Holy Backboard

Dustin and I talk about the Blazers' moves in Free Agency, how we feel about each move, the potential fit with Dame, and who will be the starting Small Forward. Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22.

Dustin and Sage recap the last Portland Trail Blazers week: a messy 124–114 win over Utah marked by 46 threes and 24 turnovers, a frustrating 109–103 loss to a short-handed Philadelphia team despite a fast start, and a 114–95 win over a talent-thin Brooklyn squad. They highlight Scoot Henderson's efficient scoring in limited minutes and strong on-ball defense, plus Donovan Clingan's rebounding, rim protection, and growing poise. The hosts criticize Portland's high turnover rate, poor three-point shooting, and lack of offensive structure under acting head coach Tiago Splitter, and discuss how incoming ownership (Tom Dundon) could trigger front office and coaching changes. They also debate eight-player expansion protections, preview prospects for March Madness, and briefly touch on the WNBA.

In the 435th Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage recap Portland's last stretch, including a lethargic road trip (wins over Chicago and Memphis, blowouts vs. Charlotte and Atlanta, and a competitive loss to Houston), a strong Scoot Henderson bounce-back game vs. Indiana, and a frustrating late collapse vs. the Hornets despite a 19-point lead. They debate Scoot's recent struggles, praising his off-ball defense while criticizing how his minutes were handled, and question prioritizing veterans like Jrue Holiday and Jeremy Grant over development, including Donovan Clingan's usage. They argue that coaching and organizational decisions are hurting the team's offense, defense, and fundamentals, express broader frustration with management, then preview upcoming games against Utah, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn, and briefly discuss draft/watchlist college prospects.

In the 434th Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage  recap a Lunar New Year event before discussing the Portland Trail Blazers' uneven post–All-Star stretch: an embarrassing 157–103 loss to Denver, a 92–77 win at Phoenix, and a close 124–121 loss to Minnesota, leaving Portland 28–31 and effectively fighting for the 10th seed and poor lottery odds. They criticize coaching decisions and recurring defensive lapses, argue Jrue Holiday's on-ball/clutch role and turnovers are hurting development, and push for more responsibility and possibly starting Scoot Henderson. They highlight Donovan Clingan's strong play, including a big game vs Phoenix, and call for more usage and better schematic support. Major injuries include Shaedon Sharpe's left fibula stress reaction, ending his season, and ongoing concerns about Deni Avdija's back. They preview games at Chicago, Charlotte, and Atlanta, and discuss the roster

In the 429th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage discuss the challenges of aging, the current season's impact on the Portland Trail Blazers, and the development of players. They discuss recent games, injury updates for key players like Deni Avdija  and Jerami Grant, and assess the Blazers' playoff chances. Discover mid-season evaluations of players like Shaedon Sharpe and Donovan Clingan, potential trade rumors, and the team's strategy moving forward. Join for an in-depth look at Rip City's hopes and hurdles.

In the 428th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss their holiday experiences and delve into the current state of the Portland Trail Blazers. They examine the team's recent performance, notable wins, player development, and injury updates. The podcast highlights Donovan Clingan's improvement, the strategic challenges posed by upcoming games against strong opponents like the Rockets, Knicks, and Warriors, and the potential impact of trade decisions and player injuries on the team's future. The episode also explores the controversial strategy of fouling when ahead by three and outlines potential roster adjustments that may be necessary due to the impending 50-game cap for two-way contract players Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko.

Welcome to the 426th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast with Dustin and Sage! In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges and highlights of the Portland Trail Blazers' recent games. We discuss their performance against Cleveland, Detroit, and Memphis and address key issues, including injuries, poor officiating, and the team's struggle with consistency. Despite a tough season, there is optimism with the return of key players and an easier upcoming schedule. We also preview the Blazers' upcoming matchups against the New Orleans Pelicans and Golden State Warriors, emphasizing the importance of smart play and effort. Tune in for a detailed analysis and insights into what lies ahead for the Portland Trail Blazers.  

