summer League Jake Layman Will Layman make the leap from SL to the regular season Will the Blazers tinker with the idea of Layman at the 4 this year Favorite things about Summer League so far Takeaways from Summer League overall Closing Comments Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tara and Kendyl are back together on the Women’s Hoops And Talks (WHAT) Podcast to try and make sense of the the 2018 NBA off season. After more than a month away, Kendyl is back! We talk a bit about what she has been up to (helping with World Cup and Big 3 Tournament coverage) before launching into the big topic of the summer: NBA free agency. How are people in Los Angeles reacting to LeBron coming to town? What do we make of DeMarcus Cousins to the Bay Area? What free agency moves are going to come back to haunt teams? This summer so much of the free agency chatter is about money--have we gone too far into the weeds and lost sight of the players themselves? 1:20 A little World Cup talk 5:40 A little Big 3 talk8:30 Free agency highs and lows8:45 How people in Los Angeles are reacting to LeBron James joining the Lakers10:00 Some Kobe fans are having a hard time12:10 Portland free agency doldrums14:10 Biggest surprises so far--DeMarcus Cousins to the Bay Area14:40 No free agency courtship rituals this year16:35 Will Boogie be the downfall of the Warriors?20:15 Deals that could look really good22:10 Lakers grab bag could be a master plan25:05 Ed Davis, J.J. Reddick are sneaky good signings26:35 Signings most likely to haunt a team later--Dwight Howard to Washington Wizards27:30 Rondo--could go either way28:10 Are fans focusing too much on the money and getting too caught up in the details?30:50 Big storm in Vegas, Summer League round up32:20 Fun head-to-head battles: Aaron Holiday vs Collins Sexton, DeAndre Ayton vs Mo Bamba34:15 Impressions of Gary Trent Jr. and Anfernee Simons 36:05 (We forgot how tall Anfernee Simons is and named virtually every other height than the one at which he is currently listed: 6-foot 4.) Get Social Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Kendyl @kendylbennett16. Women’s Hops And Talks (W.H.A.T.) Join the Women’s Hops 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, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Steve DeWald join Danny Marang from Las Vegas Summer League to discuss Jusuf Nurkic's new deal and the Blazer's free agency period so far, the Summer League Blazers looking great so far, Wade Baldwin wants a deal now please, Zach Collins struggles offensively but growth defensively, listener questions, favorite thing about summer league, life in the college dorms and more! Intro Steve DeWald and Tara Bowen-Biggs live from Las Vegas Opening Comments Jusuf Nurkic signs a 4 year/$48 million deal Seth Curry signs on for a year Restricted free agency offers are few and far between The effect of 2016 on the entire NBA market The Spurs continue to make Spursian choices Summer League basketball is here First reactions to the Top 10 picks Trae Young and his rough start Mo Bamba is really big (also good) Things that happen at Summer League that don't come through on TV NBA SkyCam- thoughts? Listener questions! https://twitter.com/xander_hr/status/1016156344598949888 Likelihood of Jake Layman or Caleb Swanigan making the rotation next season? Summer League Jake Layman! There are minutes to be had in the frontcourt- who's going to get them? https://twitter.com/chris_nordby/status/1016129813176815616 By trade deadline, will our starting 3 be somebody on our current roster? Probability of the Blazers making a move between now and the trade deadline to change things up at the SF position https://twitter.com/PDXBigtum/status/1016162359260340224 Collins: looks good on defense. Has range and good in transition. Struggles in half court set. Thoughts on Zach Collins so far through his second summer league Tempering expectations for his offensive growth What do you think the offensive future for Collins should be- in the paint or on the perimeter? https://twitter.com/xander_hr/status/1016122425770008576 Where would you rate Chief on the ‘jack-of-all-trades’ spectrum? He’s about as close as we have, Moe is ineligible until he can play 3 good games in a row The value of Al-Farouq Aminu The last jack of all trades Blazers, Nic Batum, Wes Matthews, Stacey Augmon Who could replace an Aminu sized hole on this roster? Preparing to fill Aminu's role if he leaves Can Wade Baldwin follow the Aminu career arc? Things we've enjoyed from Summer League so far Anfernee Simons' jumper is **kisses fingers** Everything Mo Bamba Summer League Jake Layman and Byron Mullens 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 the Grand Poobah and Managing Editor of Blazer’s Edge, Dave Deckard, makes his return to the podcast to join Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang to discuss the first 24 hours of NBA free agency, the loss of Ed Davis, why it happened, what options are and were on the table, where the Blazers go from here, who is remaining among the free agents that Portland could still try to pick up, what could happen with Jusuf Nurkic’s free agency, the lasting impact this could have on Damian Lillard and more. IntroOpening CommentsLeBron James to the Los Angeles LakersLance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope follow LeBronEd Davis leaves the Blazers, joins the Brooklyn NetsWhy did it happen?What’s the fallout to Davis’ departure?What are you favorite moments and what will you miss most about Davis?The Blazers fall short on Mario HezonjaBlazers sign Nik StauskasListener Questions!https://twitter.com/Hecubus01/status/1013631063933874176How would you define a successful off season now?How do the Blazers get better?https://twitter.com/Daniel_Prins/status/1013632148811599878Serious question (and I know @dmarang has been on board for a while), with the 'Superteams' being created, would Portland be better served 'blowing it up' by trading Dame and CJ for young pieces and picks? We can't compete now, why not set up to compete later?Nuclear options on the table?https://twitter.com/eddieamack/status/1013631096733368320Do you think there’s even a liiiittle chance that the Cavs might accept a hypothetical bad contract(s) + first round pick(s) for Kevin Love trade?How does the relationship between GMs/agents effect free agency and trades?https://twitter.com/creedence26/status/1013632896840503297Is terek evans a possibility?https://twitter.com/jdwinters81/status/1013633320628862976Are any of the major needle movers that “could” be available realistic? LMA, Love, or to a lesser degree Whiteside? And could they be had without losing Dame or CJ?What veteran wings are still out there that Portland could add to the roster? Mike