The Blazers Balcony: Recent Episodes
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers Balcony with Casey Holdahl and Brooke Olzendam. All things Portland Trail Blazers and more.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Trail Blazers reporters Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers season coming to an end with a Game 5 loss to the Spurs in San Antonio in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs
• All in all, a successful season all things considered
• Trail Blazers were able to develop while winning, win more games than they did last season and made the playoffs
• Portland still has room to grow and assets to help that growth
• Brooke's Jamba Juice Free Throw Shooting Contest experience
• Takeaways from end of season interviews
• Feeling good but not satisfied
• The positive vibe on the last day of school, which isn't always the case
• Tiago Splitter gets rave reviews from his players at end of season interviews
• Tiago's comments to the team in the locker room after the Game 5 loss
• Come out to the live taping on The Blazers Balcony on May 22 at Spirit Mountain Casino Sportsbook!
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Trail Blazers reporters Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers evening their first round playoff series 1-1 by winning Game 2 in San Antonio
• Scoot Henderson has the game of his life in Game 2 after waking up locked in
• How Scoot's mentality is especially useful for a young player in his first playoff series
• Marveling at the performance of Robert Williams III
• The Trail Blazers don't have a lot of playoff experience, but they have it in the right places
• Playing a little better in Game 2 though it feels like the Blazers still haven't played their best
• Matisse Thybulle with the contest and the importance of getting a little something from everyone
• The reason Tiago Splitter sticks with his players even when they're struggling
• Victor Wembanyama in the concussion protocol
• Rivalries really are made in the playoffs as familiarity breeds contempt
• CJ McCollum IS a villain and the first round of the NBA Playoffs have been great
• Everyone can deal with making a shot, it's the elite who can deal with missing
• BROOKE IS GOING TO BE SHOOTING THE JAMBA FREE THROWS IN GAME 4
• Fixes are coming to Brooke's alley, kids watching playoff basketball is more important than another practice, Robert Williams III loses his headband and you can't jinx the team by changing your habits now
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Trail Blazes reporters Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers defeating the Suns in Phoenix in the Play-In Tournament to earn the seven-seed in the Western Conference Playoffs
• Making the playoffs always means something to fans, as it should
• Deni Avdija getting the respect he deserves for his performance versus Phoenix
• Jerami Grant returns and makes a huge difference in the fourth versus the Suns
• The way the Trail Blazers have had to fight to get into play-in could be a good thing in the playoffs
• Neither team has much playoff experience
• Initial thoughts on the matchup versus the two-seed Spurs, which starts Sunday night in San Antonio
• Most important Spur other than Wemby, most important Blazer in the series, the most important reserve for both teams and what "battle" Portland needs to win
• Brooke enjoys the watch party, come on Haberstroh, holding in a sneeze, re-recording segments, marg vs. frosé and almost falling into the Riverwalk
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers finishing the season eighth in the Western Conference standings
• Defeating the Clippers on Friday to win the tiebreaker
• Taking care of business in the season finale versus the Kings on Sunday
• Portland playing their best basketball and getting healthy at the exact right time
• No more local broadcasts for the postseason
• The benefits of having to be "locked in" for the last month of the season
• There's not much playoff experience on the roster outside of Jrue and Rob
• Deni is back to form, Toumani is playing the best basketball of his career, Jrue is unflappable, Donovan is a double-double, Scoot is finding his rhythm and Shaedon can get you a bucket
• Matisse, Rob and Kris have made a huge difference off the bench
• What, if anything, can be taken from the three previous games this season versus the Suns
• Trying to slow down Devin Booker
• Sometimes you need guys like Dillon Brooks
• A win sets up a playoff matchup versus the Spurs while a loss mean another game at Moda Center on Friday
• New graffiti at Brooke's house, Casey isn't buying the new "Summer House" scandal, what do DJs really do anyway and thanks so much for listening!
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Trail Blazers reporters Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers are in Denver to start the last two road games of the regular season
• The local television broadcast no longer gets to broadcast the first round of the playoffs nor the play-in tournament, so this is their last week of work regardless
• The Trail Blazers moving into eighth in the West with four games to go thanks to an 8-2 record in their last 10 contests
• The win versus the Clippers in Los Angeles
• Jrue Holiday is a true veteran
• Kris Murray plays arguably the best game of his pro career
• Breaking down the various scenarios in play with four games to go
• The Rip City Rising ownership group officially takes control
• Rooms that look onto the mezzanine level, it's hard to turn down an interview on a live stream, how early is too early for turndown service and we'll be doing a live shot at Spirit Mountain some time in the not to distant future
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, reporters Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers winning four of their last five games to get back to .500 for the season
• The importance of playing the right way outside of just getting a win
• Rounding into form but also continuing to experiment with three weeks left in the regular season
• Holding the Nets and Bucks under 100 and defeating the Timberwolves in Minneapolis
• Toumani Camara's career night versus the Nets
• Tiago Splitter's message to the team and how it's not necessarily dependent on wins or losses
• The race for the play-in could very well come down to the two games remaining versus the Clippers
• The format of the Play-In Tournament
• Very little is decided in the Western Conference with less than 10 games to play
• You can call her "Brooklyn," why are people at bars so mean to Brooke, pull tabs in Minneapolis, Toumani jersey confusion,
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Trail Blazers reporters Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Starting a five-game trip by losing the the 76ers in Philadelphia
• The mood of the locker room after Sunday's loss
• Overcoming a 16-0 run versus the Nets
• Donovan Clingan at center, Kris Murray at backup center
• The fans in Brooklyn go wild for Deni Avdija
• Brooke explains the post-win "player signs the camera" logistics to Casey
• Bussing from Philadelphia to Brooklyn and other instances of taking busses rather than flying in Trail Blazers' history
• If sports don't ever make you happy, why are you really a sports fan?
• How do you translate "mojo"
• Facing the Pacers on Wednesday then moving on to the Western Conference portion of the trip versus the Timberwolves and Nuggets
• A fond farewell to Nick West, comparing hotel rooms, no-mayo bakeries, Brooke thought she hated pizza but it was actually the olives, getting caught telling the truth, Casey has never had a tuna fish sandwich, Theo doesn't play baseball, please make bar soap available
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Trail Blazers reporters Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Brooke returning back to work after Case filled in on the last road trip
• Portland returning home to defeat the Indiana Pacers Sunday night
• Scoot Henderson turns in his best performance of the season
• While lots of players say they're unbothered, Scoot actually walks the walk
• The Blazers losing to the Hornets for the second time this season in an odd game
• Late-game execution and rebounding sink Portland's chances
• Damian Lillard joins the broadcast
• Bam goes for 83 and Dame's "ethical" 71-point performance
• Lamar explains the life and times of Punch the monkey
• Senate Bill 1501 passes, now it moves on to the govenor
• Heading out for another five-game road trip, but with Brooke this time
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Trail Blazers reporters Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• How Brooke is dealing with staying back on the current five-game trip
• Casey attempting to fill in for Brooke, with mixed results
• Thanks for the shoutout, Sidy Cissoko
• Going 2-2 on a five-game trip with one game to go in Houston
• The mysterious movie night in Memphis
• The veterans leading the way in the second half to secure a win versus the Grizzlies
• Donovan Clingan gets tossed, Matisse Thybulle gets a technical
• Still a chance to win the trip with a win in Houston
• Self-serve movie popcorn butter
• Interesting last names
• The thin line between handsome and hideous
• Brooke still hasn't seen "Wuthering Heights"
• Jrue Holiday keeps the Trail Blazers afloat with Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe on the sidelines
• Deni Avdija is close but has not yet returned (and he's listed as doubtful for Friday's game in Houston)
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Brooke's health scare over All-Star Weekend
• The importance of listening to your body, especially during Brooke Hearts Your Heart month
• Someone give Brooke a pharmaceutical sponsorship
• Everybody misses games sometimes
• Which of the three games the Trail Blazers have played since the All-Star break is the most encouraging
• It's not a "make or break" trip, but it will tell us if the Trail Blazers are primed to make a run in the last month and a half of the season
• Donovan Clingan's making progress on and off the court
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers' losing streak extending to six games with Tuesday's loss to the Suns at Moda Center
• Offense was good enough Tuesday night but the defense wasn't
• The Trail Blazers trading Duop Reath and two second-round picks to Atlanta in exchange for Vít Krejčí
• First impressions of Vít both on and off the court
• Blake Wesley returning to the lineup after missing three months with a broken bone in his right foot
• The imminent season debut of Scoot Henderson
• Deni Avdija named a reserve for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game and the makeup of the international team and the two United States teams
• It's Brooke Hearts Your Heart month!
• Shoutout to season ticket holder fashion, Blake Wesley's mom, Jusuf Nurkic's three-straight triple-doubles, more NBA trades, live reaction to mascot violence, All-Star in L.A. is going to be spread out and hot chicken plays
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers losing three-straight after winning four-straight
• Another rough start, this time versus the Celtics in Boston
• Poor free throw shooting and turnovers leading to a loss versus the Wizards in Washington DC
• The factors that made Tuesday's game versus the Wizards more difficult than it might have initially appeared
• Deni Avdija returning (again) to Washington DC and the way he view his job as a professional athlete
• Appreciation for the way Tiago Splitter deals with the media
• Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen to race off at the 2026 Rising Star Game at the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Trail Blazers reporters Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers having the best record in the NBA since the start of 2026
• Having a good team to root for
• Donovan Clingan taking a big step this season
• Jerami Grant picking up right where he left off
• Whether the Blazers can get out of the play-in and get into the playoffs
• Putting wins above individual performances
• The reasons to think Portland's recent success is sustainable
• Deni Avdija finishing fifth in 2026 NBA All-Star starters fan voting but finishing seventh in the total vote
• Winter days, Brooke going to a live taping of the Drew Barrymore Show, the things we say that no one else understands, Jon Lovitz gifs, Deni's ice cream, Duop's British accent and Cameo requests, turtlenecks and "shackets," Mark Normand has a wife and baby, New Brunswick to New York
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers ending a five-game winning streak and a four-game homestand with a loss to the Knicks
• Losing Deni Avdija to a back injury in the fourth quarter of the loss to New York
• Trail Blazers, more shorthanded than usual, come up short versus the Warriors
• If the Blazers lost to the Warriors so no one would have to do a non-Brooke post-game interview
• Figuring out how to play with Avdija out of the lineup and if they're at a breaking point with regard to injuries
• Jrue Holiday's return and the potential for other players to rejoin the rotation with four of the next five games at home
• The upcoming schedule the next two weeks
• the potholes are getting worse, Portland's locker room debating which language is the most beautiful, sci-fi sucks, Brooke's plea for "Heated Rivalry," retelling the Nikki Glasser/Ian Karmel Golden Globes Trail Blazers joke, Brooke meets Sean Penn, "I love wrinkly old men," absence resulting in annoyance, "the bad back broadcast," friend group chat etiquette, comp ticket etiquette and just keeping your mouth shut
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers starting a three-game road trip with the loss to the Thunder
• Spending New Years in Oklahoma City
• Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe and Donovan Clingan leading the way
• Bouncing back to defeat the Pelicans in New Orleans
• One of the best wins of the season versus the Spurs in San Antonio
• Deni's birthday triple-double and Donovan's career-high versus the Spurs
• A rare blowout versus the Jazz on Monday to start a home-heavy January
• Deni Avdija is doing a bit of everything and is finally being recognized for his efforts
• Cornhole competition, Donovan's three-point shooting, Caleb Love keeps shooting, post-game interview adjustments and Brooke sitting out the trip to San Francisco
On the latest episode of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers defeating the Warriors for the third time this season at Moda Center on Sunday
• Winning the season series versus the Warriors for the first time since the 2020-21 season
• Jerami Grant, Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija all having impressive performances versus Golden State
• Finally overcoming a great shooting night from Steph Curry after not doing so for a decade
• A great crowd Sunday at Moda Center
• The team's new "box" award for defense that they're giving out after every game
• A supportive locker room
• Good vibes in the gym even after losses
• Hoping that Jrue Holiday and Matisse Thybulle are able to return some time soon
• Decorating for the holidays after returning from a road trip, trying to keep it fair when no one really cares, Steph Curry as Nicole Kidman, "LEBRON" Blazers license plates, Cheri O'Terri is not Rachel Dratch
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Moutain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers starting a four-game trip with a close loss to the Raptors in Toronto
• Portland rallying in the fourth quarter in Toronto but unable to overcome missed free throws (and at least one missed call)
• The Blazers bouncing back by winning in Cleveland on the second night of a back-to-back
• The pre-game film session in Cleveland that helped Portland get the win
• Portland players refusing to give up even in losses
• Free throws, free throws and more free throws
• Finishing the trip on Friday versus the Pistons and Sunday versus the Grizzlies
• RoboCop statues, telling someone they're tall in an elevator might be part of our evolution, sit down Matisse and how long can you keep Lil' Caesars pizza
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Arriving in Oklahoma City for a Sunday game versus the Thunder
• The ridiculousness of having a five-game road trip, returning home to play a back-to-back, then heading back out for three more games
• Finally winning a game in San Francisco Friday night versus the Warriors and whether it's the end of an era
• Needing everyone to contribute when you're trying to break losing streaks when you're incredibly shorthanded
• Donovan Clingan going beast mode
• Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko making a difference on two-way contracts
• Deni Avdija Most Improved AND a first-time All-Star?
• Toumani Camara taking on off-court responsibilities and having is best game of the season versus Golden State
• Sidy shouts out Shae, Brooke's boutique shuts down, big glasses, Duop the Sweetest, a different brand of leadership and old boyfriends catching strays
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirt Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Starting the five-game trip with two losses... but not feeling bad about it
• Going cold down the stretch versus the Heat in Miami
• Losing on a buzzer-beater to the Magic in Orlando
• Upcoming games versus the Pelicans, Rockets (in the NBA Cup!) and Mavericks
• Only one "bad" loss in the first 10 games
• Deni Avdija continues to play at an All-Star level
• Brooke gets hit in the head in Miami
• Hitting Casey where it hurts (sandwiches)
• The pool should be open
• Who should get bylines for broadcast stories
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers losing to a short-handed, second game of a back-to-back Lakers squad Monday night at Moda Center
• Wins versus the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz
• Trying to win when the shots aren't falling
• Injuries to Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley catching up to the team
• The upcoming game versus the Thunder leading into a five-game road trip
• Cubano sandwiches, tall people in elevators and sitting out road trips
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Trail Blazers sideline reporter Brooke Olzendam and Trail Blazers digital reporter Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers starting the 2025-26 season 2-2 and how they're weren't far off from starting 4-0
• Portland following through on changing their style of play
• The "new look" Trail Blazers drawing praise from their opponents
• Changing perceptions about a team takes some time
• Matisse Thybulle has been unleashed
• Jerami Grant thriving off the bench, accepting his role and being honest when it would be easier to lie
• Deni Avdija having a historic start -- at least in terms of franchise history -- to the season
• Jrue Holiday is just what the Trail Blazers needed
• Young Donovan Clingan taking a considerable step forward in his second season
• Being starstruck by Instagram chefs, too old for Apple Pay, someone let Calabro buy a sandwich, eating Golden State's post-game locker room spread
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, sideline reporter Brooke Olzendam and digital reporter Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara signing four-year contract extensions
• Feeling great about both teams which reward the players for what they've already done while also expecting continued improvement
• What it means to have a wing rotation featuring Shaedon, Toumani, Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant all under contract for the next few seasons
• Toumani's waffle mix
• Inflatable Halloween decorations and how long unattended candy lasts
• Defining your own worth
• How much money is enough? (answer: there's no such thing)
• Javonte Cooke getting the third and final two-way spot with the Trail Blazers, who now have the max number of players under contract
• An increase in enthusiasm going into the 2025-26 season
• The Holiday family settling into life in the Pacific Northwest
• Predicting various stats such as "How many assists will Scoot Henderson average?" "How many minutes will Yang Hansen play?" and "How many charges will Toumani Camara take?"
