Holy Backboard

  Dustin and Sage recap the 442nd Holy Backboard Podcast after the Trail Blazers squandered two home playoff chances against the Spurs, falling behind 3–1 and feeling the season is near its end. They break down Game 3's 120–108 loss after leading 82–67 late in the third, criticizing late-game iso-heavy offense, lack of ball movement, turnovers, and poor rebounding, even without Wemby. They then cover Game 4's 114–93 defeat despite a 58–41 halftime lead, highlighting a disastrous second half, defensive communication failures, and embarrassingly low scoring. They argue that Portland underachieved all season, stress the need for better coaching, clearer roles, more shooting, and two-way players, critique Jrue Holiday's high-usage mistakes, and discuss the absence of vocal/emotional leadership. They also note a lackluster playoff arena atmosphere and outline hopes for Game 5: start Rob Williams, empower younger players, compete with effort, and avoid injuries.  

Dustin and Sage recap Game 2 immediately after Portland's 106–103 comeback win in San Antonio to tie the series 1–1 heading to Portland for Games 3 and 4. They break down Victor Wembanyama leaving with a concussion after a Jrue Holiday play, discuss concussion protocol timelines, and note the impact of potentially losing him for multiple games. The hosts highlight Scoot Henderson's game-high 31 points and his growing comfort hunting midrange looks, as well as the importance of late-game rebounding and limiting live-ball turnovers. They praise Robert Williams' two-way impact, discuss Toumani Camara's bounce-back defense and timely threes, and examine Deni Avdija's drop from a historic Game 1 to a tougher Game 2 due to the Spurs' defensive focus. They criticize Jerami Grant's struggles, debate rotation tweaks, preview Game 3 X-factors, and predict a physical battle.

Dustin and Sage recap the Blazers' 114–110 win over Phoenix in a high-stakes, Amazon Prime–only broadcast, criticizing the lack of local access while celebrating Deni Avdija's dominant 41/12/7 performance and Portland's late-game execution. They argue Portland didn't deserve the win based on a sloppy, three-heavy start, but credit improved rhythm, clutch rim pressure from Deni and Shaedon, and key corner threes and a late strip from Jerami Grant. They highlight bench advantages (33 points vs Phoenix's 17), defensive work on Devin Booker, and debate Tiago Splitter's rotation choices, heavy minutes for Jrue Holiday, and the need to trust Scoot Henderson. The episode then previews a tough Round 1 matchup with the 62-win Spurs, emphasizing turnovers, three-point shooting, rebounding, and slowing San Antonio's speed, with cautious series predictions ranging from a sweep to a six-game series.

Dustin and Sage recap Portland's two straight wins, a 116–97 victory over the Clippers and a 122–110 win over the Kings, noting the team's composure, defense, and ball security in a high-leverage spot plus the return of Shaedon Sharpe. They discuss injury/availability expectations (likely everyone except Jerami Grant and Damian Lillard), debate keeping a tight eight-to-nine-man rotation, and highlight Scoot Henderson's surge as a confident two-way guard. They break down Deni Avdija's standout 35-point game and the importance of scoring through contact rather than hunting fouls, plus concerns about inconsistent shooting from key players. Looking ahead to the play-in in Phoenix, they emphasize limiting turnovers, attacking matchups, involving Devin Booker on defense, and making Donovan Clingan a focal point, with Robert Williams and Kris Murray cited as potential unsung contributors.

Dustin and Sage break down the 438th Holy Backboard Podcast as the Blazers near the end of the season with Shaedon Sharpe and Vít Krejčí potentially returning, stressing strict minutes for Sharpe and hoping for more Sharpe–Scoot time. They recap two road losses: a gut-punch OT collapse in Denver after an 18-point fourth-quarter lead despite a franchise-record 25 threes, and a 112–101 loss to San Antonio. They cite Portland's failure to win non-Jokic minutes, inability to get stops, and predictable late-game offense, plus Toumani Camara's foul trouble as a turning point; Camara is praised as the week's best Blazer with improved confidence and defense. They discuss the better use of Donovan Clingan vs small lineups, frustrations with Portland's roster depth vs the Spurs, and preview a high-stakes home game vs the Clippers to decide play-in positioning and tiebreakers, while also reassessing Scoot Henderson's progress and fixable finishing issues.