Beasley, Tyreke Evans, Jabari Parker, Jeff Green, Rodney Hood, Joe Johnson, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and others.Of those guys, who would you want to see added to the Blazers?Does adding any of these guys to the roster guarantee that the Blazers make the playoffs next year as things sit now?What happens with Jusuf Nurkic?If Nurkic takes the QO, what could that mean going forward?What are the potential pitfalls of not keeping Nurkic happy?What are the ramifications to the actions or inactions of the Blazers as they pertain to Damian Lillard?Lillard’s social media posts over the last 48 hoursWhat other franchises or situations have existed in the past that you can point to similar circumstances and what happened there?How do you make Damian Lillard happy at this point?Blazer5 Gaming update- their first loss!Closing CommentsOutro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did fan bases with the highest draft picks react to their team’s selections? On this week’s episode of the WHAT Podcast, Tara talks to fans from the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and Memphis Grizzlies to find out more about this year’s top draft picks, how fan bases reacted to their team’s selections, and how they hope the new players will fit in. (Content warning: there may or may not be a few references to the Greg Oden/Kevin Durant draft.) Ashley Williams (@williamsashdawn) talked about Deandre Ayton chosen by the Phoenix Suns.Jill Adge (@JillAdge) discussed how Marvin Bagley III might fit in with the Sacrament Kings.Rebecca Lawson (@beccaaftersix), Editor-in-Chief, Mavs Moneyball explained how surprised they were to learn that the Mavs were going to pick-swap with Atlanta.Aimee Stiegemeyer (@hoopcityhellcat) Co-founder and Editor, All Heart in Hoop City, talked about how a rough year in Memphis ended with a glimmer of hope. Get Social Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Kendyl @kendylbennett16. Women’s Hops And Talks (W.H.A.T.) Join the Women’s Hops And Talks Facebook group to talk about Trail Blazers with others who identify as women who love basketball. Join other #BlazersWHAT fans to watch a game together once a month. Next watch party is July 7 at McMenamins on Broadway when the Trail Blazers Summer League team takes on the Utah Jazz. ReferencesMusic used in the episode: "Happy Alley" and "The Curtain Rises" by 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 Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang take a look at the Trail Blazers decisions on Draft night, what those decisions mean now and going forward, who won the Draft, thoughts on Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent Jr., what can the Blazers expect with the TPE, realistic free agent targets to acquire "veteran talent", listener questions, Blazer5 Gaming and more! IntroOpening CommentsAdrian Wojnarowski’s ThesaurusDarft StorylinesPhoenix Suns land Mikal Bridges & DeAndre AytonDallas Mavericks a league pass team with Luka DoncicTrail Blazers select Anfernee Simons & Gary Trent Jr. Thoughts on Simons?When will he be ready?Physically he’s got some growing to doDoes age matter for the Blazers?How hard is it to evaluate the competition that Simons faced at IMG?Damian Lillard’s timeline, Zach Collins, Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent Jr. Taking the right risks- the definition of risk and hedging your betsWade Baldwin sliding into Napier’s spot as the the 3rd guardWhat do the selection of Simons and Trent Jr. mean for the Blazers- re: Pat Connaughton and Shabazz NapierDeveloping Simons through he G LeaguePortland still doesn’t have their own franchise - why they need to have their own.Damian Lillard taking Simons under his wingOverall view on selecting Simons and what it means for the Blazers now & in the futureGary Trent Jr. may signal the end of Connaughton’s time in Portland. Trent Jr.’s make-up, competitiveness, confidence, and a wet jumperTrent Jr. has an NBA ready skillDefensively he’s a turnstile, but there’s hopeHow soon will Trent Jr. be ready to play?What’s next for the Blazers?Where’s the optimism for the Blazers after the draft?What are Portland’s options heading into Free Agency?How likely are the Blazers to use the TPE?What kind of players could realistically be picked up with the TPE?If the Blazers were able to add Eric Gordon via the TPE could it work basketball-wise?The shortage of 2-way wings on the open market, with good reasonListener QuestionsHow do u think Eric Gordon would fit with the team should the stars align and Houston needs to ditch him for our trade exception? Could a 3 guard lineup with him work in small doses?Blazers free agent you most want to keep (price aside, just as a player)What’s the best super team you think Lebron could theoretically assemble for next year (if he just wanted to win and would live anywhere maybe even take a cut on pay) and could they beat the Warriors?With Orlando drafting Mo Bamba should the Blazers target Vucevic via trade? What would you think about targeting Mario Hezonja in free agency? I think he would shine in stotts system and is the type of wing we needWhat role do you see Swanagin and Leonard having.Taking into account Nurk back in a qualifier. Ed back in a 3 year and somehow Collins carving out 25-30 minutes a night. Are they insurance against injury and double insurance if Nurk and Ed get insane offers and leave at best ??Simons seems to be in the Dame/CJ mold does that seem right?maybe making one of them expendable once Simons develops.Trent Jr seems a lot like Crabbe, but probably more athletic? Maybe even JJ Reddick. Just wondering what their comps might beWho would you rather have babysit your child, Meyers Leonard or Evan TurnerBlazer5 GamingClosing CommentsOutro 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 discuss what the Blazers could, should and will do in the NBA Draft, the narrative around breaking up Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, has the time passed for Portland to add a true 3rd star to the mix, more trade talk around McCollum, Kawhi Leonard and everything that's going on with the San Antonio Spurs, Blazer5 Gaming and more! IntroOpening commentsWhat will the Blazers do in the Draft?What’s the value of a non-lottery 1st round pick?Making the NBA Draft “longer”Has the narrative shifted more towards breaking up Lillard and McCollum?Is it too late for the Blazers to add a 3rd star?If you’re not building towards something, what are you doing?Portland has been the odd team out in the arms race because of 2016The Blazers can’t afford to make changes just for the sake of changeSean Highkin trade sugesstionsKevin Love for McCollumDeAndre Jordan for McCollumWhat is happening with the Spurs and Kawhi