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Pacific Northwest being the center of the sporting world at the moment
• Brooke's Mariners fandom (If you are watching the Mariners on tape delay, skip this podcast)
• Thoughts on the Trail Blazers' first two preseason games versus the Warriors in Golden State and versus the Kings at Moda Center
• The Trail Blazers looking like a team that is ready for the regular season
• Chauncey Billups is pushing the right buttons
• The play of Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, Yang Hansen and Blake Wesley
• What to watch for in the last two preseason games versus the Warriors (again) and Jazz
• You don't get to complain about "spoilers" in live sports
On the latest edition (which is the 143nd edition, not the 142nd) of The Blazers Balcony, Trail Blazers sideline reporter Brooke Olzendam and beat reporter Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Takeaways from the 2025 Fan Fest, presented by Toyota, held last Saturday at Moda Center
• What they're seeing at training camp matching what was seen at Fan Fest
• Bill Kennedy and other NBA referees at training camp practices
• Thoughts from training camp after a week of drills and scrimmages
• Wednesday's preseason opener versus the Warriors in San Francisco
• Brooke's review of the new Taylor Swift album
• Casey gets hit in the head and no one flinches
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Returning to the podcast game
• Takeaways from the Trail Blazers' 2025 Media Day
• The Damian Lillard Reunion Rally and the enthusiasm around the team heading into the upcoming season
• The first day of practice at the Trail Blazers' facility in Tualatin
• Defense, defense, defense
• Jrue Holiday, Yang Hansen and the other new additions
• Respect but confusion for streamers
• Congrats to the Mariners, celebrate your victories (even though no other sport gets to)
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Playing well on the now-completed five-game road trip, even if it didn't always result in wins
• Starting off a five-game homestand with a "closer than the final score indicated" loss to the Miami Heat
• The injuries of Robert Williams, Deandre Ayton and Matisse Thybulle
• Kris Murray, Duop Reath and the rest of the players on the fringes of the rotation doing a great job of staying ready when their number is called
• The Deni to Toumani To Shaedon To Donovan fastbreak versus the Heat
• Local tire shops, the social implications of a decline in the number of bowling alleys, Brooke forgets her headphones, trying to get in pickleball matches on the road and NBA heating pads
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers starting 2025 with an eight-point loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles
• Bouncing back with a three-point victory versus Damian Lillard and the Bucks in Milwaukee
• Hitting the midway point of a five-game trip with a three-point loss to the Pistons in Detroit
• Kris Murray's consistency, Shaedon Sharpe sets a new mark in assists and Deni Avdija does finger guns
• Zora Stephenson and Jason Benetti filling in for Kevin Calabro on the television broadcast
• Brooke's back pain, recording on the campus of Tulane University, running in the cold, avoiding talking to opposing teams' fans in the arena and driverless cars don't care about police escorts
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers going 2-1 in the last week of 2024
• The recent play of Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija
• The changing landscape of college football
• The return of the Guerschon Yabusele's of the world
• Brooke sees a fight
• Nicknames are not creative enough anymore
• Frustration with timeout game contestants
• The "miss two free throws in the fourth quarter" promotions and why the Trail Blazers need one (or don't)
• Brooke meets Kato Kaelin at Nobu
• Nancy Kerrigan turns down Brooke for an autograph
• Tonya Harding is a TRUE Oregonian (and would have signed an autograph)
• Ice skating is hard and let people sleep in Lloyd Center
• Scratch-off tickets and why the crossword versions are the worst
• Staind/Disturbed vs. Jelly Roll
• Happy Gilmore 2 and whether "Shooter" is a good name Brooke's next child
• Greg Oden's great return to Moda Center
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Ending a losing streak at home with a win versus the Nuggets
• The road losing streak continuing with a loss to the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday
• The Trail Blazers holding practice in Dallas Sunday afternoon before Monday's game versus the Mavericks
• "Season" versus "Year"
• Shaedon Sharpe getting to the rim on the regular
• What Brooke and Casey would give the Trail Blazers for Christmas
• Locking in
• The necessity of having a short memory in pro sports
• The mystery of Casey's missing carnitas taco
• Spirit Mountain Casino New Year's Eve celebration
• Leaning into what is comfortable on the road
• Ohio State vs. Oregon and Brooke's cabin neighbors
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• A historic lull in the Portland Trail Blazers' schedule
• Getting back in the gym, getting healthy and getting away from the team
• Enthusiasm for the NBA Cup
• Scoot returns, Toumani avoids the worst, Donovan is close and Rob is nearing the end of the concussion protocol
• En Vogue at Spirit Mountain Casino on December 13
• Spurs on Friday, Suns on Sunday and Nuggets on... Thursday a week from now
• Brooke gets a haircut, not meeting Dorit, Clash of the Titans got stars, The Fugitive is too slow, when parents don't want your senior photos anymore, Hearth socks, Brooke goes to Japan, They're All Bad People, Danny DeVito and Jack Nicholson spill coke at Memorial Coliseum and the three tallest players in the NBA
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers facing the Clippers Tuesday night in Los Angeles in the last NBA Cup game of 2024
• What needs to happen for the Trail Blazers to get the "wildcard" spot out of the West to make the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup
• The Trail Blazers returning from a road trip to defeat the Kings and lose in a close, entertaining game to the Mavericks
• Things heading in the right direction both on and off the court
• Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton returning and Deni Avdija settling in
• Nobody does a good Dalano Banton impression, talking Williams Shatner, "Zers" and "Bazers," get money, Brooke's billboard by Spirit Mountain Casino (Elevate Your Game!) is no more, maybe ranking back-to-backs, NBA media food
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers rattling off three-straight wins after looking left for dead a little over a week ago
• Shaedon Sharpe scoring 30+ in consecutive games and his popularity amongst various fanbases
• Donovan Clingan's historic performance in the victory versus the Timberwolves
• The spectacular play of Robert Williams III, Deni Avdija, Dalano Banton, Kris Murray and Rayan Rupert off the bench
• Lamar Hurd barking at Toumani Camara
• Is this the real Dalano Banton
• The upcoming road trip with stops in Oklahoma City, Houston (x2), Memphis and Indiana
• Brooke cutting the line, the Brightside trading card kiosk, "DB Hooper" and fan-created merch, getting the kids back in the building, Mercer Island vs. Shadle Park, get us to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Sunday's embarrassing loss to the Grizzlies and Chauncey Billups' comments
• Playing with the kind of effort that honors fans for showing up and Robert Williams' rehabilitation
• The return of Shaedon Sharpe and Robert Williams III
• The back-to-back versus the Timberwolves and the Sunday matinee versus the Hawks before heading out on another road trip
• Brooke's favorite slot machines
• Pamela The Cupcake Queen https://www.instagram.com/cupcake0queen/
• You're Doing Amazing Sweetie: Basketball PR staffs who still try
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded from the team hotel in Sacramento Sunday night, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The first three games of the season
• Portland bouncing back from a close loss versus New Orleans on Friday with a comfortable victory versus New Orleans on Sunday
• Our guy Klaus Becker ending the Toyota Halfcourt Shot drought
• The Trail Blazers doing the things they've been talking about doing
• Brooke's bow, mom walking through stunts, consecutive games rule change suggestions, Vibram shoes, pounding beers on the big screen and hotel corgis
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers' 2024-25 season starting on Wednesday versus the Warriors at Moda Center (tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. on KATU 2.2, BlazerVision and Rip City Radio 620 AM)
• Starting off with five games in seven nights
• A difficult first month of the season
• Brooke doing play by play in Friday's preseason finale versus the Jazz
• The new starting lineup of Simons, Camara, Avdija, Grant and Ayton
• Predicting which players will end up in the Top 3 on the team in points, rebounds and blocks
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• What they saw from the Trail Blazers during the first two games of their four-game preseason schedule
• Glad fall is here so I can really start dressin'
• The differences between Seattle and San Francisco
• When is a debut an actual debut?
• Not calling Brooke "Brookey" anymore
• Confirmation that Shaedon loves the media
• What they'd like to see out of the Trail Blazers in their remaining preseason games
• Being stingy on inexpensive foodstuffs
• You're doing AMAZING Sweetie: Roadside florists and Oriental Mart
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The first week of training camp
• Trail Blazers trying to play faster
• WNBA Finals
• Shaedon Sharpe and Rob Williams III injured
• Does Shaedon actually not want to be interviewed?
• Fan Fest and Deni Avdija MVP
• Heading up to Seattle for the start of preseason
• Drinks, eggs, pop vs. soda, Washington has an Enchanted Forest?
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Portland's 2024 Media Day and their takeaways from the event
• Appreciating the return of "Say What?!?" after Brooke had her jaw wired shut
• Thoughts on the first three days of training camp
• Headband sizes and what it says about the wearer
• The competition for minutes at point guard, forward and center
• Fan Fest, presented by Daimler Truck North America, this Saturday
• Will Donovan Clingan have to dance/sing alone at Fan Fest?
On this edition of the Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Returning from the Rip City Rally
• Expecting an interesting season a week away from training camp
• Brooke MCing the WNBA to Portland announcement and thoughts on Portland getting a new franchise
• Adrian Wojnarowski retiring to make way for Donovan Clingan
• Career panels, General Mills, WNBA outfits and asking for discounts
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Training camp starting in a few weeks
• Brooke seeing a bunch of former Trail Blazers at a wedding last week
• Why some former teammates stay in contact while others don't
• Brooke sees a Cybertruck
• Some of the more interesting home games they're looking forward to this season (tickets on sale now!)
• The Rip City Remix schedule
• The Rip City Rally, which starts next week in Coos Bay and features stops in Florence, Toledo, Corvallis and Woodburn
• Mystery announcements not yet announced
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The reason for the recent Blazers Balcony hiatus
• Brooke sustains a serious offseason injury
• Initial thoughts on the Trail Blazers' 2024-25 regular season schedule
• Picks for best/worst month and best/worst trip
• The places Brooke and Casey look forward to visiting on the road
• The Trail Blazers exiting their contract with ROOT Sports
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers selecting Donovan Clingan with the seventh overall pick
• What the 20 year-old UCONN center brings to the team
• Portland putting their money where their mouth is with regard to improving on the defensive end
• Not being concerned about having too many centers
• Deandre Ayton as a teammate
• Does Donovan Clingan have a nickname?
• Portland trading away their rest of their picks for future picks and players we can't talk about yet
• Portland's 2024 Las Vegas Summer League schedule
• Trail Blazers who might be playing in international competition this summer
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers holding more pre-draft workouts a little more than a week before the yearly event
• Differing opinions about approaches to draft selection processes
• The Trail Blazers needing talent more than positional balance
• The 2024 NBA Finals (which might be over before you listen to this podcast)
• Finding Brooke's house sans GPS, the new offshoot on Tualatin/Sherwood Road, theme parties, Washington Square pretzel dogs and Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Trail Blazers legend and Hall of Famer Bill Walton after his passing at the age of 71 on Monday.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers coming away from the Draft Lottery with the seventh and 14th picks
• How the level of talent in this year's draft might open up possibilities for the Trail Blazers
• The importance of not only knowing what players you like, but what players other teams like
• Best Player Available meets Position of Need
• Whether the Blazers are likely to add four rookies -- they also own the 34th and 40th picks -- to a team that is already rather young
• The wide-open nature of the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs
• What makes good lemonade, cynical facial recognition, calling the cops on your neighbors and fear of exploding Fresca
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The differences between where Brooke lives (SW Portland) and where Casey lives (N Portland)
• The Trail Blazers finishing their 2023-24 season with a 21-61 record
• Matisse Thybulle's segment in Sacramento
• The 2023-24 Trail Blazers' locker room vibe
• The WNBA Draft
• The best and worst parts of Portland's 2023-24 seasons
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Finally returning to Portland after over two weeks on the road
• Wrapping up a seven-game road trip that saw the Blazers go 2-5
• The recent play of Dalano Banton, Scoot Henderson and Deandre Ayton
• What you can expect during Fan Appreciation Week at games versus the Pelicans, Warriors and Rockets
• You're doing amazing Sweetie: Moda Center fans and Dream Haters
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Whether Brooke actually "co-hosts" the podcast
• Spending time in Miami and the one negative of traveling to warm weather cities
• The Blazers losing to the Hawks and Heat
• Monday's loss to the Magic
• Scoot Henderson, Deandre Ayton and the Trail Blazers' final play in the loss in Orlando
• Standing up in the final moments of close games
• Brooke doesn't want to hear your dreams or watch your cartoons
• Toumani Camara's rookie season
• A brief "Scandoval" update
• You're Doing AMAZING sweetie: the Women's NCAA Tournament and Robert Williams' t-shirt collection
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, recorded live from practice in Atlanta, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The tricks your mind plays on you during road trips
• Brooke's Toumani Camara sweatshirt and the varying approaches to wearing clothing items multiple times before washing
• Mother Necessity and it's daughter Invention
• Simple, elegant solutions to everyday problems
• The All Rookie starting five getting another... start in Monday's loss to the Rockets
• Avoiding room service and other hotel scams
• Road trip homecomings for Scoot Henderson (Atlanta) and Toumani Camara (Miami)
• Shark Tank is stealing my ideas!
• The persistence of road trip memories
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers playing well enough but still losing in recent road games in New Orleans and Chicago
• Brooke and Theo's weekend in the Windy City
• Damian Lillard showing up in Chicago, but NOT with Olivia Rodrigo
• Adam Sandler's net worth and longing for the days of "Billy Madison" and "Happy Gilmore"
• Brooke meeting Eddie Vedder
• Duop Reath mismatches and crossovers
• Three rookies in the starting lineup
• "You're Doing Amazing Sweetie" with Toumani and Duop
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers getting their first home victory in over a month Saturday night versus the Raptors in overtime
• Deandre Ayton returning to the lineup and picking back up right where he left off
• Scoot Henderson returning to the floor on Saturday after sitting out since the All-Star break with an adductor injury
• Dalano Banton continuing to impress in Portland, especially with regard to his three-point shooting
• Toumani Camara and Matisse Thybulle being more aggressive on offense
• Brooke goes to her first Rip City Remix game
(First off, apologies for Casey's mic, which sounds like an old rusty tin can for reasons we can not yet discern)
On this edition, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers losing eight-straight and being winless in the month of February with one game left to play
• And update on the "Brooke Hearts Your Heart" campaign, which comes to a close at the end of the month
• The recent play of Deandre Ayton and Kris Murray
• Being duped by a few days of nice weather
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Hodahl discuss...
• The 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis
• Shaedon Sharpe showing up at All-Star Weekend despite not competing in any events
• Scoot Henderson's performance in the Rising Stars Challenge and the rest of his weekend in Indianapolis
• Thoughts on the year hand-wringing about the NBA All-Star Game
• Duop Reath having his two-way contract converted to a full NBA contract
• Chauncey Billups being named as a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers losing four-straight heading into two games versus the Timberwolves this week
• Jerami Grant working hard both on the court and the runway
• Another wave of injuries taking out a significant portion of Portland's rotation
• Trading for Dalano Banton and signing Ashton Hagans to a 10-day
• Memorable All-Star Weekends
• Thoughts on the Super Bowl, Travis Kelce vs. Andy Reed, Brooke knows Usher AND Ludacris and respect for leftovers
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Entering the easiest part of the Trail Blazers’ schedule, at least in terms of home games
• The Blazers playing decent basketball in losses to the Nuggets in Denver on Friday and Sunday
• The recent play of Deandre Ayton and Scoot Henderson and the reasons why both might be playing better as of late
• Predicting the February Rookie of the Month award
• General thoughts on how to go about dealing with the NBA trade deadline
• An update on the “Brooke Hearts Your Heart” campaign (go to blazers.com/heart for more information)
• Year-round holiday trees, exercise at altitude, bad dude art, Terry Porter’s estate sale, whether you should be able to sell your own organs, whether passing along interesting stats is a jinx, taking credit for Scoot’s improved free throw shooting
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss
• Ever-shifting injury desinations
• The Trail Blazers returning from a 4-game road trip with a 1-3 record
• Sunday night's loss to the Bulls and Monday's game versus the 76ers
• The recent play of Deandre Ayton
• The return of Damian Lillard to Moda Center for Wednesday's game versus the Milwaukee Bucks
On this edition of the Blazers Balcony, recorded from the team hotel in Los Angeles, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers being back on the road again after a brief, icy stop off in Portland
• The stupidity of the "analysis" of Portland's recent ice storm
• Being waylaid in Los Angeles due to ice in Oklahoma City
• Brooke breaking her foot and getting by thanks to the kindness of her son's soccer team
• The recent play of Malcolm Brogdon
• Jabari Walker joining the starting lineup and how he compliments other players in the starting lineup
• Getting through players returning to the lineup and the trade deadline
• The Blazers having a little bit of everything at the forward positions
• Not getting tickets for fans of opposing teams, buying posters as gifts and stolen packages
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded from the team hotel in New York City, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Portland's 134-127 overtime victory versus the Nets in Brooklyn on Sunday
• Anfernee Simons' bounce back performance and how he's dealing with more attention from opposing defenses
• Malcolm Brogdon coming up big in overtime
• The trip thus far and the remaining three games
• Listener questions about Scoot's three-point shooting and vibes in the locker room after losses
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, recorded from the team hotel in Dallas, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Spending New Year's In Phoenix
• The Trail Blazers' starting a seven-game, two-week road trip
• The Trail Blazers getting healthier even though half the team is listed as questionable
• The center rotation of Moses Brown, Duop Reath and Ibou Badji
• The recent play of Scoot Henderson
• Crashing weddings, packing for long trips, pant length, gas station barbecue, Uncrustables vs. homemade PB&J, terrible mochas and new years affirmations.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers being winless so far in the month of December
• The process of integrating everybody back into the lineup now that the team is mostly healthy
• The losses last weekend to the Mavericks and Warriors
• The incorrect out-of-bounds call that cost the Trail Blazers in Sunday's loss to the Warriors
• The recent play of Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson
• The Mayo Minute: Symphony Movie mashups vs. Halloween Aesthetic at Christmas
• McDonald's breakfast, the new McNuggets and holiday popcorn (it's called Miss Hannah's Gourmet Popcorn)
On the latest episode of The Blazers Balcony, recorded from the team hotel in Los Angeles, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers playing just three road games throughout the month of December
• Continuing to feel good about losses
• Chauncey Billups' coaching meeting Joe Cronin's team-building
• The return of Anfernee Simons and the recent play of Shaedon Sharpe
• Looking forward to the returns of Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon and Deandre Ayton
• Katherine McPhee and her husband, Christmas in Beverly Hills, requests for Bill Kennedy and Brooke declining Airdrop
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony (the actual basketball talk starts around the 12-minutes mark), Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The benefits of players returning from injury
• Sunday's loss to the Bucks and the bounceback win the next night versus the Pacers
• Being confused by the NBA's current approach to replay reviews
• Brooke sets the scene in Milwaukee and Indianapolis
• The recent play of Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon and Matisse Thybulle
• The games recently added to the schedule -- at Golden State on December 6 and versus the Mavericks on December 8
• Moe Harkless joining the Rip City Remix
• Avoiding scary movies, tall stools and Tik Tok Kindness vs. Killing Pets In Movies
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday
• Whether a team can feel like they're accomplishing something in a blowout loss
• Waiting on the returns of Malcolm Brogdon and Scoot Henderson
• The first few home games for the Rip City Remix
• The Blazers facing the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday in their last In-Season Tournament Group game
• Packing for one-game trips, Chet Holmgren's facial hair, dropping off Trail Blazers gear at Goodwill and Cranberry Sauce vs. Pumpkin Pie
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded in Salt Lake City, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers losing three-straight but feeling good about the results
• The current state of Portland's injuries and how it's taking some of the excitement out of the season
• Skylar Mays getting a promotion, Duop Reath making his debut and Jamaree Bouyea getting a two-way contract
• The post-game locker room in Los Angeles
• A big week in In-Season Tournament Group A play
• The Mayo Minute: Cracking Eggs On Tik Tok vs. Anti-GPS Rideshare Drivers
• Other topics include: messed up inflight orders, spotting celebrities, doing a poor job of packing
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers going 3-1 last week
• Chauncey Billups and tough love when it comes to young guards
• Fawning over Malcolm Brogdon
• Thoughts on the In-Season Tournament and whether it's working as the league had hoped
• The new In-Season Tournament court and plaid-forward City edition jerseys
• The upcoming road trip with stops in Sacramento, Los Angeles and Utah
• The Mayo Minute: Thanking the security staff vs. protecting Halloween
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded from the Trail Blazers' team hotel just outside of Detroit, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers getting their first win of the season versus the Raptors in Toronto
• Scoot Henderson's comments after Monday's win and how he's handling his first days as an NBA player
• Jabari Walker and Toumani Camara making an impact in their second and first seasons, respectively
• Malcolm Brogdon's influence on and off the court
Other topics include free hotel snacks, which member of Wu-Tang Clan in the tallest and another revelation from Brooke's celebrity-filled study abroad.