Dustin and Sage return for the 437th Holy Backboard Podcast after illness and recap roughly two weeks of Portland Trail Blazers action and standings. Portland sits 40–38 with four games left (Nuggets, Spurs, Clippers, Kings), jockeying for position around the 7–10 play-in spots, with a pivotal April 10 home game against the Clippers likely deciding seeding via conference-record tiebreakers. They review big wins over the Nets, Giannis-less Bucks, Wizards, Clippers (114–104), and Pelicans (118–106), and a frustrating loss to the Mavericks marked by missed layups, turnovers, and free throws. They discuss injuries/uncertainty surrounding Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams, and Jerami Grant, critique coaching/rotation decisions, especially the limited development minutes for Scoot Henderson and the usage of Donovan Clingan, and debate play-in matchups, preferring the Spurs over the Thunder. They also discuss excitement for the WNBA's return to Portland ,but criticize the WNBA expansion draft presentation and touch on hopes and worries about new Blazers ownership.  

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

Dustin and Sage recap the Portland Trail Blazers' week: ending a six-game losing streak with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies in Scoot Henderson's return, a second win over Memphis, a 49-point third quarter blowout of the 76ers (with Joel Embiid out), a road loss to the Timberwolves, and an ugly but successful closeout win over the Utah Jazz highlighted by Donovan Clingan's big stat line. They discuss Scoot's impact as a playmaker, his improved scoring efficiency, and concerns about fouls, turnovers, shooting variance, and pace, as well as frustration that Scoot and Shaedon Sharpe have barely played together due to Sharpe's calf strain and other injuries. The episode highlights Toumani Camara's strong recent stretch (including a big game vs. the 76ers and defense on Tyrese Maxey) and Clingan's growth as a rebounder, passer, shot blocker, and occasional floor spacer, while noting team issues like rebounding, turnovers, and struggles versus stretch bigs. They assess Portland's play-in positioning around the All-Star break, argue coaching has contributed to fundamental mistakes and an unsustainable fast pace, and debate roster decisions involving two-way limits (City Sissoko and Caleb Love), Matisse Thybulle's roster spot, and potential cuts. The conversation also shifts to league-wide tanking incentives and possible fixes to the draft system, recommends a Locked On Blazers episode about the possibility of the Blazers leaving Portland and Moda Center renovation plans, and closes with thoughts on All-Star Weekend  

Welcome to the 431st edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast! Hosts Dustin and Sage delve into the Portland Trail Blazers' recent performance, highlighting the highs and lows of their latest games against teams such as the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards. They discuss key player performances, game stats, and areas for improvement, such as free throw shooting and defense. The episode also speculates on potential trade moves ahead of the deadline, focusing on rumors involving players like Jrue Holiday and the impact of possible trades on the team's future. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of the Blazers' current standing and strategic insights on how they can bounce back in the upcoming games! 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Welcome 00:14 Recap of Recent Games 02:33 Analyzing Team Performance 03:17 Free Throw Woes and Shooting Struggles 06:27 Defensive Issues and Player Limitations 20:03 Trade Deadline Speculations 26:46 The Giannis Trade Dilemma 27:16 Evaluating Giannis' Value and Trade Options 28:10 Potential Trade Packages for Giannis 29:55 Risks and Rewards of Trading for Giannis 36:14 Blazers' Upcoming Games and Predictions 46:36 Final Thoughts and Trade Deadline Speculations  

In the 430th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage discuss the Portland Trail Blazers recent performance, standing at 22-22 and ninth in the Western Conference. They analyze the team's games against the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings, highlighting key players like Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan. The hosts also provide insights into upcoming games against the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards, debating strategies and potential outcomes. With the NBA trade deadline approaching, they consider possible roster moves and reflect on the Blazers' development and playoff prospects. Tune in for an in-depth chat about the Blazers journey, key players' performances, and future outlook!