Leonard?What’s the best offer the Blazers can put forward for Kawhi?The definition of a dynastyTrading Damian Lillard… just stop talking about itBetting odds for Kawhi LeonardWhere does Kawhi end up?Blazer5 Gaming on a rollClosing commentsOutro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NBA Finals are over and the off season is about to heat up. Tara and Kendyl are back to speculate and chase down rumors on the Women’s Hoops And Talks (WHAT) Podcast. Where will LeBron James end up? What will be the downfall of the Golden State Warriors dynasty and what can we learn and Jusuf Nurkic’s future plans from the rumors out of Bosnia? Then they are joined by Sabreena Merchant of Silver Screen and Roll. The Lakers are preparing for (another) (possibly) huge off season so we asked her who she thinks might sign on as a free agent, which of the younger players are most likely to stay if they have to shed salaries and will the Lakers earn a second straight championship at the 2018 NBA Las Vegas Summer League? All this and more on the latest WHAT podcast. 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 Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang ask if CJ McCollum is a Top 5 shooting guard, and discuss impending free agency, the next evolution in NBA team building, the Trail Blazers having “options”, a few trade suggestions, Blazer5 Gaming on a roll and more! IntroHow much did you enjoy the playoffs?Is there a counter to the Warriors?The return of the big manPortland Trail Blazers and the Traded Player ExceptionAre the options really there or is this more marketing?Blazers deny Pistons the chance to talk to coach Terry StottsBlazers bringing in free agents Rodney Stuckey and KJ McDanielsWho and what are the Blazers targeting now?A deal in place for Jusuf Nurkic already?Attracting free agents in Portland- is it any different today?Assessing CJ McCollum’s trade valueCavs Nation trade: CJ McCollum and Caleb Swanigan for Kevin LoveDon’t blame your bad ideas on NBA2KOutlet passes don’t mean much when no one runs the floorIndy Cornrows CJ McCollum and Evan Turner for Domantas Sabonis, Al Jefferson, Bojan Bogdanovic and a 2019 first round pickNo, no, no, no and absolutely not. Is CJ McCollum a Top 5 shooting guard?Dan’s list: James Harden, Klay Thompson, Victor Oladipo, Bradley Beal, Jimmy ButlerCJ McCollum, Meyers Leonard and the 24th pick in a 3-way deal nets Portland Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon and John Henson- and why it won’t happenWhat has happened to McCollum’s trade value- has it dropped or has the perception changed?When does the first trade take place?Blazer5 Gaming wins in-season tournament, looks like the best in the NBA 2K LeagueClosing commentsOutro 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 and Tara Bowen-Biggs are joined by Steve Dewald to take a look at the upcoming 2018 NBA Draft (June 21st), favorite prospects and best fits, potential free agent targets, LeBron to Portland, what should the Blazers do with the 24th pick, Meyers Leonard's role next season and more! IntroSteve Dewald joinsLooking at the NBA DraftSetting up your own draft reviewsProspects you like right nowHow much does the pedigree matterMaking promises to prospectsFavorite prospectsWhat should the Blazers do with the pickJusuf Turkic deal already in placeWhat could this mean for the Blazer’s FA plansOmri Casspi to the rescueJefferson: “LeBron to Portland”Custom fit shoes for LeBronDamian Lillard win NBPA backbone awardLaMarcus Aldridge nominated for awardCJ McCollum and Jared Dudley debating where LeBron is going next seasonWindhorst: CJ for the 8th pickWould you move CJ for a top 10 pick + assetsListener e-mail: What about Meyers Leonard?Closing commentsOutro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Hudson (@jamiehudsonNBCS) of NBC Sports Northwest joins Tara and Kendyl for the latest edition of the Women’s Hoops And Talks podcast. We are celebrating our 15th episode by talking about 15 things we loved about the NBA season. It’s a whirlwind tour of the 2018 season, from Shabazzle Dazzle to Nurk dunks to the Secret Wine Society of the NBA. Join us as we reminisce about what entertained us this year with one of the hardest working members of the Portland sports media. Time stamps: 2:00 Does Jamie get an off season?4:00 Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, again?7:00 Conference finals recaps15 Favorite things: 12:30 #1 The rise of Shabazz Napier15:45 #2 New All-Star game format (should Damian Lillard have been All Star MVP?)19:30 #3 Al Farouq Aminu adds euro step21:45 #4 Zack Collins rookie season and his relationship with Ed Davis24:37 #5 Rockets storm Clippers locker room (Game of Zones episode)26:17 #6 Jusuf Nurkic dunks29:08 #7 Two game 7s in the Conference Finals since 197931:53 #8 Joel Embiid’s social media presence33:30 #9 NBA focus on mental health awareness36:20 #10 Brad Stevens coaching in Boston39:08 #11 Secret wine society42:15 #12 Truck crashes into Evan Turner’s pool45:55 #13 Damian’s play during the 13 game winning streak47:05 #14 Winning streak48:42 #15 Blazers defeat the streaking Utah Jazz in Utah Get Social Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Kendyl @kendylbennett16. Women’s Hops And Talks (W.H.A.T.) Join the Women’s Hoops And Talks Facebook group to talk about Trail Blazers with others who identify as women who love basketball. 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 Blazer's Edge contributor and Clips Nation writer Robert Flom to break down Damian Lillard making 1st Team All NBA, reports that Lillard wants to meet with Paul Allen again, who's the most important Blazer after Lillard for the future, how to evaluate college prospects based on production and correlation in the NBA, who the Blazers should be on the lookout for in the NBA Draft, whether or not the Blazers and Clippers could make Draft Day trade and more! IntroOpening CommentsGuest intro: Robert FlomDamian Lillard making 1st Team All NBAMaking 1st Team over Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and Steph CurryChris Paul on the downslopeOld man game on the riseCanzano reports that Lillard is meeting with Paul Allen againWhy is Lillard going after Canzano?Don’t you want your star communicating with the owner?Reviewing Flom’s piece: Who’s the most important for the Blazer’s future after Lillard?Production to value ratio - how important is that for the Blazers and every team in the league?Evaluating college prospects by raw counting stats- how well do they translate?What was the inspiration behind this series?Brief description of you approach?What are are the most predictive stats for bigs?What are the most predictive stats for point guards?What are the most predictive stats for wings? Understanding