In this, the centennial edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Their thoughts on the Trail Blazers' 2023-24 season a few days before it begins versus the Clippers in Los Angeles
• What would make for a successful season
• The addition of Ish Wainwright and Portland's roster (which wasn't finalized until after recording)
• Las Vegas setting Portland's over/under at 28.5 wins
• Guesses on how many starting lineups Portland might use this season
• The return of the "Mayo Minute"
• Some brief thoughts on the first 99 episodes
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Why this is episode 99.5 and not episode 100
• Brooke handling hosting duties for Monday's preseason finale versus the Suns, which is being broadcast over the air on KPTV Plus
• Takeaways from Portland's first three preseason games
• The team focusing on specific areas they want to improve rather than wins and losses in preseason play
• The changes in the preseason schedule changing the way teams approach preseason
• Impressions of the players Portland has acquired via trade in the last few weeks
• A call to action regarding the upcoming 100th episode
On the latest 2023 Training Camp edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• First impressions from training camp in Santa Barbara
• How training camp feels different from last year's and why that might be the case
• How Scoot Henderson and the rest of the rookies looked in their first training camp
• Getting to know Malcolm Brogdon, Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III on the off the court at training camp
• Another great Fan's Fest
• Portland's exhibition game versus the New Zealand Breakers and Phoenix Suns and why there's plenty of reason to pay attention to preseason this year
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The trade sending Damian Lillard to Milwaukee and Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson to Phoenix in exchange for Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Jrue Holiday, a first round pick and multiple first round pick swaps
• The trade sending Holiday to Boston in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III and two first round picks
• The job that Joe Cronin and his staff did in putting the deals together despite difficult circumstances
• Anfernee Simons coming into his own
• Initial thoughts on Ayton, Brogdon, Williams III and Camara
• The departure of Lillard, Nurkic, Little and Johnson and what each brought to the Trail Blazers both professionally and personally
On this, the 2023-24 NBA Schedule Release edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Initial thoughts on Portland's 2023-24 schedule
• How this schedule is a little different from previous schedules due to the in-season tournament
• The first things they look for when the schedule is released
• The best and worst month of the season
• The best and worst road trips
• Back-to-backs and an welcomed increase in consecutive games against the same team
• Brooke's birthday, it getting messy trying to watch Messi in person and takes from the lake house
In the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers going 3-1 at the 2023 Las Vegas Summer League
• Portland's hopes of repeating as Summer League champs being technically alive (at least as of the time of recording) and what needs to happen in order to advance
• Thoughts on what we saw from Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Jabari Walker, Duop Reath in Las Vegas
• The official signings of Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybule and why those decisions were made
• Joe Cronin's comments in Las Vegas regarding the situation with Damian Lillard
• Casey losing in Las Vegas, Brooke's soccer futility, Pickles first pitch and not being a softball person
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers' Las Vegas Summer League schedule, which begins Friday at 4 p.m. versus the Rockets
• This being the most people have been interested in the Trail Blazers at summer league in the last decade
• What they would like to see during summer league and what would make it a successful trip
• A quick consideration of free agency now that the NBA's moritorium is over
• An even quicker consideration of the situation with Damian Lillard
• Fireworks, commuting by boat, suggestions on how to spend time outside of the gym in Las Vegas, Wemby vs. Britney and Celine Deon disrespect
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Portland drafting Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray and Rayan Rupert at the 2023 NBA Draft
• Takeaways from the press conference introducing Henderson, Murray and Rupert
• Thoughts on the Trail Blazers naming their new G-League team the Rip City Remix
• Portland extending the qualifying offer to Matisse Thybylle, making him a restricted free agent, and the other decisions the team will have to make soon
• Damian Lillard's sit down with Joe Cronin
• The Oregon Zoo, otters and Brooke's attempts to meet Ludacris backstage at Moda Center
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Thursday's upcoming NBA Draft in which the Trail Blazers own the third, 23rd and 43rd picks
• Draft and trade rumors and whether there's any point to following either
• The idea of Portland being in a decent position regardless of whether they use or keep the third pick
• Predictions on how many, if any, of the three picks will be on Portland's roster by Opening Night
• The draft party at Big Al's in Vancouver
• A review of Janet Jackson and Ludacris at Moda Center and the growing wasp nest that Brooke discovered while recording this podcast
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Villanova forward Cameron Whitmore working out for the Trail Blazers at their practice facility in Tualatin on Wednesday
• The rise of the 6-8, 230 pound guard who can do a bit of everything
• People ignoring incorrect predictions about previous drafts
• The Nuggets defeating the Heat in five games to win the 2023 NBA Championship
• Let Jokic be Jokic
• Brooke's weekly Vanderpump Rules "Scandoval" update
• The Trail Blazers draft party at Big Al's in Vancouver, which Brooke is hosting.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Their takeaways from Scoot Henderson's working in Portland
• Pooh Jeter, Henderson's coach at the G-League Ignite, reportedly joining the Trail Blazers' G-League and player development staff
• The NBA Finals between the Nuggets and Heat and how the first two games may or may not change your view of the Western Conference
• Brooke's issues growing herbs
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Portland's solo workouts with the Thompson brothers and the group workout held at the practice facility on Wednesday
• Assumptions about NBA families
• The kind of players the Trail Blazers have brought in for workouts so far
• Post-workout interviews and how they're different from normal NBA practice interviews
• The staff that takes care of Brooke's home and charcuterie boards
• Brooke's most expansive recapping of the "Vanderpump Rules" Scandoval
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The coverage and conversation regarding the Trail Blazers after they won the third overall pick at the draft lottery
• All of the Trail Blazers' options being open with the third, 23rd and 43rd picks in the upcoming draft
• The two workouts Portland has hosted thus far and going through the predraft process regardless of what they end up doing with their picks
• The NBA Conference Finals and the toughness of both Nikola Jokic and Jimmy Butler
• A quick update on the Scandoval and previewing a big upcoming episode of Vanderpump
On this 2023 NBA Draft Lottery edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl give their instant reactions to the Trail Blazers securing the third pick of the 2023 NBA Draft despite having the fifth-best odds. Brooke and Casey given their first thoughts on what the team might do with the third overall pick, praise Brandon Roy's performance, consider how jumping into the Top 3 might change their pre-draft process and the boost of offseason excitement that comes with getting a top pick.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Damian Lillard being named third-team All-NBA and the presumptive reasons why he didn't get a spot on the first or second team
• The news that Brandon Roy (not Brooke) would be representing the Trail Blazers at the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, which is scheduled for May 16 in Chicago
• The Trail Blazers hosting six players in their first 2023 pre-draft workout and how that process might expand now that Portland also has a G-League team
• The second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The news that the Trail Blazers have acquired the rights to a G-League expansion franchise that will be up and running for the 2023-24 season
• What benefits the Trail Blazers might realize as an organization by having a G-League affiliate
• Ideas for what to call the team, which currently has no name, branding nor coaching staff
• The excitement of the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs
• The one negative of the 2023 NBA Playoffs
• Brooke's regular update on the Vanderpump Rules "Scandoval"
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Talking Trail Blazers at the supermarket
• The slow yet also abrupt and discombobulating end to Portland's 2022-23 season
• Shaedon Sharpe's unflappability and the prospect of his final 10 games of the season changing the team's offseason plans
• The honest comments from Damian Lillard, Joe Cronin and Chauncey Billups during exit interviews
• Brooke's weekly "Vanderpump-date" and her case for representing the Trail Blazers at the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The current state of the Trail Blazers with a week left in the season
• The unlikely victory versus the Timberwolves Sunday afternoon
• The play of Shaedon Sharpe and whether he's show enough improvement to be a starter in his second season
• Skylar Mays, Shaq Harrison and Jeenathan Williams joining the Trail Blazers from the G-League
• Visiting Austin and Brooke telling her blowout story for the second time
• The weekly Vanderpump update, or "Pumpdate" if you will
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Trail Blazers TV and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com discuss...
• The current state of the Trail Blazers with seven games to play
• Playing time for the rookie and sophomores increasing with Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant and Jusuf Nurkic sitting out
• The recent play of Shaedon Sharpe, Kevin Knox II and Keon Johnson
• Brooke's car not being stolen from the Moda Center parking lot
• Brooke's weekly update on the scandal surrounding the latest season of "Vanderpump Rules"
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant and Justise Winslow sitting out due to injury and whether they'll play again this season
• Damian Lillard's comments about wanting to continue playing and how long that might last
• The Trail Blazers getting farther away from the play-in even if they haven't yet been mathematically eliminated
• Not wanting to end the season on the longest losing streak in franchise history
• What they'd like to see in the last 10 games of the season
• The beauty of Salt Lake City, why soft drink producers keep trying to make changes to lemon lime soda and Brooke's latest update on the "Vanderpump Rules" scandal
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Portland's status in the playoff race with less than a month to play in the regular season
• The results of the next week of games deciding whether the Trail Blazers will continue trying to make the play-in or consider other options
• The difficulty of celebrating individual performances when the team is otherwise struggling to win games
• The returns of both Anfernee Simons and Jusuf Nurkic
• The new "Legendscast" that will be available for the games versus the Celtics and Clippers this week
• The debut of the new mascot, Dougie Fur
• An update from Brooke on the Vanderpump Rules "Scandoval"
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded on the road in Philadelphia, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The prospect of going .500 on a six-game trip with contests versus the 76ers and Pelicans still on the schedule
• Time getting short with regard to Portland's playoff/play-in hopes
• The return of Jusuf Nurkic, who played in Wednesday's loss in Boston after sitting out for six weeks
• The team finding out what they have in Cam Reddish and Matisse Thybulle
• The disaster that is downtown Orlando
• Brooke's breakdown of the latest Vanderpump controversy
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded at the team hotel in San Francisco, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• Damian Lillard setting career and franchise records in points and three-pointers versus the Rockets
• Brooke's post-game interview after Dame's big night
• Dame's bad day leading up to his historic performance
• The travel issues the team encountered trying to get to Sacramento during the recent snow storm
• Portland's upcoming schedule, which includes an 11-day, six-game road trip
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers going 2-1 on a recent three-game trip and dropping the first game of a five-game homestand to the Bucks
• What they are concerned and NOT concerned about with regard to Monday's loss to the Bucks
• Brooke getting her first nosebleed in years
• Thoughts on upcoming trade deadline and the timeline the Trail Blazers seem to be on
• The case for Damian Lillard being named a starter at the 2023 All-Star Game
• Some disappointing All-Star Saturday Night news
• And update on Brooke's yearly "Heart Your Heart" fundraiser benefiting the National Heart Association
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers going 3-3 on a six-game homestand
• Takeaways from defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Moda Center Monday night
• Bojan vs. Bogdan
• Portland's lack of "surprising" wins this season
• Portland's offense once again improving but not at the same time as the defense
• The Bracket Challenge and the Chinbalancer
• Assumptions about Damian Lillard being named a 2023 All-Star and Shaedon Sharpe being "snubbed" for the Rookie/Sophomore game
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The passings of Bill Schonely and John Curry and what both men meant to the organization
• Portland bouncing back from a bad loss versus the Lakers to defeat the Spurs
• The importance of winning the last three games of a six-game homestand
• Chauncey Billups' honest assessment of his own coaching and the benefit in the locker room
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• The Trail Blazers beginning a four-game homestand with a loss to the Orlando Magic
• Portland losing four-straight and eight of their last 10
• The issues the team is currently facing and whether there's any changes to be made to fix it
• Brooke being name the National Sports Media Association Broadcaster of the Year for the state of Oregon
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded from the team hotel in Indianapolis, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...
• One more road trip before the team spends the rest of January at home
•. The loss to the Timberwolves and how it reflects the issues the Trail Blazers have encountered lately, especially on the road
• Being embarrassed by bad trash talk
• Gary Payton II's debut, his role in the second unit and his relationship with younger players on the team
• Jabari Walker cracking the regular rotation
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss getting back to Portland after a six-game trip, Brooke's bad back, the ceremony celebrating Damian Lillard becoming the Trail Blazers' all-time leading scorer, Jusuf Nurkic becoming a three-point threat, dealing with weirdos on the road, Brooke's Christmas present to Casey, an injury non-update and a quick farewell to 2022.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss, at length, Damian Lillard becoming the leading scorer in franchise history, being intentional about recognizing good things while they're happening, the reaction from the fans in Oklahoma City, falling to 2-2 on the road trip after losing Monday night to the Thunder, the final two games on the six-game trip, the opportunity for a reset once the team returns to Portland and getting duped by Nurkic's fake cousin.
In this edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded in San Antonio, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers winning four of their last five in response to losing eight of 10, Damian Lillard tying his three-point record yet again and how close he is to surpassing Clyde Drexler for the most points in franchise history, the team coming together in order to hold each other accountable, Brooke's "All-Respect Team" and the six-game road trip that starts with the Spurs.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland getting through one of the toughest parts of their schedule, the play of Anfernee Simons and his growth in leadership, Jerami Grant playing at an All-Star level and the intangibles that he brings to the locker room and how a rough stretch showed the changes that Jody Allen, Joe Cronin, Chauncey Billups and Damian Lillard have made to the team's culture this season.
On this edition of the Blazers Balcony, recorded from the team hotel in Cleveland, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the team's mindset after a three-game losing streak, what they noticed at Tuesday's practice, the times when good team chemistry is the most useful and spending the Thanksgiving holiday in New York City. Brooke and Casey also talk about the ebbs and flows of their personal relationship and gift giving.
On this edition of the Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland sitting at first in the Western Conference nearly a month into the season, owning a Top 10 defense through 14 games, grinding out a win versus the Spurs, Jerami Grant the unstoppable and the origins of his "Margiela Madman" nickname and the next two games at Moda Center before the team heads out for another extended road trip.
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded on location in Charlotte, NC, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the first half of Portland's first extended road trip of the season, both Jerami Grant and Josh Hart converting buzzer-beating game-winners, whether the team is on the verge of something special, players sacrificing for the greater good and how the change in team culture is being felt on both the business and basketball sides of the organization.
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded on location in Charlotte, NC, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the first half of Portland's first extended road trip of the season, both Jerami Grant and Josh Hart converting buzzer-beating game-winners, whether the team is on the verge of something special, players sacrificing for the greater good and how the change in team culture is being felt on both the business and basketball sides of the organization.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Halloween costumes, the oddity of having four-straight days off during the NBA season, injury updates on Damian Lillard, Josh Hart and Gary Payton II, Shaedon Sharpe delivering in his first game as a starter and Portland's upcoming six-game road trip.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' 4-0 start, the Bracket Challenge Oregon coast controversy, Ball People, being "the best team in the NBA right now," over-performing national expectations, Anfernee Simons' ridiculous third-quarter versus the Nuggets and why he's the right kind of person to play along side Damian Lillard, Lillard's letting go of some of his late-game responsibilities, winning Player of the Week, cinnamon rolls at Moda Center and whether Portland can remain undefeated for at least a little while longer.
Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' opening night victory versus the Kings in Sacramento, drinking wine in Santa Barbara, Justise Winslow and the small ball lineup that helped lead the Blazers to victory, whether Chauncey Billups changed things up or was protecting his hand, Shaedon Sharpe's NBA regular season debut and the upcoming home opener Friday night versus the Suns.
In this 2022-23 Season Preview of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl look back at Portland's so-so preseason and the injury updates for Gary Payton II and Olivier Sarr before making a few predictions about how the team might and a number of individual players might fare this season.
Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl look back on the first three games of Portland's 2022 preseason, the return of Damian Lillard, the addition of Jerami Grant, Shaedon Sharpe's impressive performance versus Maccabi, the continued ascent of Keon Johnson, training camp cuts, the team now having two two-way contracts to award (or not), the state of the competition at small forward and what the Trail Blazers might look for in their last two preseason games.
Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl, both in Santa Barbara for training camp, discuss Portland's first few days of practices, the wholesome vibes at media day and training camp, seeing what Jerami Grant provides, the completion at small forward, learning about what Shaedon Sharpe can do and the first preseason game on Monday versus the Clippers in Seattle.
Brooke and Casey discuss what they're looking forward to at Portland's 2022 training camp, thoughts on media day, potential starting lineups once the season starts, Gary Payton II undergoing surgery and Fan Fest on this final 2022 offseason edition of The Blazers Balcony.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' upcoming training camp in Santa Barbara, the benefits of analog calendars, hotel training, making friends in elevators, lobster versus crab, changes made to both the structure and the staffing at the practice facility, Jusuf Nurkic's performance at EuroBasket 2022, the recent training camp signings, invitation paradox, Benihana birthdays and the Rip City Rally, which starts September 12 in McMinnville.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' recently released 2022-23 regular season schedule, specifically the number of back-to-backs, the amount of miles traveled, extended road trips and their favorite and least favorite parts of the schedule.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl recap Portland's Summer League Championship in Las Vegas, good vibes coming out of the desert at just the right time, begging for a Summer League Championship ring, the maturity of Trendon Watford, the revelatory play of Jabari Walker and how his performance at Summer League might transfer to the regular season and the departure of our friend and co-worker Amara Baptist. Other topics include Brooke chugging pickle juice, hair twirling and Walnut.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl recap the trade for Jerami Grant, signing of Gary Payton II, re-signing Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons and Drew Eubanks, Damian Lillard's max extension and the injury to rookie Shaedon Sharpe.
On this week's edition (parts of which were outdated by time it was posted due to breaking free agency news), Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the NBA moratorium, keeping quiet during free agency, the free agents on Portland's roster (at least at the time of recording), the tools the Blazers have with which to sign free agents, the press conference introducing Shaedon Sharpe and Jabari Walker and the recently released preseason schedule.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, presented by SoleSavy, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers drafting Shaedon Sharpe with the 7th overall pick and Jabari Walker with the 57th pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, how new additions to the front office helped the decision to draft Sharpe, the reported trade bringing Jeremi Grant to Portland, some of the rumored trades that did not happen and whether those are still possible and what might be next in terms of improving the roster.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by SoleSavy, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's final pre-draft workouts of 2022, nearly a month worth of workouts at the practice facility in preparation for Thursday's draft, the players who worked out in Portland who are expected to be selected in the first round and their predictions on how the draft might shake out for the Trail Blazers.
On this edition, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers hosting presumptive first-round picks Jalen Duren, Bennedict Mathurin and Dyson Daniels for pre-draft workouts, players returning for a pre-summer league mini camp at the practice facility, a fresh batch of trade rumors, Damian Lillard's popularity in Australia and keeping your cast dry at the lake.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by SoleSavy, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Game One of the NBA Finals, Portland's first pre-draft workout of 2022 at their practice facility and the upcoming workouts next week, trade rumors and what they tell us about the kind of player the Trail Blazers might be looking for and Phil Knight's offer to purchase the team despite it not being for sale.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers leaving the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery with the seventh overall pick, whether they're more or less likely to trade their pick than they were two weeks ago, Brooke's thumb surgery and recuperation and the rumors coming out of the Draft Combine.
On this edition, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Joe Cronin's promotion from interim general manager to full on general manager, Brooke's offseason boredom, being a gamer who only plays Wordle, extreme tire damage, not getting invited to the Draft Lottery, milk pricing, fear of super glue, Nassir Little undergoing surgery on his abdomen and parking like a Goonie.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss a slow offseason so far, the first round of the playoffs, the NBA on Jeopardy, losing out on a 2022 first round pick, the importance of Portland's second round picks this year, Brooke's case for representing the team at the Draft Lottery, Anfernee Simons and Most Improved Player voting.
On this 2021-22 season-ending edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Great Wolf Lodge, acceptable brunch attire, making up for lost time during the offseason, other Washington water parks, "Spokane pizza," the ups and (mostly) downs of Portland's now completed regular season, how much was spent on 10-day contracts, a 2021-22 edition of Remembering Some Guys, what was accomplished during the season, the play-in tournament (Go Clippers), good games, exit interviews, Brooke being included in the team photo, the relationship between Joe Cronin and Chauncey Billups and Damian Lillard's new-found understanding of the NBA salary cap.