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 427th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast! Join Dustin and Sage as they delve into the latest happenings with the Portland Trail Blazers. They discuss Sage's basketball card collection hobby and provide personal updates, including Dustin's upcoming holiday plans and a string of unfortunate events involving his glasses and chiropractic visits.  Key highlights include an in-depth analysis of the Trail Blazers' performance, focusing on crucial games against teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons, and Orlando Magic. The hosts ponder trade possibilities for key players like Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday, and explore the challenges and strategies the Blazers must navigate to achieve their trade season and playoff aspirations. They also talk about the development of young talent like Shaedon Sharpe and the potential of players like Yang Hanson in the G League. Dive into the intricacies of the Blazers roster dynamics, trade scenarios, and what it will take for them to secure a playoff spot. Happy Holidays to all and Go Blazers!  

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 424th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss the recent performance of the Portland Trailblazers, who suffered a challenging week, dropping to a 6-8 record for the season. The hosts analyze the team's gameplay, including a win over the Pelicans, a significant loss to the Rockets, which prompted a players-only meeting, and disappointing defeats to the Mavericks and Suns. They delve into the team's declining fast break points, defensive struggles, and the impact of injuries on performance. Key players, such as Deni Avdia, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan, are discussed in terms of their roles and potential. Predictions for upcoming games against the Bulls, Warriors, Thunder, and Bucks are made, with an emphasis on strategies Portland might employ to improve their standing. The episode also reflects on the need for the team to adapt their playstyle and address gaps in defense and execution.  

The Blazers sit at 5–5,  Dustin and Sage break down a wild week featuring a 22-point comeback vs. OKC, frustrating road losses, and the continued rise of Shaedon Sharpe. They dive into Clingan's growth, Camara's struggles, and why Portland's pace might be their biggest enemy. It's a mix of optimism and frustration, but caring about this team again feels so good.  

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!

In this week's crossover from Holy Backboard, Dustin and Sage break down the Blazers' chaotic but compelling 2–2 start. With Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach after Chauncey Billups' shocking arrest, Portland is running wild, fifth in pace, first in steals, and leading the league in forced turnovers. The duo calls it organized chaos: a defensive, fast-breaking brand of basketball that's fun, frantic, and surprisingly effective.   They dive deep into the team's strengths (effort, pace, and defense) and growing pains (turnovers, half-court stagnation, and shaky rebounding). The episode explores how players like Shaden Sharpe, Jrue Holiday, and Donovan Clingan fit into this new identity, and what adjustments might be needed once Scoot Henderson returns.   It's an episode about tempo, tenacity, and testing identity  a reminder that in Rip City, chaos has never looked this organized.  

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.  

In the 419th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage kick off the Blazers' season opener with an in-depth analysis of recent player extensions and roster strategy. They discuss the contract extensions of Toumani Camara   and Shaedon Sharpe, emphasizing Sharpe's potential value compared to other young guards. Concerns around the Blazers' bench depth and the impact of injuries are expressed, alongside predictions for the first four games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers. 

Welcome to the 418th edition of The Holy Backboard Podcast! Hosts Dustin and Sage return after a break and delve into various topics, including their summer activities, the WNBA playoffs, and their upcoming plans. The main focus of this episode is an in-depth discussion on the Portland Trail Blazers' upcoming season, the impact of Scoot Henderson's injury, and the challenges the team faces. The duo also provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Western Conference, presenting their predictions and insights for each team. Tune in to hear their thoughts on the Blazers' roster, potential season outcomes, and their Western Conference Finals predictions. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode!  

In the 417th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' offseason moves, analyzing trades, draft picks, and free-agent signings. Major talking points include the trade of Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday, the drafting of Yang Hansen, and the mid-level exception used to bring Damian Lillard back. They critique the overall strategy and ponder the team's future direction, emphasizing the importance of player development. The episode also features a segment where they build all-time NBA teams from a randomized list of franchises.