what's required of wings in the NBA todayHow ridiculous has LeBron James been?Using Flom’s correlations, who did he have picked to best succeed in the 2017 draft?Who does Flom have rated well in the 18-30 range and possible targets for Portland in 2018?Troy Brown, OregonBruce Brown, MiamiKeita Bates-Diop, Ohio StateLonnie Walker, MiamiCould the Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers make a Draft Day trade?Closing CommentsOutro 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 discuss all the news that came out of the NBA Combine, Blazers send a psychologist for interviews, combine measurements, a quick look at who the Blazers have talked to, Neil Olshey's comments on the state of the franchise, adding playoff caliber players, comparing Zach Collins to Kevin McHale, Karl Anthony-Towns on the trade block, Brook Lopez completing the Lopez circle and coming to Portland, legalized sports gambling and more! IntroRoyal WeddingNBA CombineBlazers send their psychologistCombine measurements, do they matterWhat are the Blazers trying to learn about players with a psychologist Blazers bringing in/working out a ton of combo guardsWho stands out from the players linked with the Blazers so far?Brown Brown- MiamiGary Trent Sr. and Gary Trent Jr. Tis the season for smokescreensHow do you know what to believe this time of year?Chandler Hutchinson - could Portland be the team that gave him the guarantee?Neil Olshey’s comments at the NBA CombineContradicting statements and trying to parse through it allTimelines, playoff caliber players and roster building toolsZach Collins compared to LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin McHale and Rasheed Wallace…seriouslyMaking comparisons like these are dangerousMoving Collins back inside- can Collins be ready?Blazers are no longer building around Damian Lillard’s trajectoryKarl Anthony-Towns trade rumorsCJ McCollum, Zach Collins and a 1st RD pick for KAT?Brook Lopez to POR as a free agent- does it make sense?How does the recent Supreme Court ruling on sports gambling effect the NBA?Will the NBA experience change?How do you tackle the fears of “protecting the sanctity of the game?”Closing CommentsOutro Note from Danny Marang: Apologies for my audio quality folks, my mic actually shorted out during the recording. It'll be rectified before the next podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Women’s Hoops And Talks (W.H.A.T.) Podcast, special guest Anna Horford (@AnnaHorford) talks about growing up in a busy basketball family, describes what “putting in the work” looks like, and gives her predictions for this year’s NBA awards. Tara and Kendyl chat briefly about the NBA Conference finals and then talk to Anna, sister of Boston Celtics Center Al Horford, about her podcast the Horford Happy Hour. Anna provides insight into what it’s like growing up in a busy basketball family--her father played in the NBA and overseas, her brother Jon plays in the G-League. She also gives her thoughts on dealing with twitter trolls, explains what kind of hard work her brothers put in to make it in the pros and tells a few stories about run-ins with Kobe Bryant, Chris Humphries and Danny Ainge. All this and more on the latest WHAT podcast. 1:00 Eastern Conference Finals Preview4:15 Did LeBron James take a game off?5:45 Western Conference Preview7:30 Playing against the Warriors with a chip on their shoulder12:00 Which finals matchup will be the most entertaining?15:00 Anna Horford and Horford Happy Hour16:45 When did she first believe that Al Horford would be in the NBA?17:30 How do you handle it when people criticize your brother?19:15 What was it like being a member of a busy basketball family?23:20 Celtics in the playoffs25:45 Favorite players to watch (besides her brothers)28:30 NBA Awards predictions31:30 Women in basketball Anna admires: Becky Hammon and Doris Burke34:50 Bonus wine recommendation Get Social Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Kendyl @kendylbennett16. Join the Women’s Hops 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, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang review the week that was in Blazer land. From CJ McCollum's media blitz that included the dreaded "should they break up the backcourt" question, Kerry Eggers on trading Meyers Leonard- the Blazers should try to make it happen (but can it?), LaMarcus Aldridge reached out to Damian Lillard last year to discuss returning to the Blazers, is Terry Stotts safe yet, a review/preview of the Eastern and Western Conference Finals and much more! IntroLaMarcus Aldridge reached out to Damian LillardWhat do you make of itWhy was this leakedWould you or should you welcome back LaMarcusWhat would’ve happened had Aldridge stayed in PortlandHow different would the Trail Blazers lookWould Portland be in a better position with LaMarcus stillKerry Eggers: Portland should find a way to trade Meyers LeonardThis isn’t a new idea, but can you make it workIs there a realistic possibility that Meyers is movedCan Leonard find a way back on the court- how could he do itDewane Casey fired as Toronto Raptors sweptWhat could Casey’s dismissal mean for PortlandIs coach Terry Stotts safe yetCJ McCollum’s media tourMcCollum on First Take: Breaking us up would be a lateral moveMcCollum knows that if Portland moves one of the guards it’s him, why would he be in favor of thatHow can there be a lateral move if you don’t know the deal being madeCJ is towing the company lineBranding and messaging - McCollum knows what he’s doingGames to play: Is this quote from Kyrie Irving or Dr. Manhattan quoteBoston Celtics v Cleveland Cavaliers Game 1Stop saying the Celtics are undermannedJayden Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford & company are very goodLeBron is in fact humanBut LeBron has a computer for a brainIs LeBron the GOAT?Houston Rockets v Golden State previewBlazer5 Gaming wins their first ever regular season gameClosing 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 attempt to tackle the glaring black eye on the NBA right now, the unacceptable level and current state of NBA officiating. What's wrong? Where do you even start? Can it be fixed? What are the costs of fixing it or not fixing it? It's a deep dive where Danny gets David Stern's name wrong 4 different times but still manages to get his point across. Beyond that they look at what's going on in the Eastern and Western Conference playoffs, discuss LeBron James' absolute dominance over the Toronto Raptors, the disappearing act for the Philadelphia 76ers, the arrival of eSports- Blazer5 Gaming and the NBA 2K League and what exactly is it? That and more on this week's Blazer's Edge podcast! IntroLooking at the Eastern Conference playoffsLeBron James is a soul