In the penultimate Blazers Balcony of the 2021-22 season, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss understanding your emotions at this point of the year, acceptance, inspiration from Christos, Greg Brown III's twin sister, Wunderland commercials from the late 90's, Bryan Adams, and update on where Portland sits in the standings with three games to play and why winning one more game couldn't hurt, the loss to the Thunder in Oklahoma City, the trip to Six Flags, Brooke getting credit for her sneaker choices and Greg Brown III's elite shot selection.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, presented by SoleSavy, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's last road trip of the season, Fiesta Week in San Antonio, cancelling April Fool's Day, limits to lost and found, where Portland's stands if the 2022 Draft was held today, Brooke's heckler, CJ McCollum's return to Moda Center and the response from fans in attendance, ripping off a "Family Circus" bit, spikes on the soles of her shoes, "Play on Players," Anfernee Simons winning the 2021-22 Maurice Lucas award, signing Reggie Perry to another 10-day contract, Greg Brown's goggles and Portland's proclivity for amassing steals in the last few weeks, especially rookie Keon Johnson.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, presented by SoleSavy, Brook Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss dressing alike when recording, hoodies versus crewnecks, head size, the final days of Portland's 2021-22 season, Brooke's busted NCAA bracket, an update on the Trail Blazers' various lottery pick odds, courtside Katy, the impending return of CJ McCollum to the Moda Center and Damian Lillard's recent comments on building the roster for next season and beyond.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, presented by SoleSavy, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss an extended stay in New York City to play the Knicks and Nets, combining eastern and daylight savings time, Josh Hart as the number one scoring option, dealing with losses when you're accustomed to winning, conversations with Joe Ingles, the start of the NCAA Tournament and an update on where the Trail Blazers would be picking if the 2022 Draft was today.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, presented by SoleSavy and recorded on the road in Phoenix, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the pronunciation of the word "crayon," what to do with the top of a wool cap, meeting Drew Eubanks' fiancé in an elevator, Brooke's favorite "Street Fighter" characters, family Tetris, wearing shorts on TV, Portland starting their post All-Star break stretch with three-straight losses of more than 30 points, Anfernee Simons vs. Jae Crowder, arena logistics, Kevin and Lamar keeping games interesting, Calabro at the pool, a Brooke Hearts Your Heart campaign update, Greg Brown III vs. JaVale McGee and theories on why Brown and Trendon Watford are coming off the bench.
On this post All-Star break edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the recent loss to the Warriors, the host of transactions the Trail Blazers executed, Jusuf Nurkic being out for at least a month, Joe Ingles' future, a recap of the State of the United event for season ticket holders and which picks the Trail Blazers would have if the 2022 NBA Draft was today.
In this post-deadline, pre-All-Star break edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the additions of Justise Winslow and Josh Hart, the Trail Blazers pulling off some unexpected wins, beating the Lakers and Bucks and whether teams are taking Portland seriously right now, whether the team is better off tanking and if such a thing is even possible with this roster, Chauncey Billups coaching the team up, making progress in developing an identity and becoming a team that wins thanks to playing hard. Other topics include 40th birthdays, Kevin and Lamar calls, hot water at the arena, Joe Cronin the dude, the sneakers Brooke is trying to obtain and SEDONA!
In this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl give their thoughts on the reported trade sending CJ McCollum, Larry Nance and Tony Snell to New Orleans for Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky and Didi Louzada and a first round pick and the trade that sent Norman Powell and Robert Covington to the Clippers in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson and a second round pick. Brooke and Casey spend most of the podcast discussing McCollum career, both on and off the court, in Portland while also touching on Brooke recovering from COVID and waiting until the end of the trade deadline to consider what's next for the Trail Blazers.
On this week's episode of The Blazers Balcony, presented by SoleSavy, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' improved play to start a six-game road trip, the rise of Anferne Simons and Nassir Little, Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington returning to form, Damian Lillard being sidelined for at least the next six weeks after undergoing surgery, CJ McCollum's return to the lineup and the birth of his first child and questions about how the starting lineup might change with the return of McCollum and Norman Powell. Other topics include adopting manatees, Fun Dip, the "Own a Star" scam and Kevin Calabro's "Shopping Cart" award.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the play of the short-handed Trail Blazers, the growth of both Anfernee Simons and Nassir Little, what might be next for Damian Lillard and getting something useful out of the 2021-22 season. Other topics also include Brooke's mayo taste test, Robert Covington dropping post-game F-bombs and trying to knock Nassir Little's hustle.
On this edition, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the current state of the Trail Blazers at the end of 2021, how the team is dealing with having more than half the roster unavailable due to COVID health and safety protocols (though a few players have been cleared to return since this recording), answer one listener-submitted question and quickly look back on the years that was.
On this Christmas edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, presented by SoleSavy, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl, recording at the team hotel in New Orleans, discuss ending an extended losing streak by defeating the Hornets and Grizzlies, confidence in Norman Powell, late game execution in the win versus Memphis, the confusing free throw issue and the current state of COVID in the NBA. Other topics include buying replacement shoelaces, Brooke's Christmas shopping, holiday pickles, broken thumbs and the time Brooke almost got hit by a train.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, sponsored by SoleSavy, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss their takeaways from the press conference introducing Joe Cronin and Dewayne Hankins alongside Chauncey Billups, Cronin's orders to "hit the ground running," the never ending Damian Lillard speculation and an update on Portland's injuries. Brooke and Casey also discuss staying home from school, impressing players with sneakers, and New Kids vs. Boyz II Men.
Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the termination of Trail Blazers' president of basketball operations Neil Olshey due to "violations of the Portland Trail Blazers' Code of Conduct" after an investigation into workplace issues at the team's practice facility in Tualatin, the promotion of Joe Cronin to interim general manager and how the team moves forward on this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl give their thoughts on the team 20 games into the season, starting a three-game trip with losses to the Kings and Warriors, Portland's seeming inability to win games on the road, the differences in their statistics between road and home games, a home-heavy schedule in December and spending another Thanksgiving on the road.
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl look back on Portland's 1-3 road trip and look forward to the 4-game homestand, besting the Raptors after an embarrassing performance versus the Nuggets, a better atmosphere at Moda Center, players making a point to be "joyful" in games, what Chauncey Billups is learning and whether changes to the starting lineup and/or end of game rotations are on the horizon. Other topics include dropping F-bombs on broadcast, Damian Lillard's approach to parenting and profanity, spending another Thanksgiving on the road, trying to figure out what table to sit at, Tony Snell's birthday party, Brooke's C-section and final farewells to Chris McGowan.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the first 10 games of Portland's season, being winless on the road going into a four-game trip, the play of the bench, Greg Brown minutes, whether it's too early to start Sixth Man and Most Improved campaigns for Anfernee Simons, Chauncey Billups and the referees, whether Damian Lillard's slump has been busted and Jusuf Nurkic taking his time. Other topics include breakfast in Philadelphia, accidentally stalking Dame's wife, Brooke's 30th birthday party, the Nike employee store, whether Casey needs to assist Brooke when it comes to sneaker shopping for her son Theo and wearing Sambas.
On the latest edition of the Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' up and down first week, an "embarrassing" performance versus the Clippers, Damian Lillard's early-season shooting struggles, Norman Powell's injury (he's been upgraded to questionable) and Brooke's thoughts on returning to the road.
On the 2021-22 Season Preview edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the start of the season, which begins with the home opener versus the Kings on Wednesday, a season of change, what to make of preseason, training camp legs, a motivated Jusuf Nurkic, a difficult early-season schedule, Larry Nance Jr.'s on-court chatter and finish by making some season predictions.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's first two preseason games and what they'd like to see in the final two, the battle for the 14th roster spot, whether Portland's injuries are serious or a product of preseason and the addition of Neil Everett to the broadcast team and that means for others on staff. Brooke and Casey also talk mock squabbles, debating animal testing, big wins for Brooke’s Cougars, the Birthday Industrial Complex, the smell of hot dogs, taking the bus or the Maserati, Nurk truck and Brooke going “casual."
On the latest edition of the Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's first preseason contest, the play of Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons as backup point guard, Cody Zeller's broken nose and players playing through injuries, a new look for Norman Powell, Larry Nance Jr. getting recognized by NBA GMs and dive bar dogs.
On the first edition of the 2021-22 season Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss media day, Chauncey Billups putting an address on it, Damian Lillard putting the offseason behind him, the enthusiasm around the team at the start of the season and takeaways from the first few days of training camp.
In this edition of The Blazers Balcony, recorded live Thursday night at Walker Stadium in southeast Portland, Brooke Olzendam, Casey Holdahl and special guest Amara Baptist discuss Portland's coaching search, assistant coaches, Damian Lillard played for Team USA, the NBA conference finals, Brooke's love of pickle juice, Cougs and Beavs, throwing out the first pitch and running on the beach.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers being eliminated in the first round in six games by the Denver Nuggets, not being ready for the offseason, the team and Terry Stotts mutually parting ways after nine seasons, their relationships with the coaching staff, Neil Olshey's press conference, the search for a new head coach, the give and take when it comes to player input and the reports that the team is moving to Root Sports.
On the latest 2021 Playoff Edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers evening the series versus the Nuggets at 2-2 by winning Game 4 in convincing fashion, the play of Norman Powell and Jusuf Nurkic, Nurk vs. Perk, matching Nikola Jokic's minutes, CJ McCollum doing what needs to be done, the return of fans to Moda Center and expectations for Game 5. Brooke and Casey also touch on topics such as fry size, horse pools, random capitalization and the influence of Brooke's pregame interviews.
Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers win in Game 1 in Denver, the loss two nights later in Game 2, Brooke's feelings about the game, the capacity at Moda Center being increased to 8,000 for Games 3 and 4, the importance of managing emotions, the contentious nature of Game 2, whether the NBA should bring back fighting, Palace In The Palace and the power of mayonnaise influencing (shoutout to Best Foods).
On this playoff preview edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the first round 'yoffs matchup between the three-seed Nuggets and six-seed Trail Blazers, "hoteling," showing up in Denver a few days early, changing up versus staying the same in the postseason and the vibe in Portland before breaking down the matchups position by position and giving their predictions for which team will advance.
On the first 2021 Playoffs edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss an unpredictable end to the regular season, Portland drawing Denver in the three-six matchup, the Trail Blazers making the postseason eight-straight times, the matchup with the Nuggets, assuming the worst and an initial preview of the series. Also included are a bunch of shoutouts, doodle doodle bam, Jody Allen's jackets, foldable pizza, mystery popcorn and Brooke's first round prediction.
On this last week of the regular season edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl look back at the Trail Blazers' win versus the Jazz on Wednesday, their loss to the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday, their finale versus the Nuggets on Sunday, seeding in the playoffs versus seeding in the play-in and sticking it out with posts on social media.
On this week's edition of the Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers returning from a six-game road trip with a 5-1 record, the return of fans to the Moda Center for Friday's game versus the Lakers, high definition makeup, birthday wishes from mayonnaise producers, Carmelo Anthony moving into 10th all-time in scoring, complaints about jinxes, Brooke fully vaxxed and definitions of cool.
On this week's edition, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland ending a five-game losing streak with two blowout victories, morale boosters and busters, Damian Lillard challenging himself to be better and why motivation drawn from negativity in sports seems to be so much more effective than motivation drawn from positivity.
On the latest edition of the Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers losing close games and if that's a product of playing better or something else, so-so vibes, whether it's important to "round into form" before the playoffs, the layout of Indianapolis, an update on Brooke's challenge that Casey make a new friend and lucrative sponsorship opportunities.
On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the current state of the Trail Blazers with 19 games to play, being too old for new technology, the Blazers getting "put away" by the better teams in the league and the frustration that has produced, young players wanting to play rather than "paying dues," Enes Kanter setting new records in rebounding before the start of Ramadan, Brooke saying sorry, the additions of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and TJ Leaf and remaining stoic in front of tv cameras.
Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the trade sending Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood to Toronto/Tampa in exchange for Normal Powell, first impressions of "The General," and the return of Jusuf Nurkic. Brooke and Casey also answer listener questions about open roster spots and the buyout market, the job Terry Stotts does managing the team on and off the court, whether Damian Lillard should play fewer minutes, who got the best of the trade with Toronto and the logistically issues when it comes to in-season trades.
On the latest edition of the Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the NCAA Tournament, the Trail Blazers taking the COVID-10 vaccine, the return of CJ McCollum and how that's changed the rotation, , the various explanations of the phrase "showing your ass," Enes Kanter going shirtless, Jusuf Nurkic's imminent return, and Terry Stotts getting to 500 wins. They wrap up the show by answering listener questions about minutes distribution, being blown out by the Mavericks, who they miss seeing at the arena and good places for fans to watch a game on the road.
On the latest edition of the TENTH edition of the Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's first three games since the All-Star Break, dancing around Carmelo Anthony's career milestones, playing a team in consecutive games and why that seems to be an issue, what they miss and don't miss about traveling with the Trail Blazers and how they view covering the trade deadline as team employees.
Trail Blazers TV's Brooke Olzendam and Trailblazers.com's Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers ending a four-game losing streak, non-greetings, Damian Lillard, Robert Covington and Anfernee Simons participating in All-Star Weekend, trying to spread around credit in ways no one even notices, and CJ McCollum's imminent return. Brooke and Casey also devote a "Mayo Minute" to reality shows and answer questions about Nassir Little's minutes, Carmelo Anthony's sincerity and Brooke spending time alone on the concourse during road games.
Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's six-game winning streak and what it'll take to keep it going, the play of the second and third year players Nassir Little, Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent Jr. and what their improvement means for Portland's future and Damian Lillard being being snubbed for being a starter in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. Brooke and Casey also debut "The Mayo Minute" and answer questions about the Northwest Division, funny Gary Trent Jr. stories and Enes Kanter's minutes once Jusuf Nurkic returns.
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Damian Lillard playing through injury and being a "culture-setter," Carmelo Anthony passing NBA scoring milestones and covering the NBA in inclement weather. Brooke and Casey wrap up the show by taking listener questions about dealing with the snow, Nassir Little's knee, Anfernee Simons as point guard, players with stylists, what day they would like to relive over and over and whether they think fans will return to the Moda Center this season.
On the latest edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam of Trail Blazers TV and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com discuss the first four games of a six-game road trip, winning shorthanded versus the Wizards, injuries injuries injuries, the play of the youngsters, the remaining games of the trip versus the 76ers and Knicks and dealing with changing COVID-19 protocols before finishing up by answering questions about seating arrangements, Gary Trent Jr. in a contract year, the "City" edition jerseys favorite Damian Lillard dunks and Mexican restaurants on the road.
On the latest edition of the Blazers Balcony, Casey Holdahl and Brooke Olzendam recap Portland's now-completed homestand, the team hitting the road for their next six games losing to the Thunder, defense defense defense, rejecting jinxes, the lack of authenticity on social media and the play of Anfernee Simons before finishing up by answering a few listener-submitted questions.
On the fourth edition of the Blazers Balcony podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss both upcoming games versus the Grizzlies at the Moda Center being postponed due to COVID-19, Jusuf Nurkic breaking his right wrist, Clint Capela breaking CJ McCollum's left foot, how the Trail Blazers go about making up for both absences and their own previous injuries.
In the newest edition of The Blazers Balcony, previously known as the Unnamed Trail Blazers Podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl look at Portland's play through the first eight games of the season, their upcoming home-heavy schedule, Jusuf Nurkic on and off the court, struggling defensively and whether better defense is ahead and the returns of Nassir Little and Rodney Hood.
In the second edition of the soon-to-be-named yet still Unnamed Trail Blazers Podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's 2020 preseason (both on and off the court), small changes brought on by COVID-19, their predictions regarding where the Trail Blazers will finish, the season opener versus the Jazz and the first five games. Brooke and Casey also answer questions about preseason defense and resting Damian Lillard
In the first edition of the currently unnamed podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss their reasons behind starting a new podcast, Portland's first two preseason games versus the Kings, first impressions of Robert Covington, Derrick Jones Jr. and Harry Giles III, Carmelo Anthony's return and "new role," Zone A vs. Zone B and covering games in an empty Moda Center under COVID-19 precautions. Brooke and Casey also answer questions about Blazer ball-handlers, the new "City" edition jerseys, who provides the best quotes and getting stuck in stairwells.
In THE FINAL EDITION OF THE RIP CITY REPORT, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers trading for Robert Covington and Enes Kanter, signing Rodney Hood, Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Jones Jr and Harry Giles as free agents, injury updates, the roster as it currently stands and how it stacks up historically and their thoughts about the team a few weeks from training camp. They also play one last round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up, as always by answering listener questions about roster depth, covering basketball in quarantine, the Oden draft, favorite memories from over seven years of podcasting and why the show is coming to an end. Thanks to everyone who has listened and supported over the years.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl give their final takeaways regarding the NBA Bubble now that the 2019-20 season is finally over and speculate as to when the 2020-21 season might start and what it will take to get there before playing a round of "Walton or Oden" and answering listener questions about the draft, offseason trades, free agency and the Trail Blazers' chances next season in a stacked Western Conference.
In this 2019-20 Season Wrap Up edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl consider the direction of the Portland Trail Blazers, the 2019-20 campaign, hand out “Most" awards, including the Most Surprising and Most Disappointing from a season unlike any other, the importance of Jusuf Nurkic, good free agent fits for the Blazers, play another round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions about Gary Trent Jr., the NBA draft, former Blazers who could have made a difference last season, Anfernee Simons and more.
On the first 2020 offseason edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl give their initial thoughts on the 2019-20 season, their takeaway's from Portland's play in the Orlando bubble, Carmelo Anthony wanting to stay and the life and death of Clifford "Uncle Cliffy" Robinson. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions about ranking the free agents to be currently on the roster, Carmelo the Recruiter, offseason plans, trade proposals and what kind of players they might look to add before the start of the 2020-21 season.
On this latest 2020 Playoffs edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the "good news" about Damian Lillard's knee injury, the Lakers deserving credit, the foolish expectations taken from Game 1, Los Angeles' dominant defense, Zach Collins needing to undergo ankle surgery, Portland's roster and future team needs and facing elimination in Game 5. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions about officiating, The Simpsons, Wenyen Gabriel, Hassan Whiteside, the draft, the Blazers’ bench, Terry Stotts and more.
In this 2020 Playoff Edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl recap the Trail Blazers' blowout loss to the Lakers in Game 2, Portland offense struggling under the weight of their own mistakes and Los Angeles' defense, the difficulty of trying to slow Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard's dislocated finger. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about changing hotels, CJ's wine collection in Orlando, the Lakers complaining about "Blow The Whistle," Jusuf Nurkic's team defense, whether Lillard should have still been in the game in the third quarter, Gary Trent Jr. on LeBron James and more.
In the first 2020 Playoffs edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl break down the Trail Blazers' 100-93 upset victory over the Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference 1-8 matchup, Portland muted postgame celebration, the Trail Blazers' confident demeanor and why it's a good sign, the defense holding both LeBron James and Anthony Davis in check, the Hassan Whiteside experience and potential adjustments going into Game 2. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about national broadcasters, Rajon Rondo’s potential impact, areas the Blazers can improve, Wenyen Gabriel, the Lakers’ rotation, Zach Collins’ availability, Too Short and if Portland has an "anthem," celebratory drinks, playoff jerseys and more.
In the first 2020 NBA Playoffs edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl preview the 8-seed Trail Blazers' first round series versus the 1-seed Lakers,how Portland might go about defending LeBron James, their advantage in the guard matchup, getting something out of Hassan Whiteside and Anthony Davis and his past postseason success against Portland. They also play another round of "Walton or Oden and finish up by answering listener questions “Live in the Bubble,” the Blazers’ Twin Tower lineup, Zach Collins’ playing status, CJ McCollum’s back injury, home-court “advantage,” Lillard’s scoring prowess and more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' victory versus the Nets, Portland earning the eight-seed and the right to play the nine-seed Grizzlies in the Western Conference Play-in, Damian Lillard's MVP performance, the growth and maturity of Jusuf Nurkic, Hassan Whiteside's momentum and Zach Collins' struggles. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions regarding Nassir Little, Anfernee Simons, the Blazers’ three-point defense, playing large lineups, playoff x-factors and more.