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 415th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' offseason moves and provide an in-depth analysis of the team's recent trades, draft picks, and contract negotiations. They analyze Joe Cronin's 'confusing and unexpected' summer, highlighting key trades like acquiring Jrue Holiday and moving Deandre Ayton. The podcast covers the drafting of Yang Hanson, Summer League expectations, and the importance of roster flexibility. They also consider the potential implications of Robert Williams' performance, the need for improved team shooting, and the strategic future of players like Jerami Grant. Additionally, the hosts touch upon the WNBA team branding issues and reflect on Portland's sports management.

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.

Welcome to the 413th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast! In this special emergency edition, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss the unexpected late-night trade of Jrue Holiday for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. They dive into the implications of Holiday's arrival for the Portland Trail Blazers, the impact on the team's defense, and how this move aligns with Portland's focus on two-way versatility. The episode also covers the potential changes in the Blazers' strategy for the upcoming NBA Draft and evaluates how the trade affects roster spots and player development. Please listen to their detailed analysis and immediate reactions to this significant trade.

On the 412th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss Rasheer Fleming, a top NBA draft prospect from Saint Joseph's. They dive into his impressive physical tools, college statistics, and potential fit with the Portland Trailblazers. The conversation explores Fleming's defensive strengths, offensive role, and the importance of his development. The episode also covers the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft and the value of drafting players with high floors and potential. Join Dustin and Sage as they explain why Rasheer Fleming could be a standout pick for the Blazers.

Dustin and I work together to create a mock draft! 

Kobe Brea, a standout college basketball player known for his exceptional shooting skills. Hailing from the Bronx, New York, Brea played for Dayton before transferring to Kentucky. Despite testing poorly in physical metrics at the combine, his shooting remains unparalleled. He shot 43% from three-point range on six attempts per game, demonstrating versatility by excelling in catch-and-shoot situations and shooting off the dribble. I discuss his potential fit in the NBA, particularly with the Portland Trailblazers, emphasizing his shooting ability, intelligence, and supplementary skills like cutting and passing. Brea could be an early second-round pick and highly valuable to teams needing shooting.

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.

Dillon Sage discusses NBA draft prospect Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7'2", 257-pound center from Creighton, ranked as the 32nd prospect and 50th center. Sage emphasizes the importance of understanding the current draft class's big talent, especially small ball fives, and highlights Ryan Kalkbrenner's potential as a platoon center for elite teams. Kalkbrenner's impressive hands, shot-blocking, and rebounding abilities make him a valuable role player, capable of providing solid minutes off the bench. Sage compares Cochran to players like Hassan Whiteside and Walker Kessler, noting his ability to block shots and defend the paint despite not being a flashy player. With a limited number of traditional bigs in the draft, Sage believes Kalkbrenner could be a first-round pick and a valuable addition to teams needing a reliable center.

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

Dillon Sage discusses the strengths and weaknesses of Noah Penda, a player from LA Man's French team, who is set to enter the draft at 20 years old. Weighing 225 pounds and standing between 6'6" and 6'8", Penda is examined in terms of his role and performance. Although categorized as a small forward, Sage argues that Penda is more suited as a power forward due to his athleticism and playstyle. While his three-point shooting is poor, Penda excels in passing, team defense, and making winning plays. Sage highlights Penda's potential as a valuable team-oriented player, drawing comparisons to Najee Marshall. Despite some defensive limitations, Penda's versatility makes him a strong first-round draft prospect.

Dillon Sage provides an in-depth analysis of Illinois freshman Will Riley, a versatile 6'9" shooting guard and small forward from Ontario, ranked 12th on ESPN's top 100. Sage discusses Riley's college performance, emphasizing his strengths as a cutter and a shooter while noting his struggles with shot selection, strength, and agility. Despite a poor max vert and lane agility, Riley impresses with his standing reach and playmaking abilities. Sage projects Riley's potential role in the NBA, particularly for teams like the Blazers. He highlights his offensive capabilities, need for role clarity, and potential to improve with better shot selection and strength training. Sage concludes by hinting at future analyses of other promising players.