crushing monster the league has never seen beforeKyle Korver appreciation timeCeltics up 3-0 on the 76ersBen Simmons and playmaking abilityWestern Conference playoffs updateIf Utah was able to upset the balance…Do you want the New Orleans Pelicans to do well vs the Golden State WarriorsNBA calendar checkDraft LotterySummer LeagueNBA CombineEnd of season awardsNBA calendar yearThe NBA’s referee problemWhat are the problemsHow the game is calledWhere do you beginIt’s an institutional problemYou shouldn’t know an officials nameThe problem goes back decadesLack of transparencyThe “Silver” liningChanges on the horizon- Last 2 Minute ReportPublic disclosureWhat protects the refs nowUnderstand what’s going on in the backgroundThe most disliked and worst refs in the leagueThe players know who the officials areJust because they’re better than NCAA officials doesn’t mean it’s goodHow do you fix itBreaking up the union and burning the structure to the groundThe pains associated with changeHow do you become an NBA officialHow do you get the best if the path isn’t clearBuilding a solid foundation, getting everyone on the same pageDeciding on how an NBA game should be calledCalling a game based on impact not letter of the lawThe NBA needs to address this before it becomes too big to fixEsports primerBlazer5 GamingWhat is the NBA 2K LeagueHow does it workWhat is the basic set upWhat is the scheduleHow do you watchClosing commentsOutro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trail Blazers may be out of the playoffs but there is plenty still to talk about on the Women’s Hoops and Talks podcast! Join Tara and Kendyl to talk about what lies in store for the Blazers and meet the woman behind one of the most entertaining NBA Twitter accounts, @its_whitney, SB Nation’s, Whitney Medworth. Tara and Kendyl put the 2017-18 season behind them and start talking about the future. What lies in store for the team? What are the off season goals? When is it too late to add something new to your game? What will the summer bring? Then, Whitney Medworth (@its_whitney) of SB Nation joins the podcast to talk about the world of NBA social media, favorite non-basketball stories of the season, and chasing down players at All Star weekend to ask them who they would pick to be on their bobsled team? 1:00 What happened to the Trail Blazers in the first round? The Blazers were not able to adjust when Dame was not available. 3:00 Off season goals. 5:00 Is Zach Collins ready to start? 6:30 Is Ed Davis the new Brian Grant in terms of fan appreciation? Importance of having veterans on the roster. 11:50 What are you most excited about? 13:20 Last summer was too quiet, but something must happen this summer. Will it be exciting or a whole lot of nothing? 15:20 Stretching players is worse than unexciting, its anti-exciting. 16:00 Aminu is so valuable and his salary is actually going down next year. 15:00 Toronto vs Cavs and please let there never be a playoff round without LeBron. 20:30 A little bit about the OKC Jazz Series 24:15 Trading Evan Turner and Moe Harkless to OKC for Melo who we let start with Jake Layman as backup (ok, it was getting late . . . ) 28:00 Whitney Medworth on fan perspective 29:00 Checking in on how the Pacers season went 33:22 From sports management to event management to social engagement 35:12 Winning free tickets to Pacers games by being all in on Danny Granger 38:00 Running and coordinating social media for SB Nation during the season 41:40 The NBA never stops 43:00 NBA B-Sides column 46:30 Did a truck crashing into Evan Turner’s pool make it into a B-Sides column? 48:00 For those who are not yet into it, how would you suggest people get started with Twitter? 49:24 Going to the All Star Game as a media member 52:00 Get excited about the new, young players in the league 52:45 Will older players ever be more like elder statesmen laying the groundwork for the rising stars? 55:10 What will happen with LeBron, Paul George and other free agents this summer? 58:00 A woman Whitney admires is WNBA player and studio analyst Candace Parker. Get Social Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Kendyl @kendylbennett16. Join the Women’s Hops 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, Kendyl Bennett and Isaiah De Los Santos of Blazer's Edge lower the average age of the podcast roster but bring in a new and fresh perspective with grizzled veterans Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang. On the slate this week, coaching carousels, biggest surprises and disappointments, making the right decisions in free agency, debate the finer points of Iso vs team basketball, styles of playmaking, making improvements in the offseason, who has the most to prove and more on this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast! IntroGuestsKendyl Bennett and Isaiah De Los SantosCoaching circles and vacanciesThe coaches are coming, the coaches are comingIs it good that the Portland assistants’ names are out thereReading the tea leaves around Terry StottsIf an assistant leaves is that a signal that Stotts is on his way outSweeping changes? What sweeping changes?Biggest surprises and biggest disappointments this seasonMaurice Harkless and CJ McCollumJusuf Nurkic and the ups and downsTwo years later, the Blazers still don’t know who the 3rd option isWho has the most to prove next year and how do they do it?Nurkic and making the right decisionsCJ McCollum, rounding out his gameIsolation scoring vs Team scoringHow do the Blazers evolve from one to the otherThe differences in playmaking between Damian Lillard and CJ McCollumIf you’re the GM, what’s your first priority on Day 1 of free agencyThe ghosts of 2016, will they haunt this free agency periodIf you had to pick, would you rather be in Portland’s position or the OKC With the Blazers season over, what or who are you watching in NBA nowClosing commentsOutro 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 review (begrudgingly) Game 4 and the series as a whole between the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans, wonder if the Blazers forgot how to play the game they dedicated their lives to, analyze where the Blazers went wrong (and where Damian Lillard didn't), sing the praises of Al-Farouq Aminu, and put a final bow tie on the playoffs before taking a deep dive into the exit interviews. IntroOpening commentsReviewing Game 4, regrettably Did the Blazers forget how to play basketballPelicans ability all series to break and build momentum easilyDrive. Kick. Score. Repeat.Difference between passing to a player and passing a player openDamian Lillard in this series- piece by pieceAl-Farouq Aminu showed up big timeWhere does the blame fall? Players, coaches and/or match up?How do you figure out Anthony