On the latest post-game edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Damian Lillard's 61-point performance in Tuesday's win versus the Mavericks and whether he's being guided by otherworldly powers, Portland moving past the Grizzlies for eighth-place, another impressive performance from Carmelo Anthony, Hassan Whiteside returning with purpose, CJ McCollum's fractured back, whether Jusuf Nurkic is hitting the wall and where the Trail Blazers stand going into their final seeding game.
In another post-game restart edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers’ great escape against the injury-riddled Philadelphia 76ers, the performance not instilling a whole lot of confidence regarding Portland's chances going forward, the Blazers' inability to put teams away, Damian Lillard bouncing back with a 51-point performance, Carmelo Anthony moving into 15th all-time in scoring, Portland's remaining games in the bubble and the chase for the eight seed with two games to go.
In the latest post-game edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl banter about the Trail Blazers’ inability to put teams away in the bubble, the Damian Lillard-Patrick Beverley-Paul George beef, NBA pettiness, Gary Trent Jr.’s continued strong play, Portland's playoff chances and schedule with three games to play and more as the Blazers drop to 3-2 in Orlando and move with a 1 ½ games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for 8th in the West.
In this latest post-game bubble edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the The Blazers’ record-setting victory versus the Denver Nuggets and what they like about how Portland is playing, defiant and dismissive Gary Trent Jr. continuing to torch the NBA bubble, another Damian Lillard record-setting performance, the Trail Blazers attitude and approach in Orlando, moving to within a half game of the Grizzlies for eighth and what you need to do to have a chance to win a "virtual fan seat" to Sunday's game versus the 76ers.
In this latest post-game NBA restart bubble edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl the Trail Blazers' 110-102 victory versus the Houston Rockets, Portland's playoff chances with five games to play, which are looking a lot better than they did a week ago, another clutch — and vintage — performance from Carmelo Antony, the the ascension of Gary Trent Jr., winning in different ways, Terry Stotts' success with regard to coaching challenges and more as they improve to 2-1 in Orlando.
In the second post-game edition of the Rip City Report from the NBA restart in Orlando, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's loss to the Celtics, whether they're more or hopeful about this team’s playoff chances after two games, the play of Gary Trent Jr., the first instance of "Dame Time" in the bubble, Jusuf Nurkic continuing to impress and the coming game against the Rockets on Tuesday.
Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers first game, a 140-135 overtime victory versus the Memphis Grizzlies, in their eight-game restart schedule in Orlando, the play of Jusuf Nurkić and the news that his grandmother is in a coma due to the coronavirus, the first few days in the bubble breaking well for Portland's playoff chances, Terry Stotts shortening his rotation, the play of Gary Trent Jr. and Mario Hezonja, CJ McCollum taking it back to the Denver series, Damian Lillard and whether he's dealing with injury and Carmelo Anthony coming up big in the clutch.
On the eve of the restart to the Trail Blazers' season, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl preview the matchup versus the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland's eight-game schedule, two reasons the Blazers might make the postseason and two reasons why they might not, Joe covering protests, the challenges of covering basketball remotely and the big man rotation. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up as always by answering listener questions about Anfernee Simons, Mario Hezonja, crowd noise in empty gyms and more!
Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl recap Portland's first two scrimmages in Orlando, what they like to see more of and less of in their final scrimmage, the return of Jusuf Nurkić, the prospect of a "twin towers" lineup rotation and how Terry Stotts might go about allocating minutes at power forward and center, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about playing for the postseason versus scouting for the future, Wenyen Gabriel, why Gary Trent Jr. wasn’t a first-round draft pick, the Blazers’ chances of making the playoffs, perimeter defense, Anfernee Simons’ playing time and more.
In the latest season-postponed edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' eight-game restart schedule, Portland's difficult path to the playoffs, Trevor Ariza not joining the team in Orlando and which direction the Trail Blazers might go to replace him, reported plans about players utilizing their platform in Orlando to speak out on issues and the relationship between the league and the players union.
Joe and Casey also play \another round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering listener questions about the Blazers’ playoff chances, the likelihood the team signs another player, the starting lineup, the quality of play we can expect in Orlando, how the players feel about the restart and more.
Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the NBA's plan to restart the 2019-20 season in Orlando and how the Trail Blazers fit into the truncated, 22-team season at Walt Disney World, why were the Blazers the only team to vote against the NBA’s plan and protests and world developments. Joe and Casey also play another round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions the Blazers’ playoff chances, a Twin Tower lineup featuring Jusuf Nurkic and Hassan Whiteside, free agency, the Blazers’ starting lineup and more.
On latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the latest developments regarding the postponement of the 2019-20 NBA regular season, reports that the league is making positive steps toward a resumption of play, Portland's practice facility reopening, the 2-4 week timeline for a decision about how the NBA moves forward and the team refunding season and single game tickets. Joe and Casey also play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about how they're managing the COVID-10 pandemic, Damian Lillard's chances of being a Top 15 scorer all-time, the returns of Nurkic and Collins and how much time has been spent playing video games.
In this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, recorded via video conference, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss the latest on the NBA season and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, life under shelter-in-place and the uncertainty we’re all facing, if the NBA season resumes, what it might look like and whether next season is also in jeopardy. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about wearing sweatpants during quarantine, Blazers classic games, NBA after COVID-19, Anfernee Simons’ 21st birthday, our favorite old Blazers teams and more.
In this season on hiatus edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the NBA and life in general, the latest out of Portland and the NBA as the sports world temporarily stops, what the remainder of the season might look like if/when the NBA starts back up and Rudy Gobert changing the world before playing another round of Walton or Oden and finish as always by answering listener questions about old games/series we’d like to see now that sports are paused, players we’d like to be quarantined with, whether the time off will help the Blazers, movie and television recommendations, our favorite apple varieties and more.
In this edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the impending return of Jusuf Nurkic, Portland's playoff chase with roughly three weeks to play in the regular season, whether Nurkic’s return affects the Blazers’ playoff chances and give some initial details of the next live podcast taping, which is currently scheduled for April 1 at Tough Luck. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up with answering lister questions about making the playoffs vs. building long-term chemistry, trading this year’s draft pick, Rodney Hood, coronavirus, our favorite sports to watch, playing in empty gyms, David Vanterpool and more.
In this week's edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the win over the Detroit Pistons and how they came away from it feeling about Portland's playoff chances, the play of CJ McCollum in Damian Lillard's absence and the lack of offensive production from the bench. Joe and Casey also play another round of Walton or Oden and finish up by answering listener questions about Carmelo Anthony’s future with the team, Anfernee Simons’ development, whether Hassan Whiteside would embrace a bench role, the decade nights and more.
In the first 2020 post All-Star break edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss whether the Trail Blazers are primed for yet another late-season run, give three “make-or-break” factors that could decide the Blazers’ playoff fate and Damian Lillard’s health after he strained his right groin in the last game before the break. Joe and Casey also play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up as always by answering listener questions about Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins, the All-Star game, marriage proposals, the buyout market, over/under on Blazers wins the rest of the season, tanking and more.
In this week's edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl look at the moves made during the NBA trade deadline, why the team decided to keep center Hassan Whiteside, the trade sending Skal Labissiere to Atlanta for luxury tax savings and the Blazers making their "bigger" trade a few weeks prior. They also play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about Hassan Whiteside, the buyout market, Carmelo Anthony, Pau Gasol’s coaching future, Anfernee Simons’ play, Rasheed Wallace vs. LaMarcus Aldridge, breakfast carbohydrates and fashion.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe and Casey discus the tragic death — and powerful life — of Kobe Bryant, the Trail Blazers’ reaction to there news of Bryant's passing, Damian Lillard's remarkable performances over the last week, the trade for Trevor Ariza being a better fit that originally thought and give a quick update on the Blazers’ injured players, including Jusuf Nurkic, who returns to full practice last week. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Walton or Oden" before finishing up by answering listener questions about grieving players and their obligations to speak to the media, Carmelo Anthony’s role when Zach Collins returns, Ariza’s defensive impact, replacing the NBA logo with Bryant and more.
In this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl banter about the trade with Sacramento that netted Trevor Ariza, Wenyen Gabriel and Caleb Swanigan, whether the trade does more than shed salary and luxury tax obligations and the time Kent Bazemore and Anthony Tolliver spent in Portland. Joe and Casey also play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish the show as always by answering listener questions about Hassan Whiteside, future trades, whether the Blazers are going to quit, 90s night, reddit AMA’s, the Blazers’ young players, scented candles, beer and much more.
In the first 2020 edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss where the Trail Blazers stand at the midway point of the 2019-20 season, whether the playoffs are still in play, and if not, how the team might proceed, Jusuf Nurkic's return and how the team should play it and thoughts on why Portland hasn't signed a stop-gap center before playing a round of "Walton or Oden" and answering listener questions Rodney Hood, Greg Oden, the NFL playoffs, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum’s frustration with this season, Ed Davis, the bench outfits of Nurkic and Zach Collins and more.
In the final 2019 edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss where the Trail Blazers find themselves going into the new year, yet another serious injury and if and how they could go about adding talent, whether the style of play that they've been forced to employ is all that interesting, play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about Hassan Whiteside, Kent Bazemore, trades, Portland’s chances of landing an All-Star Game, New Year’s Eve, favorite personal/Blazers moments of the decade, Zach Randolph memories and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, recorded on location at Talking Stick Hotel Resort Arena in Phoenix, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl banter about Jusuf Nurkic’s rehabilitation, his workout in Phoenix, being pain-free and when he might return, the struggles of the Trail Blazers' bench, play another round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions about trades, assistant coach David Vanterpool’s departure, the next live podcast, Zach Collin’s anticipated return, 1980s night and more.
In an abbreviated edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the season-ending injury to Rodney Hood and why it's such a bummer, how the Trail Blazers might go about replacing his production, or whether such a thing is even possible, and if the injury changes Portland's long-term plans. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up as always by answering listener questions about trades, “Parks and Recreation” vs. “The Office,” Damian Lillard’s three-point shooting and officiating.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeeman and Casey Holdahl discuss whether the Trail Blazers have turned the corner, the recent play of Hassan Whiteside and whether he's making improvements, the price of Christmas trees and Carmelo mania. Joe and Casey also making their Blazers stock watch picks, play a round of Walton or Oden and finish up with listener questions about potential trades, Anfernee Simons, fried chicken, Nassir Little’s new hairstyle, the coaches challenge, iso-ball, go-to breakfast items on the road, projected win totals and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the current state of the Trail Blazers 16 games into the season, a disappointing road trip, Carmelo Anthony’s impact through four games, whether there's still time to turn the season around, Pau Gasol’s departure, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about Hassan Whiteside, the team’s chemistry, Skal Labissiere, assistant coaching, Thanksgiving, how our opinions on things have changed since early in our careers, the open roster spot and the best-cast scenario for the rest of the season.
In this, an especially emergency edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the report that Carmelo Anthony and the Trail Blazers have agreed in principle to a non-guaranteed contract, whether it's worth the risk, how well Anthony will fit with the current Blazers team, Anthony's motivations at this point in his career, opinions of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum of the reported signing and play a quick round of Carmelo-themed "Walton or Oden."
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the current state of the Blazers and breakdown some of their issues, Mario Hezonja and Anthony Tolliver struggling and the lack of depth at the power forward and center positions, rookie Nassir Little’s surprising rise and issues replacing Zach Collins on the defensive end. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about Meyers Leonard, Little, Fortnite, favorite candies, New Orleans food, and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Damian Lillard's 60-point performance in a loss to the Nets, the Blazers’ losing streak and general struggles, the play and criticism of Hassan Whiteside, CJ McCollum’s shooting woes, Zach Collins’ injury, play a quick round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about the vibe of the team, our biggest surprises, tanking, Anfernee Simons closing games and more.
In this week's edition, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss where the Blazers stand after five games, Zach Collins’ shoulder injury, the impact of injuries on the early-season rotations and up and down play in the early going, especially from the bench. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Blazers Stock Watch," consider a few "Walton or Oden's" and finish up by answering listener questions about Halloween costumes, Jusuf Nurkic traveling with the team, the offense, Skal Labissiere, Damian Lillard’s MVP chances and more.
In the 2019-20 season preview edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl look at where the Trail Blazers stand heading into the regular season, give their opinions on whether Portland will win 50 games this season, how the Blazers will finish in the West, predict conference standings and NBA awards, debate which player will be the Blazers’ third-leading scorer, how many games Jusuf Nurkic might appear in before playing an extended edition of "Walton or Oden." As always, the show finishes up with your questions, which this week pertain to Pau Gasol, the best early-season game, Terry Stotts’ player rotation, which player likes spicy food, which new player has embraced the Pacific Northwest, gameday posters and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland’s preseason opener, the debuts of Mario Hezonja and Kent Bazemore, whether the Blazers are going to play faster before playing a round of “Walton or Oden” and finishing up as always by answering listener questions about throwback jerseys, Hassan Whiteside’s offense, Zach Collins, the coach’s review, Blazers killers, how to take in opening night and much more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Casey Holdahl and Joe Freeman discuss the first few days of training camp and what they've been hearing about the workouts, Anthony Tolliver potentially having a larger than expected role, the team being bullish on their defense, Gary Trent Jr. putting up highlights, the "vibe" around the team this year, play a round of Walton or Oden and answer listener questions about Hassan Whiteside proving Heat fans wrong, the Blazers’ defense, lobs, autumn, sitting in a DeLorean, old Blazers destined for a breakout, the G-League and much more.
In the first 2019-20 edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl give their initial thoughts on the season a few days away from the start of training camp, whether the Trail Blazers are better this season, discuss win/loss projections, the increased importance of Zach Collins and Anfernee Simons, the hype around Simons going into his season season, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish by answering listener questions about the Blazers’ projected rotation, the likelihood of a trade, whether the Blazers will win more than 53 games, Jusuf Nurkic’s rehabilitation, our glorious summers and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, recorded live in Las Vegas, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Portland Trail Blazers’ busy offseason thus far, the Hassan Whiteside trade and his fit with the Blazers, every new Blazers addition and say brief goodbyes to the seven players who have moved on, Anfernee Simons and Zach Collins taking on more prominent roles, play another round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering listener questions about chemistry, the 14th and 15th roster spots, Simons, next year’s X-factor, the new starting lineup and much more.
In the post 2019 NBA Draft edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl look discuss the Trail Blazers selecting UNC forward Nassir Little, whether there was good reason for his draft stock falling, it being the perfect draft pick for a team selecting 25th in a bad draft, the “rap beef” between Damian Lillard and Marvin Bagley III, play another round of “Walton or Oden” and finish up by answering listener questions about Bagley, Little, Jake Layman, video games and the national perception of the Blazers.
In the 2018-19 season ending edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl look back at the best and most enjoyable Trail Blazers season in 20 years, recap of the playoffs and what a wild ride it was, discuss what the playoffs meant to the future of this group, break down the Blazers’ cap and roster situation heading into the offseason, play yet another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about Blazers ownership, the Game 7 vs. Denver, who we would retain if we were GM, how this season ranks in franchise history, Jusuf Nurkic, Meyers Leonard and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's Game 6 win and the team's incredible playoff run so far, the play of Rodney Hood and Zach Collins, Hood’s chance at playoff redemption, the upcoming Game 7 in Denver, whether the Blazers should bench Moe Harkless and Al-Farouq Aminu in favor of Collins and Hood, play another round of Walton or Oden and answer listener questions Evan Turner’s playoff production, the Blazers’ Game 6 closing lineup, Will Barton’s eye poke, Mike Malone’s classiness, the X-factor in Game 7 and more.
In the first 2019 Western Conference Semifinals edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Blazers’ Game 1 loss to the Nuggets in Denver, what adjustments the Blazers might consider for Game 2, Nikola Jokic's incredible play and whether the Blazers have an answer for him, transitioning playing playing the Thunder to the Nuggets and why that's a challenge and Enes Kanter’s gutsy performance before playing another round of "Walton or Oden," and finishing up by answering listener questions about the defense of Meyers Leonard and Zach Collins, the Blazers’ shooting, defending Jokic, the officials, whether Jake Layman should play, home-court advantage and the Blazers’ turnovers.
In another 2019 Playoff edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss Damian Lillard’s remarkable Game 5 performance and unforgettable buzzer-beater against the Thunder, whether Lillard is the best player in franchise history, the special nature of the moment and why you should savor it, the scenes that stand out to us from a memorable Game 5, Jusuf Nurkic’s surprising visit to the Moda Center Tuesday, play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish by answering listener questions about Lillard’s status as a superstar, whether he owns the two best shots at franchise history, the insanity at the Moda Center, the biggest surprise of the series, how Game 5 ranks in our 12 seasons covering the team, Enes Kanter’s shoulder injury and more.
In the latest 2019 Playoffs edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the taunting and trash-talking of Game 3, how that will affect Game 4, the need for the Blazers to not get involved in the sideshow antics, which plays into the Thunder’s hands, Oklahoma City's role players finally showing up, officiating and free throw shooting, play yet another round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering listener questions about Jake Layman’s minutes, whether the Thunder are the NBA’s most obnoxious team, the Blazers’ mentality, Russell Westbrook’s treatment of the media, adjustments moving forward and more.
In the third 2019 Playoffs edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's Game 2 victory versus the Thunder, Moe Harkless being the Trail Blazers’ X-factor, what adjustments, if any, the Thunder make, Damian Lillard’s defense and dominance in the series and Russell Westbrook’s struggles before playing another round of Walton or Oden and finishing up by answering listener questions about Meyers Leonard’s play, whether Seth Curry should get more shots, Jusuf Nurkic’s recovery, Oklahoma City’s home-court atmosphere, Zach Collins’ reluctance to shoot and more.
In the second 2019 Playoffs edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' victory versus the Thunder in Game One at the Moda Center, what they liked and didn’t like about Portland's performance, Enes Kanter's career game, Moe Harkless setting the tone with his defense, Paul George’s health and struggles, the Thunder running their offense through Steven Adams, play another round of "Walton or Oden," and finish by answering listener questions about the Blazers’ rotation, Jake Layman’s absence, staggering Lillard and McCollum’s minutes, Zach Collins, Game 2 adjustments and more.
