The injury bug has, at this point, burrowed itself into the Portland Trail Blazers roster. Nassir Little is likely out for the season. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress is joined by his new co-host, Craig Birnbach. You may recognize Craig from his many years as a sports broadcaster at KATU-TV. He now works part-time as a studio host for the Trail Blazers during road games Craig and Aaron discussed: · Little’s loss and his emergence this season · The return of G...
Jan 28, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Portland’s iron man, Damian Lillard, is going under the knife Thursday. While this news has seemingly been coming for days now, it's officially here. What does it all mean for Rip City? On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, beat reporter Aaron Fentress is joined by former Blazers radio play-by-play guy Brian Wheeler to discuss the Lillard news, the ownership question marks and much more. They discussed: · Dame’s abdomen · What Joe Cronin might do before the trade deadline · The s...
Jan 13, 2022•52 min
Portland’s season from hell continues, but the Trail Blazers have a prime opportunity amid the chaos. On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, reporter Aaron Fentress and Joe Freeman agreed (gasp!) that this brutal season offers a chance the successful franchise hasn’t often had because of the brilliance of one Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr.: Make the draft lottery. On this episode they discussed: Is it even possible to save the season? Whether Dame is ready to sit now, given the a...
Jan 07, 2022•33 min
It's not a ton of fun to watch Portland Trail Blazers basketball at the moment. On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Aron Yohannes discuss the rough times in Rip City and what could happen to lead the team out of it. They hit on: Recapping some of the rough times Lillard’s struggles continue A killer road schedule looms Trade talk. Who might be on the move? What players could move the needle to keep Dame happy See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out infor...
Dec 16, 2021•53 min
Portland Trail Blazers fans heard from Joe Cronin, the franchise's interim general manager, for the first time this week. It felt like a new era, but the team is still riddled with question marks and is at the center of trade rumors across the NBA. On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Aaron Fentress and Andrew Theen discuss Cronin's debut, what it felt and sounded like and what it may mean for the franchise. They discussed: Cronin's easy style and gentle demeanor His chances to land the job ...
Dec 10, 2021•47 min
Neil Olshey, the architect of the Portland Trail Blazers for the past decade, was fired Friday. On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, beat writer Aaron Fentress is joined by Joe Freeman and Andrew Theen to break down the latest dramatic news in Rip City, which came about a month after news first broke about an investigation into Olshey's workplace conduct. They discussed: Thoughts on the firing Olshey's legacy What this means for the roster/team Potential replacements How this roc...
Dec 04, 2021•1 hr 7 min
A longtime Portland reporter who covered the Trail Blazers for decades has a new biography about one of the franchise’s most popular players. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress chats with longtime Portland journalist Kerry Eggers. Fentress talked to Eggers about his biography, “Jerome Kersey: Overcoming the Odds” and much more. They discussed: · How Jerome became such a good rebounder · His upbringing and college career · The reporting process · What kept Jerome...
Nov 26, 2021•31 min
The Blazers are accustomed to tough starts to the season during the Lillard era, but this season is unlikely any other because of the coaching change, Dame's struggles and other factors. On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, podcasts editor Andrew Theen is joined by Mike Acker, a freelance contributor to The Oregonian/OregonLive. They discussed: The up and down start Recapping the thrilling Bulls game Nance and Nurk and the small-ball five possibilities Nas getting to make mistakes in crunch ...
Nov 19, 2021•35 min
On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, beat writer Aaron Fentress and Joe Freeman discussed the investigation into alleged workplace misconduct by Neil Olshey, team president of basketball operations. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Craig Birnbach has an NCAA championship ring. Now he wants some bigger hardware [kidding, sorta]. On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress is joined by one of the newest members of the Trail Blazers broadcasting team. Craig Birnbach is no stranger to anyone who has been around the NBA or sports media in the past decade and change. Birnbach worked at KATU-TV as a sports broadcaster for 12 years and has now joined the Trail Blazers broadcasting team. On this episode, Aar...
Nov 05, 2021•1 hr 11 min
The Portland Trail Blazers have been up front so far that the season would likely include some up and downs as the team adjusted to a new coach, a new defensive system and tweaks on the offensive side. That’s been true to form. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Andrew Theen discuss the first four games of the season and snap takeaways from the 2-2 split. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: - Dame’s struggles and CJ’s brilliance - Anfernee breaki...
Oct 28, 2021•46 min
The NBA season kicks off Oct. 20 and there is drama galore: Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving, more super teams. On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Aaron Fentress is joined by colleague Aron Yohannes (a Milwaukee Bucks superfan) to discuss the storylines ahead. They discussed the Blazers' ceiling with a new coach and some new pieces and storylines across the Association. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 19, 2021•1 hr 7 min
The Oregonian/OregonLive's Aaron Fentress and Andrew Theen discuss the Trail Blazers' preseason opener. Them chatted about Jusuf Nurkic shooting more threes, Anfernee Simons running the second unit and the defensive struggles. They also discussed Nassir Little, Dame off ball action and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 06, 2021•41 min
The Portland Trail Blazers held their media day this week, and all the talking points were strong. This is a team focused on defense, where roles will be accepted and leaders will be held responsible. On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, beat writer Aaron Fentress is joined by Joe Freeman to discuss what to make of media day, training camp and the storylines to come. They hit on Larry Nance Jr., accountability, Dame's strongest statements yet that he's still all in on Rip City, CJ's maturity...