In the 425th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage cover a wide range of topics, from  Thanksgiving recaps to in-depth analysis of the Portland Trail Blazers' recent performance. Listen as they discuss the impact of key injuries, defensive struggles, and the potential for future trades, including a hypothetical acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. They also provide detailed recaps of recent games and preview upcoming matchups against Cleveland, Detroit, and Memphis. Tune in for insightful commentary, strategic breakdowns, and a passionate take on the current state of the Blazers

In the 422nd edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss a week filled with ups and downs for the Portland Trail Blazers. We delve into the Blazers' recent games against the Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers, analyzing key plays and player performances. They also provide insights on the Blazers' defensive struggles, the impact of injuries, and how they can turn things around in upcoming games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic. Join them as they bring you the latest updates and in-depth analysis on Blazers basketball!

We discuss the shocking news of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups' arrest by the federal government for money laundering and wire fraud related to an illegal poker ring tied to the mafia. The hosts recount how they learned about the news and its implications for the team, both on and off the court. They examine the potential severe repercussions for Billups, including insider trading charges related to NBA games, and the possible fallout for the Trail Blazers organization. Despite the severity of the situation, the podcast sees a silver lining for the team with Tiago Splitter stepping in as the interim head coach, offering a fresh opportunity for the franchise. The hosts emphasize the need for structural changes and improved regulations in the NBA to handle such scandals effectively and maintain the integrity of the sport.  

Dustin and I discuss Damian Lillard's return to Portland. The pros, cons, the potential roster building, relationship building and the proper marketing 

In the 414th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage dive deep into the Portland Trail Blazers' choices during the 2025 NBA Draft. They discuss the controversial selection of  Hansen Yang, the Blazers' strategy, and the implications for the team's future. The conversation spans various topics, including the perplexing direction of the Blazers' front office, the potential of their new picks, and the competitive landscape of the NBA. They also touch on standout performers and winners of the draft, as well as projections for the upcoming Summer League.

Dustin and I work together to create a mock draft! 

In this episode of Future Friday, Dillon and Dustin dive into one of the most intriguing prospects in the NBA Draft:Cedric Coward . Known as the "man of mystery," Coward's game sparks debate, with Dillon taking a more cautious stance on his potential, while Dustin sees high upside. Together, they break down: Coward's biggest strengths and where he thrives on the court The key weaknesses that could impact his transition to the NBA How fit, role, and development could make or break his pro career This episode gives listeners a balanced, thoughtful look at one of the Draft's most polarizing players.

In the 409th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage discuss Illinois combo guard Kasparas Jakučionis, a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft. They go into detail on Kasparas Jakučionis's measurements, skills, and performance stats from his season at Illinois, discussing his potential as a lottery pick. The episode also examines Kasparas Jakučionis's strengths, including his rebounding, shooting, and ability to apply rim pressure, as well as his areas for improvement, like turnovers and ball handling. The discussion touches on his fit with the Portland Trail Blazers and his potential for growth in the NBA. They also briefly touch on other prospects and upcoming content in preparation for the draft. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:20 Player Profile:Kasparas Jakučionis 04:13 Kasparas Jakučionis's Strengths and Skills 10:18 Concerns and Areas for Improvement 16:28 Comparisons and Potential 19:59 Draft Strategy and Final Thoughts 23:09 Closing Remarks and Future Content

Dustin and I talk about some burning questions about the 2025 NBA draft. 

Dustin and I talk about Maryland's Derik Queen. We talk about the sky high potential and the real potential of him failing. 

In this episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' current situation and potential moves they could make during the NBA off-season. Topics include evaluating whether the team should package assets for a superstar player or let the current young core develop further. The hosts delve into several trade scenarios, analyzing players like Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Trae Young, and Domantas Sabonis, weighing their fit with the Blazers' existing roster and long-term plans. The episode also discusses the importance of drafting well, managing contracts wisely, and developing underutilized talent. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for innovative, strategic moves rather than high-risk trades.

In the 404th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast,  Dustin and Sage provide their latest thoughts on the Portland Trail Blazers and the various events with the franchise. They discuss the team's new ownership, Chauncey Billups' contract being extended, and what we think the ownership change and extension(s) mean for the franchise's future and stability within the organization. We also discuss different components of the upcoming NBA draft, specifically the Blazer's draft positioning and various players they might look to draft. We assess how players fit together along with the needs down the road for the Blazers as they try to figure out their strategy in the future. Lastly, the podcast raises the common debate around whether the NBA draft is rigged and assesses whether player development may impact how we view the quality of franchise decision-making.