In the first 2019 Playoffs edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl look the Blazers vs. Thunder in the three-six matchup, the bad blood between the two teams, Paul George and Russell Westbrook's dominance against the Blazers this season, how the Blazers’ recent playoff failure impacts the series, the wild season finale and Anferee Simons’ rookie moment, play a Playoffs round of "Walton or Oden" and finish by answering listener questions about playoff X-factors, spending time in OKC, Moe Harkless’ headband, the Blazers’ advantage vs. the Thunder, pick-and-roll coverage, Simons’ chances of playing in the postseason and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Jusuf Nurkic’s season-ending injury, what it means for Nurkic moving forward, the mood both in the arena and in the locker room after the injury, what it means for the Blazers’ playoff hopes, who starts in Nurkic’s absence, how this injury rank among the worst in franchise history and finish off by answering listener questions.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss CJ McCollum’s left knee strain, when he might return and how it impacts the rest of the season, what the Blazers’ rotation might look like moving forward, a rundown of the Blazers’ closing schedule, which is rather easy, give their Not Top Blazers’ Starting Five — the worst players in franchise history, play another round of Walton or Oden and finished by answering listener questions about Moe Harkless’ “kick block,” tiki drinks, the Blazers’ playoff chances, lettuce on burritos, the Blazers’ success against elite defenses and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl take a look at where the Trail Blazers stand with 15 games left, the team being ready for the playoffs and how that's the most important marker for success or failure by postseason success or failure, give a quick rundown of the most likely playoff matchups, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about home-court advantage vs. a good playoff matchup, the Enes Kanter vs. Zach Collins debate, the Blazers’ free agent priorities, Moe Harkless’ knee, North Portland food options, Universal Studios and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, recorded on the road in Boston, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers’ propensity for post-All-Star break success, initial impressions of Enes Kanter, the Blazers suddenly being a deep team team, their current seven-game road trip, play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish by answering listener questions about X-factors down the stretch, the players we most (and least) want babysitting Joe’s kids, our all-time Blazers starting five, retiring Brandon Roy’s jersey, Moe Harkless’ headband and much more.
In the latest of the Rip City Report podcast, recorded on the road in Brooklyn, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl banter the Enes Kanter signing, the Trail Blazers' rotation over the final 25 games, Jake Layman and whether he should be starting, Damian Lillard's run at All-Star Weekend, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish by answering listener questions about playoff matchups, Brooklyn MC’s, re-signing Layman, why Kanter chose Portland, buffets, All-Star Weekend changes and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, recorded live at Tough Luck Bar in NE Portland, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the NBA trade deadline, the deal that brought Rodney Hood to Portland, the wing rotation with the arrival of Hood and the recent strong play of Jake Layman, play a quick round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering questions from fans in attendance.
In this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers’ successful January, whether they've shaken their reputation as a team that doesn't beat good competition, the Kristaps Porzingis trade, star players demanding trades and the implications in Portland, details of next week’s live podcast, play round of “Blazers Jeopardy" and a round of "Walton or Oden," and finish up by answering listener questions about about Jake Layman, covering the All-Star Game, whether CJ McCollum feels under appreciated, Blazers triple-doubles, Jusuf Nurkic’s knee pain, the biggest fan “freak out” in recent memory and much, much more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report, recorded from Phoenix, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the the Trail Blazers’ struggles against good teams and whether they've turned the corner after beating Utah on the road, the Jake Layman/Moe Harkless/small forward situation, Joe reveals his All-Star starters ballot, play a round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering listener questions about Carmelo Anthony, the Blazers’ youth, Jusuf Nurkic’s trash-talking, a one-on-one game between Nurkic and Arvydas Sabonis, CJ McCollum, the Meyers Leonard-Nurkic pairing and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Jusuf Nurkic's first triple-double and his recent play, whether Damian Lillard is a "lock" for the 2019 All-Star Game, Jake Layman and what happens if/when Moe Harkless returns to the lineup, Blazers feasting on bad teams, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions about Caleb Swanigan, if Portland deserves to have multiple All-Stars this season, Al-Farouq Aminu's defense, favorite eras of Trail Blazers' basketball, chicken nuggets and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss he Blazers’ recent hot streak, whether the team and this season have been kind of boring, whether the Blazers are playing down to their opponents, but still winning, Moe Harkless’ continuing knee trouble, the Jake Layman/Nik Stauskas rotation situation and then play a round of "Walton or Oden" before answering lister questions about the trade deadline, whether Jusuf Nurkic is poised to become Portland’s GOAT big man, male body spray, Kevin Love, Pat Connaughton, Lillard’s foul-baiting, why Anfernee Simons isn’t playing in the G-League and much more.
On the first 2019 edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Jusuf Nurkić’s strong play as of late and whether we are seeing Nurkic Fever 2.0, both Seth Curry and Moe Harkless stepping up their respective games, play yet another round of Walton or Oden, give an update on the one-sided Nurkić three-point attempt wager and finish off as always by answering listener questions about Nik Stauskas’ struggles, Curry’s recent play, Blazers in-game promotions, healthy eating, a perfect non-star player for the Blazers, resolutions for the new year and much more.
In the last 2018 edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discusses whether the Trail Blazers are “hot” again and if so, whether it will last, the supporting cast and how they determine how much success this team has, whether fans romanticize Ed Davis, play another round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering listener questions Christmas movies, approaching players in the real world, the nickname “Zers,” overeating to winning and losing streaks, our approach to covering games and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl debate which team is the "real" Trail Blazers, how worried should fans be, the recent lackluster play of the bench, Jake Layman’s career night, play another round of Walton or Oden and answer listener questions about the 2007 NBA Draft, the rotation, Moe Harkless, our favorite cold weather city, lineup changes and much more.
In the 150th edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl give their thoughts on what has gone wrong with the Blazers’ defense, whether the current version of Jusuf Nurkic is better than the “Nurkic Fever” version, Zach Collins’ recent foul trouble, whether Damian Lillard should be an MVP candidate, play yet another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish by answering listener questions about the Blazers’ forward production, whether Lillard will get a supermax contract, Stotts’ 400th win, the Blazers’ MacGyver, “Christmas Vacation,” the Blazers' standing after 20 games and more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report, recorded on the road in New York City, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss how the Trail Blazers have played so far on their six-game trip, the up and down play of the bench, the team’s chemistry and cohesiveness, which was on display during one incredible possession versus Washington, Moe Harkless’ injury, the Jusuf Nurkic three-pointer attempt bet, play another round of “Walton or Oden,” and finish by answering listener questions about Jake Layman, the Wizards, Zach Collins’ 21st birthday, annoying NBA public address announcers, Thanksgiving turkey, Thanksgiving side dishes, Evan Turner's chances of winning Sixth Man of the Year and more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl consider the good and bad from the first 10 games of the season, Portland's depth and why it's been a strength, whether CJ McCollum is in a slump or in transition, give a quick Moe Harkless injury "update," the defense and whether it's as bad as it has looked or as good as the statistic say, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions about making pancakes with Terry Porter, the biggest surprise so far, wearing sweaters to games, Evan Turner’s role, if Al-Farouq Aminu is underrated, fantasy sports, Jake Layman’s role when Harkless returns and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, recorded on the road in Miami, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the NBA’s increased pace of play and scoring, what that might mean for the league and Trail Blazers, the exceptional play of Portland's bench, Zach Collins making fans miss Ed Davis a little less, NBA hecklers, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions Collins, Moe Harkless, Universal Studios, the Blazers’ use of their Twin Towers lineup, the podcast theme song and more.
In this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss Thursday's regular season home opener versus LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, the passing of team owner Paul Allen and his influence on the team and the Pacific Northwest, the best and worst case scenarios for Portland this season, play a quick round of "Walton of Oden" and answer listener questions about Paul Allen, potential changes to ownership, what would constitute a successful season, endless and ridiculous Damian Lillard trade "rumors" and more.
In the 2018-19 Season Preview edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl give their thoughts on how the Blazers stack up in the Western Conference, what the team needs to take the next step, Moe Harkless’ health, whether Jake Layman be a factor, answer a host of "Walton or Oden’s" from listeners, play a round of "Over/Under" and finish up by answering listener questions about Jake Layman, the big-man rotation, Jusuf Nurkic’s ceiling, the Blazers’ going small and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl take another look at the player rotation and what the bench unit might look like, whether Nik Stauskas might be in line for a larger role than originally thought, give update on Moe Harkless’ health, break down the news that CJ McCollum had a PRP injection in his right knee, play a round of "Walton or Oden," a round of over/under, a round of Blazers Jeopardy and finish by answering listener questions about fan enthusiasm, Damian Lillard’s impact on Anfernee Simons, Jusuf Nurkic’s three-point shooting, attending a preseason game, our favorite road cities, Meyers Leonard’s role and much more.
In the first 2018 training camp edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the first three days of training camp, the schematic and personnel changes on the way for the Blazers, Moe Harkless’ knee, what they're expecting in the first preseason game, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about Anfernee Simons, Evan Turner’s expanded role, our “bold predictions,” the lack of a veteran sage on the roster, board games, mustaches and more.
n this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl give their thoughts on the upcoming season and where is this team heading, training camp battles, especially in the second unit, and answer listener questions about their Jusuf Nurkic lunch bet, advice about starting a podcast, Seth Curry’s health, Jimmy Butler trade rumors and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl take a look at the good and bad of the Blazers’ offseason, what was learned at summer league, the decision to not re-sign Ed Davis, Damian Lillard’s happiness and finish up by answering listener questions about the Blazers’ guard rotation, backup bigs, Anfernee Simons, Zach Collins, the NBA’s playoff format, the traded player exception and more.
In this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl analyze the Blazers’ 2018 draft, breakdown picking Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent Jr., discuss the impact that the draft has on free agency and the roster, Portland's failed attempts at making a trade for a veteran, but failed, betting on long-term talent rather than short-term fit and finish off by answering listener questions about potential trade targets, free agency, the trade exception, whether the Blazers are wasting Damian Lillard’s prime, the G-League and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl preview the upcoming NBA Draft, discuss the relative lack of interest in the draft this year, whether the Trail Blazers will try to trade their first round pick, likely targets if they keep the pick and finish buy answering questions about the draft, free agency, a hypothetical trade with Philadelphia, Zach Collins’ position, Wade Baldwin’s effect on the draft, the Dame 5’s, the World Cup and much more.
On the last edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss their thoughts on the NBA playoffs, predraft workouts, whether the team is looking at versatility and 3-and-D players, the prospect of trading the pick and finish by answering listener questions about the NBA draft, free agency, Chandler Hutchinson, John Wick 3, Jusuf Nurkic’s free agency, CJ McCollum’s podcast, NBA review, retiring Brandon Roy’s No. 7 and more.
In this season wrap-up edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss the sweep against the New Orleans Pelicans, what type of changes do the Blazers need to make, how they'll remember the season, look at exit interviews and some of Neil Olshey’s comments, play a round of Walton or Oden and answer listener questions about blowing the team up, the Blazers’ crop of free agents, summer plans, Portland beer, social media, surprises, Ed Davis and Jusuf Nurkic and much more.
In the latest Playoff Edition of the Rip City Report, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl banter about a host of topics, including how thoroughly outplayed, outworked and outcoached the Blazers have been against the Pelicans, the stunning reality of going down 0-3 in the series, the Trail Blazers' state of mind going into an elimination game, Damian Lillard being very un-Damian Lillard-like, the Pelicans’ top four players have been outstanding, play a round of Walton or Oden and answer listener questions about blowing the team up, CJ McCollum’s status with the organization, whether the 13-game winning streak — or this series — is the bigger anomaly, player fatigue, Portland sunshine, expectations moving forward and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss what went wrong in Portland's Game 1 loss to New Orleans, whether Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum’s struggles were all about missing shots, the Jrue Holiday problem, needing more out of Jusuf Nurkic, play a round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering listener questions about Evan Turner, Wade Baldwin, playoff officiating, the Blazers we’d invite to a poker party, adjustments, double-teaming Anthony Davis and much more.
In this playoff preview edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl breakdown the Blazers-Pelicans best-of-seven series, consider how the Blazers will handle Anthony Davis, who the X-factors are in the series, look at the position-by-position matchups, play a round of “Walton or Oden,” and answer listener questions about Jusuf Nurkic, the Blazers as a favorite, the rotation, Wade Baldwin, Moe Harkless, “Playoff Rondo,” a cage-style fight between a Pelican and a Trail Blazer and much, much more.
In this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl give a quick overview of the insane number of playoff seeding possibilities involving the Blazers (which changed after recording due to errors in the NBA's playoff scenarios table), look at the Blazers’ recent struggles, consider whether the Moe Harkless injury or the suddenly shaky play of the Blazers’ supporting cast is more of an issue, give which teams they think would be the preferred first-round opponent, play a round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering listener questions about whether the “sky is falling,” Tough Luck, Moe Harkless, the San Antonio home court edge, the Blazers’ shooting slump, re-signing Jusuf Nurkic and much, much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss what they learn about the Blazers during the 13-game winning streak, the recent play of Portland's supporting cast, what do they expect from the Blazers moving forward, thoughts on the Rockets, play a round of "Walton or Oden," and finish off by answering listener questions about Moe Harkless’ standout play, our reading habits, the rotation, whether the Blazers are built for a seven-game series against the Warriors or Rockets, Damian Lillard’s All-NBA chances, Jusuf Nurkic’s dunking and more.
In this edition of the Rip City Report, recorded live at Tough Luck in Northeast Portland, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com discuss Portland's 10-game win streak, the improved play of Jusuf Nurkić, the quicker-than-expected development of Zach Collins, the playoff race and finish by answering questions from the live audience about favorite playoff memories, best and worst personalities on previous teams, Terry Stotts' Coach of the Year credentials and more!
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers’ play during their extended winning streak, Damian Lillard’s performance this season and whether he’s a legitimate MVP candidate, whether the Blazers are “for real” and what that even means, play an extended round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering listener questions about Zach Collins, “Wear In The World,” Al-Farouq Aminu in the starting lineup, where Lillard ranks in franchise history, small ball and more.
And a reminder for those who live in the Portland area to come to the live recording at Tough Luck on Tuesday, March 13.
In this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers' Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' recent run, Damian Lillard's historic February play, whether the Blazers have finally turned the proverbial corner, plat an extended round of Walton or Oden and answer listener questions about Zach Collins, Jusuf Nurkic, our favorite international players, Moe Harkless' consistency, Chis Kaman and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Damian Lillard’s All-Star performance, whether the “Lillard is overlooked” narrative continues to persist and if so, should it, the stretch run of the NBA season, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up as always by answering listener questions about Brandon Rush, Moe Harkless’ starting role, Portland’s snowpocalypse, driving faux pas, good playoff matchups, bad contracts, writing fatigue and much, much more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' win over the Golden State Warriors, Damian Lillard’s next-level play, the upcoming NBA All-Star game, play a round of "Walton or Oden," and finish by answering listener questions about the NBA’s secret wine society, Paul Allen’s Moda Center apartment, the year’s “Best Picture,” Damian Lillard/Brandon Roy comparisons, Bill Walton’s broadcast, Moe Harkless’ play, Aminu’s value and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the impending trade deadline and whether the Blazers will make a deal, Portland going 0-3 on their recent road trip, Damian Lillard moving up the Blazers’ all-time scoring list, play a round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering listener questions the deadline, Ed Davis, what would happen if the Blazers played in the Eastern Conference, best food options on the road, the team’s biggest gamer and much more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Damian LIllard being named a 2018 Western Conference All-Star, the meeting between Paul Allen and Lillard, the Slam Dunk contest, play a round of 'Walton or Oden' and finish by answering listener questions about potluck dinners, the Century Link shooting contest, Moe Harkless' demeanor, the upcoming trade deadline and more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the never ending ups and downs of the 2017-18 season, Jusuf Nurkic’s brief benching versus the Suns, whether Damian Lillard an All-Star, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions the trade deadline, Moe Harkless’ struggles, Zach Collins’ strong play and whether he is a good match alongside Nurkic, our gameday routines, our best and worst early-life jobs and much more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report Podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's play on their recent three-game road trip, the Blazers needing Jusuf Nurkic to be a “beast,” consistently inconsistent performances, a recent improvement in ball movement, how Damian Llillard did in the first All-Star voting returns and finish by answering listener questions about New Year’s resolutions, Zach Collins, players speaking out on cannabis, the Blazers’ new uniforms, the Blazers’ willingness to make a trade, being nerdy, All-Star voting, Portland burrito spots and more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com discuss whether the Blazers are simply a mediocre team or if they have more to offer, whether Portland has logged a "good win" yet this season, the unknown severity of Damian Lillard’s injury, whether the inconsistent player rotation is a cause or byproduct of the Trail Blazers' issues, play a round of Blazers Jeopardy for the first time followed up by another round of "Walton or Oden" before finishing with listener questions about fourth quarter woes, playing on Christmas Day, the longest home losing streak in franchise history, the inconsistent offense, a surprising aspect of our jobs, whether or not Lillard is still vegan and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss whether it is time to be really worried about the Blazers’ struggles, especially with the schedule is about to get much more difficult, Portland's moribund offense, whether the lineup/rotations changes are having a negative impact, play a round of "Walton and Oden," and answer listener questions about the Blazers’ next win, whether it’s time to push the panic button, thumb war, favorite Christmas movies, the best time to visit Portland during the season, Evan Turner’s three-point shooting, Willie Taggart and more.
In the latest episode of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Blazers’ recently-completed five-game road trip, Pat Connaughton’s emergence and whether he is the long-term answer at small forward, the latest on Al-Farouq Aminu, Moe Harkless’ struggles, play a round of Walton and Oden and finish by answering listener questions about trades, sandwiches, the Blazers’ ceiling, Caleb Swanigan’s development, card trips on the Blazers’ plane and Marc Gasol.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers’ win over the Grizzlies, the revolving door at starting power forward, the sudden surge of strong play from Shabazz Napier, Portland's still inconsistent play, Meyers Leonard having a couple good games and finish by answering listener questions about Jusuf Nurkic, the NBA’s worst haircut, favorite and least favorite Thanksgiving foods, Damian Lillard’s ankle injury, dream jobs and more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's woes in close games, the decision to have CJ McCollum take the game-deciding shot vs. Memphis, Allen Crabbe’s return to the Moda Center, play a round of "Walton or Oden," and answer listener questions about Jusuf Nurkic, NBA League Pass, Greg Monroe, if it is too early to press the panic button, flagrant fouls, tattoos and more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com discuss Portland’s start and how it’s been less than what they were hoping for, whether a team with so many returning players should be more consistent, Jusuf Nurkic’s big night against the Lakers and whether that’s a sign his struggles are over, Al-Farouq Aminu will missing the next 2-3 weeks an an ankle injury, a quick update on the Nurkic’s three-point bet and finish the show by answering listener questions about Evan Turner’s jumper, weight lifting, grading the season, CJ McCollum’s ball-handling, whether Ed Davis should start, Damian Lillard isolations and more.
On this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the outstanding play of the Blazers’ bench through four games, Ed Davis returning to Ed Davis form, whether Evan Turner is starting to silence critics, Jusuf Nurkic struggling on offense early, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish by answering listener questions about Halloween, Noah Vonleh’s return, why the Blazers wore black jerseys at home, the Ed Davis-Caleb Swanigan lineup, the x-factors, brunch and more.
In the first 2017-18 road edition of the Rip City Report recorded at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and Casey Holdahl of trailblazers.com recap Portland’s dominant season-opening win over the Suns, Pat Connaughton’s surprising and impressive play, Portland's much-maligned but steadily improving defense, Moe Harkless was a defensive beast, Portland signing Wade Baldwin to a two-way contract, Shabazz Napier returning from a hamstring injury and finish by answering listener questions about the Blazers’ defense, cats, Meyers Leonard, ice cream and much more.
