No Time to Panic in Rip City
Holy Backboard
In the 424th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss the recent performance of the Portland Trailblazers, who suffered a challenging week, dropping to a 6-8 record for the season. The hosts analyze the team's gameplay, including a win over the Pelicans, a significant loss to the Rockets, which prompted a players-only meeting, and disappointing defeats to the Mavericks and Suns. They delve into the team's declining fast break points, defensive struggles, and the impact of injuries on performance. Key players, such as Deni Avdia, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan,...
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Turnovers, Shot Selection Dampen the Start of Portland’s Road Trip
Holy Backboard
The Blazers sit at 5–5, Dustin and Sage break down a wild week featuring a 22-point comeback vs. OKC, frustrating road losses, and the continued rise of Shaedon Sharpe. They dive into Clingan’s growth, Camara’s struggles, and why Portland’s pace might be their biggest enemy. It’s a mix of optimism and frustration, but caring about this team again feels so good.
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Good Things Take Time
Holy Backboard
In the 422nd edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss a week filled with ups and downs for the Portland Trail Blazers. We delve into the Blazers' recent games against the Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers, analyzing key plays and player performances. They also provide insights on the Blazers' defensive struggles, the impact of injuries, and how they can turn things around in upcoming games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic. Join them as they bring you the latest updates and in-depth analysis on Blazers basketball!
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Organized Chaos
Holy Backboard
In this week’s crossover from Holy Backboard, Dustin and Sage break down the Blazers’ chaotic but compelling 2–2 start. With Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach after Chauncey Billups’ shocking arrest, Portland is running wild, fifth in pace, first in steals, and leading the league in forced turnovers. The duo calls it organized chaos: a defensive, fast-breaking brand of basketball that’s fun, frantic, and surprisingly effective. They dive deep into the team’s strengths (effort, pace, and defense) and growing pains (turnovers, half-court stagnation, and shaky...
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Emergency Podcast: Chauncey Billups
Holy Backboard
We discuss the shocking news of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups' arrest by the federal government for money laundering and wire fraud related to an illegal poker ring tied to the mafia. The hosts recount how they learned about the news and its implications for the team, both on and off the court. They examine the potential severe repercussions for Billups, including insider trading charges related to NBA games, and the possible fallout for the Trail Blazers organization. Despite the severity of the situation, the podcast sees a silver lining for the team with Tiago Splitter...
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2025 Trail Blazers Season Opener
Holy Backboard
In the 419th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage kick off the Blazers' season opener with an in-depth analysis of recent player extensions and roster strategy. They discuss the contract extensions of Toumani Camara and Shaedon Sharpe, emphasizing Sharpe's potential value compared to other young guards. Concerns around the Blazers' bench depth and the impact of injuries are expressed, alongside predictions for the first four games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
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2025 Western Conference Preview
Holy Backboard
Welcome to the 418th edition of The Holy Backboard Podcast! Hosts Dustin and Sage return after a break and delve into various topics, including their summer activities, the WNBA playoffs, and their upcoming plans. The main focus of this episode is an in-depth discussion on the Portland Trail Blazers' upcoming season, the impact of Scoot Henderson's injury, and the challenges the team faces. The duo also provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Western Conference, presenting their predictions and insights for each team. Tune in to hear their thoughts on the Blazers' roster, potential season...
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Evaluating the Blazers' Offseason Moves
Holy Backboard
In the 417th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' offseason moves, analyzing trades, draft picks, and free-agent signings. Major talking points include the trade of Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday, the drafting of Yang Hansen, and the mid-level exception used to bring Damian Lillard back. They critique the overall strategy and ponder the team's future direction, emphasizing the importance of player development. The episode also features a segment where they build all-time NBA teams from a randomized list of franchises.
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Is now the right time for Dame’s return to Rip City?
Holy Backboard
Dustin and I discuss Damian Lillard's return to Portland. The pros, cons, the potential roster building, relationship building and the proper marketing
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Adios Ayton, Hello Holiday
Holy Backboard
In the 415th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' offseason moves and provide an in-depth analysis of the team’s recent trades, draft picks, and contract negotiations. They analyze Joe Cronin's 'confusing and unexpected' summer, highlighting key trades like acquiring Jrue Holiday and moving Deandre Ayton. The podcast covers the drafting of Yang Hanson, Summer League expectations, and the importance of roster flexibility. They also consider the potential implications of Robert Williams' performance, the need for improved team...
info_outlineOn the 412th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss Rasheer Fleming, a top NBA draft prospect from Saint Joseph's. They dive into his impressive physical tools, college statistics, and potential fit with the Portland Trailblazers. The conversation explores Fleming's defensive strengths, offensive role, and the importance of his development. The episode also covers the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft and the value of drafting players with high floors and potential. Join Dustin and Sage as they explain why Rasheer Fleming could be a standout pick for the Blazers.