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

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of Labaron Philon, a point guard from Alabama. Standing 6'4" with a wingspan of 6'6", Philon is ranked 32nd in ESPN's Top 100. Though his vertical leap is subpar, his sprint speed, standing reach, and defensive capabilities stand out. His offense is inconsistent, marked by a 31% three-point shooting rate and a tendency to struggle to finish at the rim. Despite this, his playmaking abilities and defensive prowess make him a valuable prospect. Philon's defensive skills, intelligence, and willingness to do the dirty work are highlighted, suggesting that NBA teams would benefit from developing his balance and shooting skills. Sage ranks him highly due to his potential to be a great defending point guard and offensive conductor.

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 this episode, Dillon Sage analyzes NBA prospect Thomas Sorber, a 6'10" power forward/center with a 7'6" wingspan from Trent, New Jersey. Ranked 56th in ESPN's top 100 players, Sorber is noted for his 'bully ball' mentality, exceptional footwork, and defensive playmaking skills. His ability to finish around the rim, catch difficult passes, and potential for improved shooting and playmaking make him a promising candidate for the NBA. Sage compares Sorber to Wendell Carter and pre-injury Jusuf Nurkić and suggests that teams in need of a center, especially those picking between 10th and 20th, consider drafting Sorber.

 The 405th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosted by Dustin and Sage, discusses the outcomes of the NBA draft lottery and conducts its second mock draft. Focused on picks 1 through 14, the podcast debates team needs conspiracies, and draft strategies for the top lottery picks, with in-depth analysis of prospects like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. We provide insights into rising stars' fits and future potential and speculate on potential trades and long-term team-building strategies, particularly for the Portland Trail Blazers and other lottery teams.

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.

Dillon Sage presents an analysis of Egor Demin, a 6-foot-9 point guard/shooting guard from Moscow, Russia. Deadman has two years of high school basketball experience at the Moscow Basketball Academy and years of college basketball experience with BYU. Dillon looks at Demin's passing and shooting ability in different ways. Dillon recognizes that Demin can make complex passing plays, but he does mention that Demin struggles with making plays off the dribble and getting by defenders without a screen. Demin's shooting percentages are low, and Dillon believes they can improve if Demin takes fewer off-balance shots and less contested shots. 

On this 403rd episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Dillon discuss the promising Duke University prospect Kon Knueppel. We analyze his impressive basketball analytics, debating his ranking among other top players. Standing at 6'7", Knipple demonstrates excellent shooting and playmaking abilities, leading Duke to many victories despite team injuries. We compare Knipple to renowned players like Desmond Bane and Jeff Hornacek, providing a familiar reference point for our audience and enhancing their understanding of Knipple's potential. They also discuss how Knipple fits within the Portland Trail Blazers' roster and speculate on draft strategies.

 the 402nd episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage delve into their first mock draft of the 2025 NBA draft cycle. The duo chronicles each pick from the lottery, starting with the Utah Jazz selecting Duke's Cooper Flag and the Miami Heat getting Dylan Harper. They provide in-depth analysis of the potential of each prospect, discussing fit and future projections for various teams. Highlights include the Portland Trail Blazers landing Jace Richardson from Michigan State at 11th. We share their thoughts on the forward's fit and potential impact in the NBA. The episode epitomizes their enthusiasm for mock drafts and comprehensively summarizes the projected lottery picks.

In the 401st edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage delve into various topics concerning the Portland Trail Blazers. We provide a comprehensive update on the Blazers' standings and recent games. There is also an insightful analysis of the Blazers' future, discussing draft strategies, player evaluations, and the potential impact of recent contract extensions, particularly for Joe Cronin. Furthermore, the consequences of tanking in the NBA are examined, alongside thoughts on coaching strategies and possible changes to the Blazers' roster and staff, mainly focusing on Chauncey Billups' future with the team. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the Blazers' mock draft, which will take place next episode. 

In the 400th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage. We talk about the Blazers' recent victories and struggles, particularly focusing on the standout performances of players like Deni and Shaedon, and the impact of injuries on the team. We also address the Blazers' playoff chances and criticize the team's management and medical staff decisions. Additionally, they cover the Memphis Grizzlies' surprising coaching changes and share their predictions for the March Madness tournament, highlighting standout college players like Cooper Flag. The episode wraps up with a trivia segment on Portland's draft picks.