In this 2017-18 season preview edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss the Western Conference and where the Trail Blazers fit in, their playoff predictions, the decision to leave a roster spot open rather than signing a 15th player, whether the Blazers finish in the top 10 in defense, introduce a "new" feature called "Walton or Oden," and answer listener questions about Blazers nicknames, draft-night steals, NBA uniforms, seasonal beers, midlife crisis splurges, CJ McCollum’s suspension and much more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com discuss the Blazers’ preseason opener versus the Suns, initial impressions of Caleb Swanigan and Zach Collins, Jusuf Nurkic’s swagger, Evan Turner’s evolving role in the Blazers’ offense, play a quick round of “Buy or Sell,” and finish off by answering listener questions about the new All-Star game format, the Blazers’ ceiling this season, Swanigan’s preseason hype, the worst team in the Western Conference, the Blazers’ “star power” and more.
On this Training Camp edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the highlights from Media Day and the first days of camp, players impressions of rookie Caleb Swanigan, Jusuf Nurkić’s weight loss and “Bad Boy” comments, the benefits of a healthy Ed Davis, whether Terry Stotts will be more flexible this season in terms of making changes and finish by answering listener questions about Meyers Leonard, Blazers’ taste in music, the difficulty of luring free agents to Portland, the potential addition of Robert Pack, sandwiches and much more.
In this pre training camp edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl preview Portland’s training camp, which opens next week, discuss expectations for Jusuf Nurkic, how the Blazers will go about replacing Allen Crabbe, the new red uniforms, whether this is Meyers Leonard’s breakthrough year, whether the rookies will contribute, whether any of the training camp invites make the team and finish by answering listener questions about the starting lineup, Nurkic’s physical transformation, our offseason highlights, Noah Vonleh, Al-Farouq Aminu’s position, eggs and much more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers’ recently-released 2017-18 regular season schedule, new changes to the 82-game layout, give their thoughts on how the schedule might impact Portland's performance, reasons for optimism for the and finish by answering listener questions about the rumored Jail Blazer documentary, Carmelo Anthony, the Blazer most likely to be named Most Improved Player, fantasy basketball, the origin of our love of basketball and much more.
On this 109th edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com discuss the trade sending Allen Crabbe to the Brooklyn Nets, whether the Trail Blazers are likely to make another trade this offseason, the preseason schedule the release of the new “Association” and “Icon” jerseys and finish by answering Twitter-submitted questions about uniform sponsors, adding available veteran free agents, who the best boxer on the team is, the regular season schedule and whether they think the Trail Blazers will make the 2018 postseason.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com recap Portland's run to the Las Vegas Summer League finals, the impressive play of Caleb Swanigan and whether he's in line for starter-like minutes come the regular season, Zach Collins' injury-stunted run in Las Vegas, the Carmelo Anthony trade rumor and finish by answering listener questions about the regular season starting lineup, summer league, Jusuf Nurkic’s weight, NBA conferences and divisions, curly fries, the G-League, the ever-expanding NBA season and much more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl look at an increasingly loaded Western Conference and what that means for the Trail Blazers, Portland remaining quiet in free agency and why that shouldn’t be a surprise, what should fans be looking for during summer league, Pat Connaughton’s contract situation and finish by answering listener questions about free agency, the trade market, Ed Davis, the Blazers’ over/under on wins, the Paul George trade that didn’t happen, expectations for Caleb Swanigan and Zach Collins and much more.
On this post-draft, pre-free agency edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss the additions of Zach Collins and Caleb Swanigan, look ahead to free agency and the trade market, consider the reasons why the Blazers didn’t trade for a veteran at the draft, whether they think the Blazers will use the mid-level exception to sign someone in free agency and finish by answering listener questions about Noah Vonleh, Jusuf Nurkic’s body “imbalance,” Meyers Leonard’s offseason, Portland chances of hosting the 2020 All-Star Game, the NBA awards show, summer beer and much more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers’ predraft workouts, whether the prospects visiting Portland offer insight into what the Blazers might do in the draft, what direction the Blazers will go in the draft and how will they use their three first-round picks, Golden State Warriors’ dominance impacting the league, whether the Trail Blazers care that they’re going to be in the luxury tax and finish by answering listener questions about potential Blazers draft targets, getting under the tax, Portland summer events, Gonzaga’s Zach Collins, their favorite sports stadiums, their picks for the Blazers in an Olympics 3-on-3 tournament and more.
In this end of season edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com recap the often disappointing 2016-17 season, the Trail Blazers' culture, takeaways from exit interviews, the Jusuf Nurkić effect, the upcoming offseason, Portland being players in the draft and the trade market but not in free agency and finish as always by answering istener questions about Meyers Leonard, Festus Ezeli, what fans have to look forward to next season, Noah Vonleh’s development, the Blazers’ inconsistency, the importance of organic growth, a guess about the number of new faces on next season’s roster, the team’s draft strategy and much, much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland’s demoralizing loss to the Warriors in Game Three, Jusuf Nurkić’s return, the historic greatness of Golden State’s current team, Portland’s difficulty in dealing with JaVale McGee and finish by answering questions about coping with tough losses, Nurkić’s status going forward, playoffs vs. tanking, Noah Vonleh and summer vacation plans.
In the latest Playoff Edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland’s loss to Golden State in Game Two at Oracle Arena, the depth and talent of the Warriors, neither Stephen Curry nor Klay Thompson dominating, the “latest” on Jusuf Nurkić and finish by answering Twitter-submitted questions regarding Super Teams, the upcoming draft, Festus Ezeli, Meyers Leonard, bad PA announcers and whether there was any fallout from Game One trash talk.
In this first round playoff edition of the Rip City Report recorded in San Francisco, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com discuss Portland's 121-109 loss to the Warriors in Game One, whether the result made you more or less confident in Portland's chances going forward, Draymond Green's impressive play, CJ McCollum's excellent out on both ends of the floor, the "latest" on Jusuf Nurkić and finish as always by answering listener questions about Draymond Green (and Warriors) hate, Ed Davis, the long layoff between games whether Nurkic would have made a difference in Game 1 and more.
In the 100th edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/Oregonlive.com and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com give their initial thoughts on the Trail Blazers-Warriors playoff series, Golden State being a matchup nightmare are a matchup nightmare, oddsmakers and pundits giving the Trail Blazers very little chance in the series, the "latest" on Jusuf Nurkić injury and finish by answering listener questions about Nurkić, the best games of the season, the Blazers’ X-factor in the series, the starting lineup the Blazers will use if Nurkic can’t play, Noah Vonleh’s improvement, food halls and much more.
On this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss the Trail Blazers’ playoff chances, the immense void left by the injury of Jusuf Nurkić, whether he will return for the playoffs and if he even should, a random chat about the Eastern Conference vs. the Western Conference, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum being nominated for prestigious awards from the Professional Basketball Writers Association and finish by answering listener questions about Nurkic comparisons, pet peeves while traveling, Evan Turner’s role, why the Blazers haven’t picked up another center, the new logo/uniforms, postgame locker room interviews and more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Blazers’ hot streak and pursuit of a playoff spot, whether they're a lock to make the playoffs, the odds of Damian Lillard and Terry Stotts winning Player/Coach of the Month awards, the Jusuf Nurkic anthem and finish by answering listener questions about the Blazers’ playoff odds vs. the Golden State Warriors, the Blazers’ improved defense, Ed Davis’ recovery from shoulder surgery, the most memorable moment of the last 10 games, the Blazers’ new uniforms and much more
In the newest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Noah Vonleh’s recent emergence and what it means for the Blazers moving forward, the upcoming slate of games, including three in two weeks versus the Timberwolves, Evan Turner's comfort level after returning from injury, Damian Lillard's continued assault on opposing defenses and finish by answering listener questions about PB&J, preferred first-round playoff matchups, Portland tacos, whether or not Jusuf Nurkic is in line for a long-term contract extension and much more.
On this latest road edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss the back-to-back against New Orleans and San Antonio and how it epitomizes the Blazers’ season, Damian Lillard's incredible play since the All-Star break and whether fans take him for granted, Evan Turner on the verge of returning, whether the Blazes can get to 40 wins, which movie titles best describe the team and finish by answering listener questions about Noah Vonleh’s play, Nurkic fever, “Fort Stotts,” our NCAA Tournament brackets, our favorite movie and much more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss the growing legend of Jusuf Nurkic and his impact on the rest, whether the team's recent play changed our outlook on the season, the Minnesota postponement fiasco and whether it helps or hurts the Blazer and finish by answering listener questions about Evan Turner’s place in the rotation moving forward, Neil Olshey’s decision to make the trade, playoff confidence, who would win between Joe and Casey in a game of one-on-one and much more.
On this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com discuss Ed Davis’s season-ending shoulder surgery, Evan Turner's eventual return, early impressions of Jusuf Nurkic, being the same distance from a playoff spot and a high draft pick and whether they'd be better off "tanking" and finish by answering listener questions about the NBA draft, fruit, uniform changes, Festus Ezeli and more.
On this All-Star break edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss the Jusuf Nurkic and first round pick for Mason Plumlee and second round pick trade, Nurkic’s promising Trail Blazers debut, the state of the team overall at the All-Star break, how CJ McCollum might fare in the Three Point Contest, pick winners for the other All-Star Weekend events and answer listener questions about trades, the Trail Blazers’ struggles this season, Damian Lillard’s slump, All-Star break plans and more.
On this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss Evan Turner’s broken hand injury and what it means moving forward, Portland's buzzer-beating victory in Dallas, CJ McCollum ballin', the Blazers having more than one late-game option, whether it's OK for other players to use Damian Lillard’s trademark “Lillard Time" watch tap and finish by answering listener questions about Ed Davis, future Blazers All-Stars, beard oil, Blazers uniforms, Moda Center food and more.
On the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers’ new starting lineup, Evan Turner’s improved play, Allen Crabbe's great shooting, whether the Blazers have "turned the corner," and answer listener questions about Noah Vonleh in the starting lineup, whether it’s best for the team to make the playoffs, the latest on Festus Ezeli, the Blazers’ penchant for slow starts to the season, good road trip foods, whether the sixth or seventh seed is attainable and much more.
On a new edition of the Rip City Report podcast, recorded on location in Philadelphia, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss if anyone knows why the Trail Blazers have the Blazers been so disappointing this season, the team's inability to string together quality play for an extended period, the organization honoring the 40th anniversary of the 1977 championship team next week and finish by answering listener questions about whether the Blazers still have a chance at the playoffs, the need (or not) for a veteran leader, the team’s waning optimism, the best Portland beers to help forget the blowout losses and covering a winner team vs. covering a loser.
On the newest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss whether games against the Lakers, Pistons and Lakers are "must wins," the defensive substitutions the Trail Blazers have made as of late, Mason Plumlee and CJ McCollum ballin', whether the Blazers will still be in the eighth seed at the end of the month, how Sunday night’s game was a microcosm of the season and finish by answering listener questions about the Blazers’ big man rotation, morning routines, “McCollum Time,” the Blazers’ best hockey player and more.
On the newest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss what the heck is wrong with Portland's defense and whether it can be fixed, where the team is at mentally after a tough stretch of games, whether or not their current issues are indicative of the kind of team they are, why making trades won't be easy and finish by answer listener questions about Chris Kaman, the feud between Meyers Leonard and DeMarcus Cousins, the locker room after losses, covering a struggling team and food poisoning.
On this road trip edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss the improved play of Evan Turner, the return of Al-Farouq Aminu, incremental improvements to Portland's defense and finish by answering Twitter-submitted questions
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's continued woes on defense, whether their recent play has changed expectations, the strong play of Maurice Harkless, the mystery of when Al-Farouq Aminu might return from injury and answer Twitter-submitted questions about Meyers Leonard's "Built To Rise" video, Jake Layman's playing time, Terry Stotts' rotations and more
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss what to expect on the upcoming five-game trip, how the Blazers have fared in the absence of Al-Farouq Aminu, winning ugly and winning close, Moe Harkless' recent performance and whether he's emerging as Portland's third scorer, Damian Lillard's continued assault of Portland's franchise records and finish as always by answering listener questions about the Blazers as “Seinfeld” characters, the Blazers’ depth, nicknames for Jake Layman, who would survive a zombie apocalypse, the Northwest Division favorites, talking to ladies at parties and much more.
In Election Day edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss the play of Portland's bench, Al-Farouq Aminu's shooting, the team's road record, CJ McCollum's performance in Memphis, ponder which players would make the best presidential cabinet members and answer listener questions about Ed Davis, Evan Turner, the new NBA awards shot, the absence of Chris Kaman, the Blazers’ defense, cheesecake, teleporting and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's crazy win over the Nuggets in Denver, Terry Stotts' ATO wizardry, the Noah Vonleh vs. Meyers Leonard conundrum, Damian Lillard’s remarkable early-season play, whether the Blazers have or need a consistent third scorer, Evan Turner continuing to integrate into the Portland offense and finish off by answering a host of listener questions about Turner, positive/negative trends with the team, Will Barton, Mason Plumlee’s contract extension (or lack thereof) and more.
In this season preview edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com consider how the Blazers stack up in the Western Conference, the different confidence and mindset surrounding the team heading into the regular season, predictions of how the West will shake out, whether Damian Lillard be in the MVP conversation and answer listener questions about Noah Vonleh’s role, Evan Turner’s playing time, what Blazers would succeed in other sports, the Meyers Leonard’ Voodoo Donut, reasons for being optimistic about the team and much more.
In this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's performance through four preseason games and whether or not it really matters, Evan Turner's integration, CJ McCollum's mini-slump, whether Maurice Harkless has locked up the starting small forward job, how well Noah Vonleh and Shabazz Napier have played and whether that will result in playing time during the regular season and answer your Twitter-submitted questions
In this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's first preseason game, improved ball movement, Terry Stotts sticking with the starting lineup from last season and whether that's subject to change, the injuries to Meyers Leonard and Noah Vonleh and answer Twitter-submitted questions regarding ways to watch Blazers games, training camp standouts, Vonleh’s role this season, Shabazz Napier’s solid opener, why some national writers are down on the Blazers this season.
In this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss Media Day, the start of training camp, Meyers Leonard's sooner-than-expected return from shoulder surgery, the battle at small forward, Wells Fargo Fan Fest, potential changed to Portland's uniform and answer your Twitter-submitted questions.
In this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com discuss some of the storylines going into training camp, the Las Vegas over/under for Portland's season, give an update offseason injuries and answer your Twitter-submitted questions
In this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss CJ McCollum's extension, Maurice Harkless' new contract, take a stab at guessing starting lineups, both Al-Farouq Aminu and Festus Ezeli foregoing the 2016 Olympics and answer your Twitter-submitted questions
In this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/Trailblazers.com discuss the free agent signings of Evan Turner and Festus Ezeli, the re-signings of Allen Crabbe and Meyers Leonard.
Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss the 2016 Draft, free agency and interview Trail Blazers power forward Meyers Leonard on the June 29, 2016 edition of the Rip City Report podcast
Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com talk to new Trail Blazers TV play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro, discuss the NBA Finals, the upcoming 2016 Draft and answer Twitter questions in the June 20, 2016 edition of the Rip City Report podcast
On this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's loss to the Golden State Warriors in the second round and recap the 2015-16 season
On this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's victory in Game Three versus the Warriors, the statuses of Stephen Curry and Maurice Harkless and look forward to Game Four Monday at the Moda Center
On this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's fourth-quarter collapse in Game Two versus the Golden State Warriors
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCentet.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's loss to Golden State in Game One of the Western Conference Semis and look at the series going into Game Two on Tuesday
On this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCentet.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's win victory versus the Clippers in Game 5 at Staples Center
On this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss the Trail Blazers win in Game 4 versus the Clippers while tying the series 2-2.
On this edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com recap Portland's win in Game Three versus the Clippers and preview Monday's Game Four
On this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com recap the Trail Blazers' 102-81 loss to the Clippers in Game Two of their first round playoff series
In this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's loss to the Clippers in Game One of their first round playoff series
In the first 2016 Playoffs edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com preview the first round series between the Trail Blazers and Clippers, which starts Sunday at Staples Center
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss the Trail Blazers clinching a playoff spot, potential playoff matchups, Moe Harkless, Al-Farouq Aminu and answer Twitter-submitted questions
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's attempts to rise up the standings in the last few weeks of the season, Meyers Leonard's season-ending injury and his future with the team, the play of Moe Harkless in the starting lineup and answer a host of Twitter questions.
Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss the Trail Blazers and impending playoffs on the Rip City Report podcast
Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/TrailBlazers.com discuss Portland's road trip, the injury of Meyers Leonard, the Western Conference playoff race and answer Twitter questions on the newest edition of the Rip City Report podcast
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •The Blazers’ six-game trip. Are you happy about going 3-3 or upset about dropping three in a row? •Things won’t get any easier for the Blazers moving forward. •The defense is struggling. •What’s up with the Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry comparisons? •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about Lillard’s All-NBA chances, Meyers Leonard’s defense, beer, life on a back-to-back, seeing Steve Blake, preferred playoff matchups and their favorite berries.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •The Blazers continue to defy odds. •Damian Lillard’s next-level play and the Moda Center MVP chants. •The upcoming six-game trip will reveal whether the Blazers are for real. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about the the Blazers’ defense, how CJ McCollum and Lillard rank among NBA backcourts, road trip expectations, flying and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •A recap of the NBA trade deadline. •An appreciation for Neil Olshey. •Why was Tim Frazier cut? •A look at the schedule over the final two months. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about the deadline, Gerald Henderson, Allen Crabbe’s long-term prospects, Anderson Varejao’s contract, “Deadpool,” Nutella and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •A discussion about the Blazers’ playoff chase and why they are playing so well. •Joe’s preseason bets aren’t looking so good. •The improved play of Moe Harkless and Gerald Henderson. •The All-Star break. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about front office player vetting, Henderson’s long-term role with the team, Brandon Roy, a playoff date with LaMarcus Aldridge and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •A look at the Blazers’ winning streak and whether or not is has altered our preseason predictions. •The Blazers’ suddenly improved defense. •Damian Lillard’s All-Star snub. •Is Gerald Henderson being showcased for a trade? •Why is Moe Harkless been banished from the rotation? •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about the vibe in the locker room, Terry Stotts’ coach of the year candidacy, CJ McCollum’s relationship of the media and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •A look at Damian Lillard’s All-Star chances. •The return of Nicolas Batum. •Noah Vonleh’s recent development. •CJ McCollum wants to take part in something at All-Star Weekend. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about Moe Harkless’ sudden drop in playing time, Gerald Henderson’s trade value, Mason Plumlee’s defense and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •A look at the Blazers at the midseason. •The debate between chasing the playoffs or a lottery pick. •Midseason awards. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about Terry Stotts’ future in Portland, Gerald Henderson, forgettable experiences at the movie theater, road venues that feature lots of Blazers fans and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •The CJ McCollum roster snafu. •Damian Lillard’s cold-shooting return. •The surprising connection between Lillard and Brandon Roy. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about Chris Kaman’s Christmas wish-list, balancing player relationships with reporting, a breakdown of their favorite and least-favorite NBA stadiums and a discussion about the player they’d least like to cover.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •Damian Lillard’s injury. •The strong play of Allen Crabbe and CJ McCollum. •Is Meyers Leonard’s slump over? •The Blazers’ playoff chances. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a ton of listener questions about Tim Frazier, Damian Lillard’s new shoe, tanking in the NBA, The D League and Blazers who would make good partners in “The Amazing Race.”