Davis?Will what the Pelicans do next round change how you feel about the Blazers?Zach Collins the enforcerExit InterviewsWade BaldwinZach Collins, professional question answerer Meyers LeonardEvan Turner, knows not to get as thick this summerTurner: we have to be more consistent…building an identity outside of our two strong scorersCJ McCollum and allergiesNeil OlsheyThe irony of back handed complimenting Al-Farouq AminuOlshey on the defensiveOlympic analogies“C’mon Joe”Overall takeaway from Olshey’s interviewThe need for “sweeping changes”“Nobody was talking about sweeping changes 10 days ago”Evaluating this team for what they did during the regular season and not for their playoff performanceBridging the talent gap between Dame and everyone elseNurkic disappoints in the playoffsThe awkwardness of the Nurkic press conferenceNBA purgatory Favorite moments from the seasonClosing commentsOutro 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 breakdown Game 1 of Trail Blazers v. Pelicans, diagnose what went wrong, how to adjust in Game 2 and the rest of the series, what happened to the Blazers offense, analyze the last two possessions of the game, discuss what happened to Jusuf Nurkic, try to figure out what happened to Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum and much more! IntroTaking in the game while travelingHighlights from the first quarterLowlights the rest of the nightBlazers bench tries to save the dayBlazers trying to control the paceThe Pelicans almost make a fatal errorJrue Holiday steals the show on both ends of the floorPlayoff Nurkic wasn’t a thing yet, whyHow did Nurkic look in his first real playoff gameThe Blazers not getting Nurkic involvedThe disappearance of the pick and rollBlazers deep rotation v Pelicans short rotationOfficiating in Game 1-not badPortland failed to adjust and capitalize to NOPs game planBlazers offense disappears with the startersWill things look different with Maurice Harkless backBlazers bench v Pelicans benchBreaking down & understanding the final possessions for the BlazersJrue Holiday makes game saving playsWho was the Game 1 MVPWhy couldn’t the Blazers executeHow did the Blazers close the gapPelicans putting on the breaks too soonSilver liningsModa Center crowd, please do betterTaking a look around the leagueSurprises so farHow can the Blazers capitalize in Game 2Establishing your game planNurkic needs to show up big timeClosing commentsOutro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a a playoff version of the Blazer's Edge podcast with Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang talking Trail Blazers v. Pelicans in the first round. Topics include: IntroReviewing match ups vs PelicansPlaying with paceCan the Blazers play at the Pelicans' paceWhat’s the right pace to play at Damian Lillard, master of paceWhen will Maurice Harkless returnCould Wade Baldwin have an impact in the seriesHow will the Pelicans use Anthony DavisDavis did his damage at the rim during the regular seasonAlvin Gentry is a troll, here’s whyDictating your opponents game planWill Zach Collins spend time on Anthony DavisJusuf Nurkic’s importance in this seriesNurkic establishing control offensivelyPlayoff Nurkic needs to be a thingWhat are the keys to winning Game 1Asserting dominanceNurkic needs to be the jerkClosing commentsOutro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebecca Lawson is the Editor-in-Chief of Mavs Moneyball, the SB Nation site covering the Dallas Mavericks. She joined the Women's Hoops And Talks (WHAT) Podcast to talk about a variety of topics including the Mavericks 2011 Championship team, what it is like to cover Dirk Nowitzki, and how to keep everyone’s interest when the team is tanking. Then we talked about the harassment charges against the Dallas front office and writer Earl Sneed, as reported in Sports Illustrated. How did these allegations appear to impact the players, how did she decide if she would still be a fan, and how did she choose to cover the team and follow the developing story during this time? Finally, Rebecca has some fun stories about covering the team including breaking news that Monte Ellis’s son had won the Dance Cam contest and what it was like to be face-to-face with a frustrated Mark Cuban right after a bad Dallas loss. Check out the WHAT Podcast to hear Rebecca’s interesting stories and insight about covering an NBA team and being a female fan. 1:30 Intro to Rebecca, following Kawhi Leonard at San Diego State and then following the 2011 Dallas Mavs4:00 What does she think will happen to Kawhi?6:00 Memories of the 2011 Dallas Championship run, a team that always had another comeback with a different hero every night. Brandon Roy’s comeback game in the Portland vs Dallas series. 9:45 How does sports create community for you? 13:30 What is it like having a player like Dirk Nowitzki who has played for the team for his entire (long) career? Would Dirk have stayed if he hadn’t won a championship?16:50 Unique NBA fan involvement and great writers19:00 How do you cope when your team is tanking? Finding entertainment in the little things.23:27 Was she surprised about the front office sexual harassment and Earl Sneed story in Sports Illustrated, Inside the Corrosive Workplace Culture of the Dallas Mavericks? How have the players reacted?31:31 How did she as the editor of Mavs Moneyball handled coverage during this time? 35:55 What is coming up this summer for the Mavs?38:20 Wesley Matthews update40:50 Favorite stories from being on the beat: breaking a story about Monte Ellis and catching a heated Mark Cuban in the hallway after a bad loss.45:10 NBA 101 Basketball for Women, the Dallas Mavericks women only event. What is the real story? Is it a fun event? What did the Mavs do well and what could they have done better?54:20 Women you admire: mom who was always learning and doing something new, and Sarah Melton, Mavericks Director of Communication. 