Sep 29, 2021•49 min
Basketball time is nearly here! On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Andrew Theen discuss some of the key storylines surrounding the team as it approaches training camp, the first preseason game and media day. They discussed Norman Powell, Jusuf Nurkic, the offensive adjustments, taking better threes and that pesky defense. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 23, 2021•49 min
It's officially the Dog Days of Summer, but there's still plenty to talk about when it comes to the Portland Trail Blazers. On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Andrew Theen discuss the every-swirling Ben Simmons trade rumors given his recent comments about training camp. They also discussed the Larry Nance Jr. trade, Dame's wedding, CJ's exciting baby news and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choice...
Sep 08, 2021•46 min
On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, beat writer Aaron Fentress is joined by podcasts editor Andrew Theen. They discussed Aaron's recent pieces examining Chauncey Billups' coaching philosophy as he sees it and Norman Powell's decision to return to Portland and why he feels so comfortable here. We also discussed Cody Zeller's potential impact and what Billups likes about him, how the offense could be tweaked to increase ball movement and the defensive changes to come. See acast.co...
Aug 26, 2021•47 min
On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Joe Freeman discuss the offseason free agency signings. They discussed why the Norman Powell signing is being overlooked in Rip City in terms of its significance, what the other moves mean to the bench's defense and why Blazer fans should be optimistic -- sorta -- headed into the season. They also talked about Damian Lillard's thoughts, Neil Olshey and more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn mo...
Aug 11, 2021•44 min
On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, reporter Aaron Fentress talks to The Oregonian/OregonLive's resident Bucks superfan, Aron Yohannes, about his beloved Bucks. Yohannes, born and raised in Milwaukee, was back home to witness the team's first title in 50 years. What can the Trail Blazers learn from that squad's success? What can Rip City make of the roster building? Also, will Team USA get it done? Is this Dream Team headed for a bust? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out informati...
Jul 23, 2021•51 min
Damian Lillard spoke publicly Thursday for the first time since the Trail Blazers hired Chauncey Billups. Lillard addressed media members during a brief availability at Team USA practice. On this episode of Blazer Focused, beat writer Aaron Fentress is joined by podcasts editor Andrew Theen. They discussed Dame's comments, what to make of some of the more ludicrous trade proposals, whether Dame squashed those rumors entirely and his comments on playing for Team USA. They also looked forward to t...
Jul 09, 2021•45 min
On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Joe Freeman discuss Tuesday's news conference introducing Chauncey Billups, the fallout from that event, whether he can win over a segment of fans, Lillard's uneasy feelings, what type of coach Billups may be and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 30, 2021•52 min
The Oregonian/OregonLive's Aaron Fentress and Joe Freeman discuss Terry Stotts' legacy in Portland, who might succeed him, what the team needs to do during the offseason and much much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 10, 2021•57 min
The Oregonian/OregonLive's Aaron Fentress and Joe Freeman unpack Damian Lillard's monstrous and historic performance in Game 5 of the Blazers first round series with the Denver Nuggets and also preview Game 6. They talked about Jusuf Nurkic's inconsistencies, the bench's inability to show up when it matters so far and what they expect for the rest of the series. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 02, 2021•37 min
Blazers television analyst Lamar Hurd joins the Blazer Focused podcast to offer his views on the team's playoff run, how it navigated a bumpy season, Damian Lillard's greatness and Terry Stotts as a coach. Also, we dove into his career path, where his sense of fashion comes from, the challenges of broadcasting during a pandemic and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 26, 2021•1 hr 17 min
The Oregonian's Trail Blazer reporters Aaron Fentress and Joe Freeman discuss the team's latest news on this episode of Blazer Focused. Today they discuss the Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets in an NBA playoffs preview. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 19, 2021•40 min
Examining the loss at Phoenix including coach Terry Stotts challenging the foul call on Norman Powell. What does the loss mean? How the Blazers can recover. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 15, 2021•22 min
The Blazers have won 8 of 9 with three games remaining but still must prove that they can defeat elite teams. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 12, 2021•17 min
Blazers save season with 5-1 road trip. Fans are back! Is Terry Stotts' job in jeopardy? Blazers gear up for final stretch. Carmelo Anthony makes history. Kevin Love to Portland? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 06, 2021•32 min
Actor Kelly AuCoin talks about his passion for the Trail Blazers, which began as a small child, and gives his opinions on the current state of the franchise as well as its history including whom he believes to be the greatest Blazer ever. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 25, 2021•54 min
The Blazers lost a winnable game at Charlotte and now return home to face the Clippers and Nuggets without Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic. Can they recover from their problems or are they in trouble? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 20, 2021•26 min