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •Meyers Leonard’s slump. •Moe Harkless’ return to Orlando. •The direction of the franchise and the symmetry between the front office and coaching staff. •The Blazers are in the middle of a tough trip. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a ton of listener questions about “Star Wars,” Allen Crabbe, former Blazers players, crazy work-related stories and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •The Blazers’ current road trip •The return of Robin Lopez (and Arron Afflalo). •Terry Stotts’ relationship with his players. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a ton of listener questions about Pat Cannaughton, Keanu Reeves movies, potential trade deadline targets and much, much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •A look at Al-Farouq Aminu’s struggles. •The Blazers fourth-quarter woes (again). •Is Gerald Henderson turning the corner? •Should Meyers Leonard go back into the starting lineup? •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about CJ McCollum, the Oregon coast, potential trade targets, three-point celebrations and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •Mason Plumlee’s strong play. Is he a long-term piece? •Damian Lillard’s improvement and growth as a facilitator. •The Blazers’ fourth quarter improvement. •Thanksgiving. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about Meyers Leonard, Moe Harkless, Mike Rice, the Blazers’ end-of-game lineups, “Star Wars” and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •A look at the Blazers’ seven-game losing skid and what’s wrong. •Are things really as bad as they seem? •The Blazers remain upbeat and together despite losing streak. •The fourth quarter issues. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about coach Terry Stotts, the Blazers’ handling of injury reports, Al-Farouq Aminu, which players will be part of the “core” moving forward and much more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: •The Blazers’ up-and-down early-season play. •Meyers Leonard’s shoulder injury. •LaMarcus Aldridge’s return to Rip City, the boos and how he might be remembered in Portland years from now. •Gerald Henderson’s return and potential impact. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about Cliff Alexander, Chris Kaman, the Blazers’ eating habits, training in the NBA and more.
The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and ForwardCenter.net's Casey Holdahl recap this week in Trail Blazers news, discussing: •The Blazers dynamic backcourt: How good can Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum be? •The surprising impact of Al-Farouq Aminu. •McCollum’s pointed comments to reporters after Wednesday’s win over Utah. •Moe Harkless’ play. •Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions about coach Terry Stotts, Gerald Henderson’s potential impact, should McCollum be a sixth man, Blazers mustaches and much more.
The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and Trailblazers.com's Casey Holdahl bring you this week's Rip City Report from Phoenix to recap Portland's season-opening win over New Orleans, CJ McCollum's career night and an insane 48 hours in Oregon sports.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including: • Is Al-Farouq Aminu’s absence cause for concern? • Who will survive the final roster cuts? • A discussion about coach Terry Stotts’ player rotation and his pledge to make it flexible. • A brief look at tonight’s exhibition finale vs. the Los Angeles Clippers. • The Blazers went boxing. • Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions, including a look at what kind of backcourt CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard can be, Meyers Leonard’s mustache and what it will take for the Blazers to compete for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including:
• Has the Blazers’ play in the preseason changed our expectations? • Our first impression of Al-Farouq Aminu. • Will Meyers Leonard and the Blazers agree to a contract extension before the season? • The Blazers’ chemistry has been good. • Allen Crabbe's preseason play. • Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions, looking CJ McCollum the point guard, the Tim Frazier-Phil Pressey training camp battle and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including:
• Noah Vonleh, who seems to be ahead of schedule. • A look back at the first exhibition game vs. the Kings and ahead at tonight’s second exhibition game vs. the Warriors. • The versatility of the Blazers’ big men. • The over-under on Blazers’ wins. • Are the Blazers better than people think? • Casey and Joe are intrigued to see what Al-Farouq Aminu will look like tonight. • Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions, looking at Luis Montero, the defense, the rotation and Meyers Leonard’s wedding, among other topics.
Topics on this week’s podcast include takeaways from Media Day, our thoughts on the first few days of practice, Paul Allen’s statements, starting lineup predictions, Chris Kaman’s role and answer your Twitter-submitted questions, as always. And as mentioned on the show, we’re determined to be more regimented with the podcast this season, so be on the lookout for new editions every Thursday (we hope).
n the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including:
• A look at the just-released schedule. • The return of LaMarcus Aldridge — and his former teammates — to Portland. • Will the Blazers get in the trade market for Markieff Morris? • How long will Chris Kaman be a part of the roster and what is his trade value? • What will CJ McCollum’s role be next season? • Plus, Casey and Joe answer a host of listener questions.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including:
• The LaMarcus Aldridge exodus and its ripple effect on the roster. • A look back at free agency and the NBA draft. • A review of summer league and first impressions on Noah Vonleh, Pat Connaughton and Allen Crabbe. • Plus a lot more in this mammoth offseason overview, ranging from the Blazers’ new playing style to another roster rebuild to Damian Lillard as a leader.
With the 2015 NBA Draft set to take place on Thursday, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com and I, Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net/Trailblazers.com, hit the studio in the basement of the Moda Center to discuss what we think the Trail Blazers might do with the 23rd pick. We throw out a few potential targets, discuss how there just doesn’t seem to be the same excitement for this year’s draft as there has been in the past and contemplate the connection between Portland’s draft and free agency. Freeman also delves a bit deeper into free agency, which is something I can’t do due to NBA regulations. So if you prefer listening to the rich timbre of Joe’s voice without my interruptions, go ahead and fast forward to the end.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including:
• A discussion about the Blazers’ playoff loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and what went wrong. • A little reflection on the 2014-15 season, which could be remembered as the season of “What could have been.” • The season ended March 5, when Wesley Matthews was lost for the season due to injury. • Free agency shapes up to be a time of opportunity for the Blazers. • President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey has proven to be astute at his job, which should encourage fans. • Plus, Casey and Joe answer listener questions, delving into topics about free agency, Portland happy hour, spending the summer with players and “BOLD” offseason predictions.
In a playoff edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including:
• Injury updates on the Blazers and Grizzlies • A conversation about the contrast in styles between these two teams and how that factors into the outcome of the series • Memphis’ dominance against the Blazers in recent seasons. •Wesley Matthews returns to practice — sort of. • Plus, Casey and Joe answer listener questions about CJ McCollum, Meyers Leonard’s shooting, Portland BBQ and more.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including. A quick rundown and discussion about the Blazers’ myriad injuries. • How the Blazers’ recent swoon — and glut of injuries — impacts the stretch run. • Is it time to panic? (depends on your expectations). • The Blazers’ defensive woes. • Plus, Casey and Joe answer listener questions, delving into topics about media relations in the NBA, Arron Afflalo’s play and The Wesley Matthews Injury Effect.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics, including:
• Wesley Matthews’ season-ending injury and its long-term affect on the team. • The time is now for CJ McCollum. • Will Barton’s play in Denver. • Handicapping free agency for LaMarcus Aldridge, Robin Lopez and Matthews. • Plus, Casey and Joe answer listener questions, delving into topics about Alonzo Gee, Chris Kaman and Meyers Leonard.
In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl touch on a host of topics including the trade for Arron Afflalo, late-game struggles, and more.
On this, the 29th edition of the Rip City Report, Freeman and I discuss Portland’s perception nationally and how that might be different from the way similar teams are viewed, the upcoming stretch of games against playoff teams, the balancing act of coaching in the NBA, the health of Robin Lopez and Joel Freeland, the release of Damian Lillard first signature sneaker, the D Lillard 1, and his status as the most marketed Trail Blazer ever, Neil Olshey’s extension and new title and answer some of your questions submitted via Twitter. Oh, and there’s no intro this week, which shaves a good 10 seconds off your day which you can now devote to more important things.
Greetings on this, the last day of 2014. But before the odometer rolls over to 2015, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and I, Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net, hit the studio for one last podcast gasp of the year.
So please enjoy the 28th edition of the Rip City Report in which we talk about Portland not only staying afloat, but thriving without Robin Lopez, going 3-1 on the most recent road trip, the play of Joel Freeland, the shooting of Wesley Matthews, the team’s success in overtimes under Terry Stotts and the fluctuation of the bench rotation. We also answer some questions and talk probably more than we should of about my alma mater, the University of Oregon, taking on Joe’s first love, the Florida State Seminoles, in the Rose Bowl New Year’s Day.
In this edition we discuss the injury to Robin Lopez, how long he’ll be out, how the team might fare with him on the shelf and who might take his place for the foreseeable future. We also discuss the imminent return of CJ McCollum and how he might be worked back into the lineup after missing over a month with a broken right hand of his own, the brutality of the upcoming road trip and answer some of your Twitter questions. It’s Joe’s day off and I had a meeting to get to, so we tried to keep it short, but we cover all the important topics of the day. Spend that extra time with your families.
Off-day edition of the Rip City Report talks about the five game win streak and the return of LaMarcus Aldridge to the lineup and more.
In this week’s edition we consider Portland’s improved play in the second week of the season, the injury to Nicolas Batum and which player might take his place in the starting lineup, the passing of Sandra Zickefoose and the team’s response and finish off by answer a few Twitter questions. It’s our best podcast of the season!
The Portland Trail Blazers being the regular season by hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night at the Moda Center. To prepare, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and I, Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net, recorded the 23rd edition of the Rip City Report, which is now available for your listening pleasure.
In this edition, Joe and I discuss the rookie contract extensions given to Meyers Leonard and CJ McCollum, Thomas Robinson not being extended, the rotation going into the regular season, our thoughts on the matchup against an injury-riddled Thunder team and answer a few questions. We also throw in a couple food recommendations and a discussion genetically modified chicken. If nothing else, all the the mics worked this time, so that alone makes it a vast improvement over last week’s episode.
It’s been a bit quiet here in Rip City the last few days, so this week’s edition of the Rip City Report with Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and I, Casey Holdahl of various Trail Blazers digital properties, is a bit shorter than usual. But a discussion of topics including Portland’s somewhat boring preseason, whether the league should shorten the 82-game season and the premiere of “Exploring Kaman,” along with answering questions via Twitter, comes in at just under an hour. Hopefully it’s worth your time.
After playing two preseason games, both losses to the Utah Jazz, the Trail Blazers had their first off day of training camp on Friday, so it seemed like a good time to hit the studio to record the 21st edition of the Rip City Report podcast with Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and I, Casey Holdahl of ForwardCenter.net and TrailBlazers.com.
We got so many great questions from fans this week that we decided to devote the entire podcast to answering those queries to the best of our abilities. Topics range from what to make of Portland’s first two preseason performances and who will provide scoring off the bench to running down which Wu-Tang Clan Members each player on the team most closely aligns with. I predict this episode to be our most hated one yet!
Greetings from Las Vegas. Both Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and I, Casey Holdahl of this blog and Trailblazers.com, are in Sin City to cover Damian Lillard’s quest to make the USA Basketball roster for the 2014 FIBA World Cup, so we figured we might as well sit down and record the 19th edition of the Rip City Report.
In this offseason edition, we discuss how Lillard has performed during the four days of workouts and handicap his prospects of making the final roster. And in a Rip City Report first, Lillard joined the podcast to talk about the experience with USA Basketball, during which he was able to work in some devastating burns regarding Joe’s beard and my rapidly-receding hairline. It’s worth listening for that 30 seconds alone.
We also consider LaMarcus Aldridge’s decision to decline playing for USA Basketball at the World Cup, briefly touch upon the Trail Blazers’ performance at Summer League and congratulate Will Barton on becoming a father.
We’re (temporarily) back! Please enjoy this very special offseason edition of the Rip City Report podcast with Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and I, Casey Holdahl of this blog you’re currently reading.
In this edition we discuss the free agent signings of Chris Kaman and Steve Blake, LaMarcus Aldridge and the news that he’s waiting to until next year to sign an extension and the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League. We also answer a few questions, discuss Joe’s offseason beard and briefly discuss LeBron James returning to Cleveland. Enjoy!
The Trail Blazers’ 2013-14 season is over but there’s still some business to attend to, as we have to get out at least one last Rip City Report podcast with Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and myself, Casey Holdahl, of ForwardCenter.net and Trailblazers.com to get to, which we did Wednesday afternoon at the Moda Center
In this season-end edition of the Rip City Report, we discuss Portland’s loss to the Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals, exit interviews, Terry Stotts’ contract extension and answer questions about the draft, free agency and the improvement of young players. Give it a listen.
The Trail Blazers are one win again from advancing past the first round of the Western Conference playoffs for the first time since 2000, so it seemed like a good time to record the first playoff edition of Rip City Report podcast with Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and myself, Casey Holdahl, of ForwardCenter.net and Trailblazers.com.On this week’s edition, we discuss Game 4 of the first-round series between the Blazers and Rockets, Portland being up 3-1 heading back to Houston, the play of LaMarcus Aldridge and the guts of Wesley Matthews, the locker room presence of Mo Williams, Robin Lopez vs. Dwight Howard and the passing and legacy of former Trail Blazer coach and Hall of Famer Dr. Jack Ramsay. Listening this will certainly be a great way to pass the time between now and Game 5 on Wednesday.
Greetings and welcome to the postseason. Please enjoy the first playoff edition of the Rip City Report podcast with Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and myself, Casey Holdahl, of ForwardCenter.net and Trailblazers.com.On this week’s edition, we briefly discuss the end of the regular season before going all-in on the first-round playoff series versus the Rockets. We look at the position-by-position matchups, talk “X-factors,” how Joel Freeland might factor into Portland’s rotation and answer some questions via Twitter. It’s a bit longer than usual, but the Trail Blazers haven’t been in the playoffs in a while, so there’s plenty to discuss.
We’re in the final days of the 2013-14 regular season, but the Rip City Report podcast is still going strong with a new episode featuring Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and myself, Casey Holdahl, of ForwardCenter.net and Trailblazers.com.On this week’s edition we discuss discuss the Trail Blazers clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2011, the potential return of Joel Freeland and whether he changes Portland’s playoff rotation, which team the Trail Blazers matchup best with in the first round and answer fan submitted questions on the April 9 edition of the Rip City Report
Please enjoy the first Rip City Report of April with with Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and myself, Casey Holdahl, of ForwardCenter.net and Trailblazers.com. Who knew we’d make it to such an unlucky number.On this week’s edition we discuss Portland’s play since the return of LaMarcus Aldridge and the vastly improved play since then, the playoff race in the Western Conference, revisit our Dorell Wright vs. Will Barton bet, Thomas Robinson’s improved play and seizing control of the backup big man minutes, consider the field for Coach of the Year and where Terry Stotts fits in that conversation and answer from questions via Twitter. It’s a good way to get ready for the end of the regular season
Hello from Orlando. We’ve got our first road-recorded edition of the Rip City Report podcast with Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and myself, Casey Holdahl, of ForwardCenter.net and Trailblazers.com cover a whole range of topics from Portland’s play in the last 10 games, their 0-2 start to the road trip, when LaMarcus Aldridge and Joel Freeland might return from injury and whether there’s any danger of the Blazers missing the playoffs completely. This version is going to sound a little different seeing as how it was recorded in a hotel rather than our usual studio, but the high quality Blazers talk you’ve come to expect from the Rip City Report is the same.
On this week’s edition we discuss Portland’s issue winning close games, whether the team is struggling with a lack of confidence, playing without LaMarcus Aldridge and Dorell Wright as a starter and why director Wes Anderson needs to stop kidding himself. There’s a little something for everyone.
On this week’s show we discuss Portland’s ability to do better than tread water despite injuries, the play of Nicolas Batum, the peculiarity of Trail Blazers fans, whether Will Barton will be in the rotation going forward this season, Robin Lopez’s value and and answer a couple of fan questions
Greetings Trail Blazers fans. After a few weeks off, The Rip City Report with The Oregonian’s Joe Freeman and myself, Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com and ForwardCenter.net, is back for a ninth edition for your listening pleasure.On this week’s episode we discuss Portland’s quiet trade deadline and why no deals were made, LaMarcus Aldridge’s injury and it’s impact on the team going forward, the swoon in the last 10 games and answer a couple of fan questions
On this week’s episode we discuss LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard being named Western Conference All-Stars, if any other Trail Blazers will join them in the dunk or three-point contest, Portland’s 8-6 record in January and answer a few fan questions.
The Portland Trail Blazers play their 42nd game of the season tonight versus the Denver Nuggets at the Moda Center, which means you’ve got just enough time to listen to the Rip City Report Midseason Review featuring Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and the man Brandon Roy once called “the white Rick Ross,” Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com.In this week’s episode we look back at the first 41 games of the season, recap the awards from Freeman’s midseason review and discuss some of the best meals from the road.
In this week’s podcast we discuss Portland’s shaky start to 2014, the upcoming road trip through Texas, the “fluid rotation” with Thomas Robinson and Meyers Leonard, the play of CJ McCollum and we finish off by arguing if LaMarcus Aldridge recently stating that he’d like to re-sign in Portland was a part of the plan he implemented this summer. We also answer some of your questions sent in via email (RipCityReport [at] hotmail.com for those wondering). Oh, and Joe talks about Florida State, but don’t let that stop you from listening.
Please to enjoy the first edition of Rip Cit Report, a joint podcast between Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and yours truly. Topic include the recent 4-0 road trip and Portland’s hot start, Wesley Matthews’ ridiculous shooting percentage, accepting and appreciating LaMarcus Aldridge, recommendations on where to find the best breakfast wrap in Portland, the possibly incorrect origins of the term “boat race” and a few reviews of movies watched on the road.
Consider listening to the third installment of the Rip City Report podcast featuring Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and the person writing these words, Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com and Forwardcenter.net.In this week’s podcast we look at Portland’s status as the top team in the Western Conference after a 4-1 week, the efficiency of the offense and how it stacks up against the rest of the NBA, the play of Robin Lopez and why he isn’t going anywhere, Joe’s resistance to Facebook, running out onto the court and a few other topics.
Please enjoy the second episode of the Rip City Report podcast featuring Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and some guy named Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com and ForwardCenter.net.In this week’s podcast we discuss the victory versus the Pacers, Portland’s multifaceted offensive attack, team chemistry, the leadership and play of LaMarcus Aldridge and give a few movie reviews, though one of the reviews doesn’t count as I haven’t yet finished the movie.
After a week off, the Rip City Report, featuring Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and yours truly of Trailblazers.com, is back for a fourth episode. On this week’s podcast we discuss the most recent returns from All-Star voting and whether LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard make the cut, Meyers Leonard getting backup minutes over Thomas Robinson and if it even matters, the minutes distribution of Portland’s starting lineup a few local restaurant recommendations and finish it off by Joe and I arguing about when you should turn your phone off at the movie theater.It’s a bit long and I sound rather nasally thanks to some post-Christmas congestion, but I hope you’ll still enjoy listening.
It’s Thursday, which means a new episode of the Rip City Report featuring Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and myself, Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com, is available for your listening pleasure. On this week’s podcast we discuss the Trail Blazers ‘ victory against the Thunder and the artificial noise in Oklahoma City, the upcoming slate of home games, rookie CJ McCollum being sent to the D-League and why I don’t drink champagne on New Year’s Eve.And we’ve got an email address for the podcast! If you’ve got question, comments or complaints, send those to RipCityReport@hotmail.com. We’ll read ever last one of them, and reply to most.