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 two guests, former Chicago Bulls beat reporter, Blazers fan and all around good guy Sean Highkin as well as the illustrious Dave DuFour, host of "On the NBA with Dave DuFour." It's a little different this time around as they're all in the same room and it's a roundtable discussion at a rectangular table where the topics range from; reviewing the Trail Blazers v Spurs game, the return of Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum struggling with efficiency, locking up the 3-seed, rating the confidence level on the Blazers, playoff Jusuf Nurkic, properly rating Zach Collins and more! IntroGuest hostsReviewing Spurs v BlazersSean Highkin is dead insideHow important was that Spurs gameHow do you balance resting Dame and going after the 3 seedHow the Lakers are still finding ways to do Laker thingsDamian Lillard returnsRamping up Lillard for the playoffsWinning the first seriesIs there a good match up for the BlazersWhen will Harkless returnManaging injury expectationsKawhi LeonardPlayers returning from injuries and the inherent risk managementCJ McCollum’s struggles over the last 10 gamesHow important it is to get to the free throw lineGetting Dame and CJ on track at the same timeHow confident are you in this team right nowMVP DameWhy are we still wondering who the 3rd option isHow likely are the Blazers to get the 3-seedHot take alert- playoff Nurkic will be a thingCoach of the Year votesPlayer-coach relationshipsThe coaching carouselDo the Blazers have to win a first round seriesThe next step in the team building processIf Portland fails to advance what does that meanRick Kamla tweet reactionIs Zach Collins overratedWho do the Blazers want to avoid in the first roundClosing commentsOutro 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 review the past week's games, conspiracy theories surrounding Maurice Harkless' injured knee, discuss whether or not the Blazers need to win a playoff series to call this season a success, who slots in best for Ed Davis while he's out, Jusuf Nukic's unseen contributions, the Blazer's 3-point woes and more! All on this week's episode of the Blazers' Edge podcast! IntroKevin Durant hates blog boysClinching the playoffsMemphis Grizzlies rematchMeyers Leonard flexNew Orleans Pelicans reviewDo you want to see Anthony Davis in a 7 game seriesDamian Lillard and Baby DameMaurice Harkless knee surgeryConspiracy theories and secret MRIsCJ McCollum coming up short at the free throw lineDoes that bother you at allThere isn’t a good time for injuriesMissing Ed Davis and Maurice HarklessPreviewing some playoff match upsIf Harkless is out what could that mean for the playoffsHarkless playing his best basketball as a BlazerFilling in the hole alongside Zach CollinsWho fits bestMeyers Leonard stepping upCaleb Swanigan makes an appearanceSwanigan’s passing prowess The Blazers side pick and roll with Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic Collins and the dunk party for the LA ClippersSimplifying things for Collins and letting him succeedPortland is missing Davis’ offensive reboundsAn opportunity for Collins to expand his gameHow players being out forces the “next man up” responsibilityDon’t throw passes to 7 footers below their waistBlazers three point shooting falling off a cliffShabazz Napier, Pat Connaughton, Evan Turner and Collins can’t buy a threeWhen taking the right shot is no longer the right shotScouting the Blazers what do you take awayHouston’s defensive game planNurkic and screen assistsThe Blazers and moving screens- who’s the worst (best)Taking a look at the final 5 gamesWill the Blazers reach 50 winsIf the Blazers don’t win a series is that a disappointmentClosing commentsOutro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NBA Playoffs are fast approaching so we talked to Caitlin Cooper of Indy Cornrows about which teams in the Eastern Conference to watch. Then we debated who would be more deserving of Coach of the Year between Portland Trail Blazers’ Terry Stotts and Pacers’ Nate McMillan. We also asked Caitlin about how she approaches writing about basketball, what are some tips for people who want to study the game, and what resources she uses to research and learn more. Finally, she recommends two women whose work she admires, SB Nation’s Whitney Medworth (@its_whitney) and The Ringer’s Haley O'Shaughnessy (@HaleyOSomething) 1:15 Growing up the coach’s kid in Indiana and being a girl who knew sports6:00 What has been happening with the Pacers, Victor Oladipo's growth, and being a fan of an Eastern Conference teams. 9:00 How the 76ers are shaking things up with Markel Fultz entering the lineup10:15 How seeding in the East might shake out and what series are you looking forward to?13:00 What would a Portland Trail Blazers San Antonio Spurs series be like? Will the Portland role players continue to keep up their strong performances of late? What is a successful season?18:15 Discussing Terry Stotts and Nate McMillan as Coach of the Year candidates.24:45 Watching the playoffs and seeing how teams adapt from game-to-game, enjoying maximum effort in each game, coaches head games, not overreacting32:30 Advice for watching a player or a game in order to analyze what is happening. How she wrote The Pacers need better solutions when teams trap Victor Oladipo.38:00 Favorite sites: 3ball, nba.com box scores, Basketball Immersion, Basketball Dictionary 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 review the past week's games against the Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder, evaluate where Portland sits right now, good losses vs. bad losses, how the Blazers are generating more free throws, ask whether CJ McCollum is clutch, discuss whether McCollum is overrated, discuss what has happened to the Blazers bench lately and more! Topics Intro WHAT meet up Reviewing Blazers v. Rockets Good Loss or Bad LossGameplans and execution Aminu shining- Favorite Play of the Season Moda Center atmosphere Disappointment v. Celtics What went wrong v. Celtics Is Baby Dame weighing on Lillard’s mind Reviewing Blazers v. Thunder Russell Westbrook loses his mind, again Evan Turner mixing it up Steven Adams as the peacemaker What is a flagrant foul Blazers losing a firm grip on the game Blazers offense overpassing the ball Drawing fouls like James Harden How is Lillard getting to the line so much Campaigning for calls v. working for calls Is CJ McCollum clutch What’s different this year Where does McCollum rate as a closer McCollum’s opportunities in the clutch Is McCollum overrated Understanding role and responsibility Where does McCollum fall in the pecking order Rating where McCollum fits in the league as a second option What has happened to Blazers bench Zach Collins and the rookie wall Raymond Felton shows why he’s still boo’d 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 pod Tara and Danny take a look back at the week that was- adding 4 more wins to the now 13 game winning streak, take some listener questions, discuss the re-emergence of Maurice Harkless, Jusuf Nurkic's life flashing before his eyes when LeBron James dunked on him, Al-Farouq Aminu and Jusuf Nurkic and the All Defensive Team, Coach Stotts as Coach of the year and more! Intro Revisiting preseason picks Winning the games that Portland should Reviewing the past 4 wins LeBron James dunking on Jusuf Nurki cZach Collins’ growth over the last few weeks Blazers role players showing up The middle of the floor opening up Maurice Harkless makes an appearance The Blazers offense is running on all cylinders Blazers pick and roll is setting up everyone else Jusuf Nurkic at the beginning of the season vs now Listener question! What moves would Portland have to make if they want to contend in the near future? I really feel that the door is closing for our chance. The time is now, but at the same time, that’s probably not realistic. What are your thoughts? What are Portland’s options for growth Evaluating where Portland sits in the pecking order Damian Lillard has another gear Twitter Questions What’s the over/under for wins on the season Next 4 games- Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, OKC Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans Is this level of play sustainable Perspective on what 50 wins means for the franchise Ed Davis gets a night off Terry Stotts, take a bow: Terry Stotts a COY candidate Where has Shabazz Napier gone to Blazers creating fast break opportunities Al-Farouq Aminu and the All-Defense Team Is Nurkic a viable All Defense Team candidate Nurkic’s defensive impact in 2018 What’s different this time around without Nurkic Fever Closing Comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NBA season is drawing to a close are we look back on what turned out to be some of the best and worst offseason moves from last summer. We think history is going to be pretty hard on the Cavaliers. Then we talk about potential playoff matchups and the increased possibilty up upsets this year. This week (March 12-17) is National Sleep Awareness Week (recognized each year during the week that Daylight Savings Time starts) and we have the perfect guest. Cheri Mah studies sleep and performance of professional and elite athletes and she is the person behind the MahScore, a formula that ESPN uses to predict games that are most unwinnable (Schedule Alert games) due to scheduling and travel. We talked to Cheri about some of the unique challenges for NBA players, how Andre Iguodala attributes his longevity in the league to improved sleep, she gives us some tips that everyone can do to improve their sleep quality and we learn about a cool trick called a Napacino--listen to this week’s WHAT Podcast to find out more! Timestamps:2:00 With the benefit of hindsight, what were some of the best and the worst off-season moves, featuring the Boston Celtics, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers.9:30 Playoff matches to look forward to16:00 The high possibility of upsets in the playoffs this year19:00 Does it matter when teams win because other teams are injured? 23:15 National Sleep Week!24:45 Cheri Mah and ESPN Schedule Alert Games. 27:30 What are some of the factors that go into identifying schedule alert games29:00 How she got started studying sleep with elite athletes31:30 Unique challenges to NBA athletes: crossing time zones, few recovery days, back-to-backs34:00 How receptive are athletes to adjusting their sleep?36:00 Age considerations 38:00 Ways that teams and players can regulate their sleep during travel41:00 How could the schedule be adjusted to improve athlete recovery?43:15 What can anyone do to improve their sleep?46:00 The Nappacino47:10 Andre Iguodala using good sleep to prolong his career. 50:30 Woman who inspires her in her field: Arianna Huffington as an ambassador for quality sleep. Music used in the episode: "Happy Alley" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Kendyl @kendylbennett16. 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 and Dan take a look at the past week for the Trail Blazers, dive deep into what Portland may have coming their way this summer with both restricted and unrestricted free agents Shabazz Napier, Jusuf Nurkic, Ed Davis and Pat Connaughton, what are the best match ups for Portland in the playoffs, why the Blazers should be favored in the first round, and Tara really wants there to be rules for MVP voting. That and more on this week's podcast! IntroReviewing the past weekTeams that could dictate the offseasonWins over the Lakers are always funWatching the Blazers and expecting a win most nightsA shift in beliefHow nice is it to sit above the tanking teamsListener questionIf free agency begins today how could it lookWould Nurkic even think about the QOWhat could the market for Nurkic look likeCould a team play spoiler for PortlandHow likely is it that Nurkic is a Blazer next yearEd Davis and the likeliness that Portland is able to retain himHas Shabazz Napier played himself out of PortlandWhat kind of market does Napier have right nowCan Portland get enough guys to perform above their contractPat Connaughton, will he be backWhat are your favorite playoff match upsThe best potential match up for PortlandPortland vs DenverThe Blazers have more playoff experience than a lot of match upsRanking preferences for match ups based on star powerHow injuries can shape match upsWhy the Thunder in the playoffs are a scary propositionNot trusting Houston’s playoff ambitionsStill don’t want to see the San Antonio SpursTara wants rules for MVP votingMVPs, you know it when you see itDamian Lillard should get MVP considerationWhat does MVP mean to youMVP predictionsClosing commentsOutro 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 take a look at the past week- with Portland's impressive wins over both the Minnesota Timberwolves & Oklahoma City Thunder, Damian Lillard's continued dominance and rise to superstardom, Evan Turner with a big time cameo, Zach Collins' breakout performance, the Blazers being a defensive team top to bottom, Jusuf Nurkic finding his groove, and discuss if this is the best the Blazers have been since the departure of LaMarcus Aldridge- that and more on this week's Blazer's Edge podcast! IntroReviewing the past week, Minnesota Timberwolves & Oklahoma City ThunderThe OthersDamian Lillard and MVP talkLillard vs Minnesota- best performance of the seasonEvan Turner shows up big timeZach Collins- the play enderPutting Collins in a position to excelCollins’ defense vs Oklahoma City ThunderTempering expectationsRussell Westbrook and the inevitable meltdownMaking up for boneheaded playsCoach Stotts tinkering with rotationsMixing and matching with the big menBlazers sticking to the defensive game planPat Connaughton with energy playsMaurice Harkless’ impact- how does POR reactBlazers offense settling inJusuf Nurkic increasing his efficiencyNurkic giving 13 & 9 in 24 minutes a night over the last 8 gamesThe Blazers have become a true defensive teamLillard is no longer a negative on the defensive endAre the Blazers playing the best they have in the post LMA eraAdjusting expectations while still looking forward to the future Who's most likely to make the next step Internal development, how much is leftClosing commentsOutro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices