Blazer Focused
148 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★ - 64 ratingsPortland Trail Blazers news, interviews and analysis from The Oregonian/OregonLive's Aaron Fentress and co-host Craig Birnbach.
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Episodes
Amazing Dame and the mediocre Blazers head on the road as trade deadline looms
January 31, 2023 21:51 - 47 minutesDame is on fire. That much is indisputable. Everything else in Blazer land remains on uncertain ground. On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach take stock of the Blazers as they head out on another critical three-game roadtrip. The discussed: Dame's brilliance Jerami Grant got a contract offer he hasn't signed. What now? Do they have to trade Ant? Road trip predictions Subscribe to Blazer Focused anywhere you get your podcasts Learn more about your ad c...
Remembering Bill Schonely and John Curry, and taking stock of this team as trade deadline looms
January 24, 2023 22:01 - 50 minutesThe Portland Trail Blazers picked up a huge win Monday night over the Gregg Popovich-led San Antonio Spurs, 147-127. Is this the return to the glory days of November? Yeah, not so sure about that. On the latest Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach talk about the latest news in Rip City. They talked about Remembering Bill Schonely and veteran cameraman John Curry Why is this team struggling so much? Thoughts on the trade deadline Fact or Fentress Subscribe to Blazer ...
Reeling Blazers return home in desperate need of wins and the return of key bench players
January 10, 2023 01:58 - 35 minutesThe Portland Trail Blazers (19-20) are struggling but return home to play 10 of the their next 11 at the Moda Center during what could be the most critical stretch of their season. On the latest Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach analyze the Blazers chances of turning their season around in January after falling below .500 for the first time. On this week’s show: The Blazers are a mess. Can it be fixed? How many games must they win the rest of this month to save the s...
Gary Payton II's long-awaited debut, Jerami Grant's continued excellence
January 03, 2023 21:43 - 45 minutesIt's a new year and GPII is finally here! On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Aaron and Craig discuss Gary Payton II's long-awaited debut as a Portland Trail Blazer. Is this the mojo this team sorely needed? They also discussed: - Jerami Grant continues to dazzle - Is Grant an All-Star this season? - The January schedule - Fact or Fentress Subscribe to Blazer Focused anywhere you get your podcasts to get new episodes each week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Damian Lillard sets scoring record, but is he the greatest Trail Blazer ever?: Blazer Focused podcast
December 22, 2022 18:03 - 40 minutesThe Portland Trail Blazers continue their up-and-down season that included a loss Monday at Oklahoma City on the night Damian Lillard became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. The Blazer Focused podcast, supported by ZoomCare (Beyond Better™ Healthcare) goes over that night and Lillard’s somber reaction given the loss. The podcast is hosted by Aaron Fentress, who covers the team for The Oregonian/OregonLive, and Craig Birnbach. On this week’s show: What does Lillard’s record mean for h...
Blazers suddenly in a good spot? Team leaders say so after a difficult stretch
December 07, 2022 23:00 - 45 minutesTurns out Dame is important. The Blazers got their leader back, and after a challenging stretch of games, things are suddenly looking slightly better in Rip City. On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Aaron and Craig explain why. They hit on: Dame's return What Anfernee still can do to improve The defense: Which version should fans expect going forward Fact or Fentress Subscribe to Blazer Focused anywhere you get your podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
The Blazers are losing, injured and not so fun right now, but are better times ahead?
December 01, 2022 21:27 - 41 minutesThe Portland Trail Blazers lost back-to-back games to the LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers to fall to 11-11 on the season. The Blazer Focused podcast, supported by ZoomCare (Beyond Better™ Healthcare) goes over what’s going wrong with this team that has now lose eight of their last 10 games. The podcast is hosted by Aaron Fentress, who covers the team for The Oregonian/OregonLive, and Craig Birnbach. On this week’s show: Blazers collapse? Concerning or injury-related? What’s wrong with th...
The Blazers’ recent struggles and Dame's health chip away at great start
November 23, 2022 22:32 - 52 minutesThe Portland Trail Blazers entered Wednesday having lost four out of their last five games and were without Damian Lillard, out for at least a week because of a second lower-leg injury. The Blazer Focused podcast, supported by ZoomCare (Beyond Better™ Healthcare) goes over what has gone wrong for the Blazers (10-7) since that eventful 4-2 road trip that left them at 9-4. The podcast is hosted by Aaron Fentress, who covers the team for The Oregonian/OregonLive, and Craig Birnbach. On this week...
5 key takeaways from Portland's epic road trip
November 14, 2022 23:47 - 38 minutesThe Portland Trail Blazers went 4-2 on their recent trip and return home tied for the best record in the Western Conference at 9-4. The Blazer Focused podcast, supported by ZoomCare (Beyond Better™ Healthcare) goes through the five observations on the trip made by Aaron Fentress, who covers the team for The Oregonian/OregonLive. He is joined by podcast producer, Andrew Theen. Craig Birnbach is on vacation and unavailable to keep Fentress in check this week. Theen stands no chance. On this wee...
Kelly AuCoin talks Blazers, his latest acting projects and fandom
November 07, 2022 23:06 - 44 minutesKelly AuCoin, the actor and Portland Trail Blazers super fan, joined the Blazer Focused podcast this week. Blazer Focused is supported by ZoomCare and hosted by Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach. On this week's show: How Kelly convinced Craig to come to Portland back in the day. Kelly is a total diehard fan Projects he is working on, including a show on former LA Clippers owner, Donald Sterling. His expectations for the rest of the season. Subscribe to Blazer Focused anywhere you listen ...
Dame's injury, Shaedon Sharpe's athletic mastery and the big road trip
October 31, 2022 21:41 - 48 minutesThe Blazers are sitting tied atop the Western Conference standings. But, Dame is out and a big road trip looms. On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Aaron and Craig discuss all that and more. They hit on: -How concerned should we be about Dame's injury? -Shaedon Sharpe, of course -The brutal road trip -Fact or Fentress Blazer Focused is supported by ZoomCare. Subscribe to Blazer Focused anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your undefeated Portland Trail Blazers are fun, scrappy and playing defense
October 25, 2022 20:54 - 31 minutesThe Portland Trail Blazers are red, hot and rollin. On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, which is sponsored by ZoomCare, Aaron and Craig go back to their season previews. Lo and behold, they had a great formula for Blazers success. They hit on: - Dame's return to Dameness - Jerami Grant doing it all - Nurk is Nurk - Josh Hart and Anfernee Simons Subscribe to Blazer Focused anywhere you listen to podcasts to catch new episodes each week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
2023-2023 Blazers season preview, plus analyzing the Nassir Little extension
October 18, 2022 03:27 - 47 minutesThe NBA season is finally back! On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Aaron and Craig talk about what a realistic season looks like for the Trail Blazers. Will this team make the playoffs, and what are the playoffs in the age of the play-in tournament? They discussed: Nassir Little's extremely team-friendly deal What it would take for this team to underperform What it would take for the Blazers to beat expectations How the West shakes out Subscribe to Blazer Focused anywhere you liste...
Can the Trail Blazers’ uninspiring preseason be dismissed? We hand out preseason grades
October 12, 2022 22:53 - 55 minutesThe Portland Trail Blazers ended the preseason at 1-4 with zero wins against NBA teams. It wasn’t pretty but is the sky falling? The Blazer Focused podcast, sponsored by ZoomCare, provides some hope and answers during its latest episode with hosts, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach. TOPICS: Just how bad was it? Deep look, with grades, at where the Blazers stand in key areas: Is Damian Lillard all the way back? Does Jusuf Nurkic look like a $70 million man? How Jerami Grant is living up to t...
Trail Blazers’ preseason musings: Damian Lillard looks fierce, Shaedon Sharpe struggling, Jerami Grant excelling
October 06, 2022 21:33 - 48 minutesThe Portland Trail Blazers are off and running in the preseason and the Blazer Focused podcast, sponsored by ZoomCare, dissected the goings on with the team through two games. Hosts Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach hit on several pressing topics in this latest episode: Damian Lillard looks right. Rookie Shaedon Sharpe struggling. Jerami Grant is having a tremendous impact. Anfernee Simons off to a slow start. Competition at small forward. Subscribe to Blazer Focused anywhere you get yo...
Shaedon Sharpe is turning heads but how much will he play?
September 29, 2022 21:18 - 45 minutesPortland Trail Blazers training camp is underway in Santa Barbara, Calif., and the Blazer Focused podcast, sponsored by ZoomCare, is on the case. Hosts Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach hit on several pressing topics: Sloppy play with high energy mark the first two days. Rookie Shaedon Sharpe turning heads. Competition at small forward. Jerami Grant and Jusuf Nurkic learning each other’s games. What we hope to see during three preseason games next week. Subscribe to Blazer Focused anywh...
Training camp preview: 5 musts for the Blazers to contend
September 23, 2022 02:45 - 52 minutesThe season from hell is in the rearview mirror. Now, what exactly do we make of the Portland Trail Blazers? On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Aaron and Craig set the stage for training camp next week. They talk about the major themes and issues facing the Blazers. They hit on: Back to the old Dame? What exactly will Jerami Grant's role be? Nurk still in the crosshairs Ant's time to shine Subscribe to Blazer Focused anywhere you listen to podcasts to get new episodes every week. Le...
How Damian Lillard and Jerami Grant rank among NBA’s top duos; training camp in Santa Barbara; Gary Payton II chased the cash
September 09, 2022 11:00 - 45 minutesWelcome to this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast with Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Training camp moves to Santa Barbara. Good move? Gary Payton II says he chose Portland for the money. Big deal? Donovan Mitchell leaves the Western Conference and the LA Lakers add Patrick Beverley. Do those moves matter to the Blazers? How does the pairing of Damian Lillard and Jerami Grant rank among the league’s best duos? Blazers add siz...
Damian Lillard vs. Kyrie Irving; Blazers schedule; broadcast talent on the road; Summer fun (no more roller coasters)
August 25, 2022 00:29 - 44 minutesWelcome to this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast with Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: First podcast in a few weeks, what have the hosts been up to? One saw the Yankees play in NY and the other went on college tours with his daughter and retired from roller coaster. To travel the broadcast team or not to travel the broadcast team? That was the question finally settled by the Blazers. The Blazers’ schedule is out. Let’s take a lo...
Happy Birthday Dame, Jabari Walker gets contract and what to make of Keon Johnson
July 15, 2022 18:38 - 51 minutesDamian Lillard is officially 32-years-old and likely still basking in the glow of the two-year $122 million extension. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron and Craig discuss that deal a bit more in depth, Jabari Walker turning all sorts of heads and much more. They also hit on: · The ripple effect of the Dame deal on the books · How effective could Jabari Walker really be? · Keon Johnson talk. What is he? · Other Vegas takeaways Subscribe to Blazer Focus...
Dame signs extension, refutes NY Post report as Shaedon Sharpe is injured in debut
July 08, 2022 22:27 - 42 minutesDamian Lillard has no problem getting in touch with Jody Allen. He’ll also have no problem paying the bills anytime soon. The franchise superstar directly refuted a NY Post assertion from this week that Lillard tried, and failed to reach chair Jody Allen. He also signed a two-year $122 million contract extension, ending the speculation of when that would occur. On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach discuss that tabloid drama, plus they weighed ...
Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant head to Portland
June 24, 2022 20:36 - 25 minutesThe Blazers offseason of intrigue started with a bang. Jerami Grant is headed to Portland and the mysterious Shaedon Sharpe is also headed westward. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron and Craig discuss what to make of the trade, the draft and much more. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: · Shaedon Sharpe is a mystery, and a big swing · Jerami Grant heads home · Jabari Walker thoughts Subscribe to Blazer Focused on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcas...
Mock drafts and potential trades involving the 7th pick
June 16, 2022 21:18 - 50 minutesThe NBA draft is one week away. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach reveal their mock drafts, debate potential viable trades, some of the recent workouts and much more. They discussed: · John Collins and OG Anunoby talk · Pie in the sky trades · Mock drafts for Aaron, Craig, Andrew Subscribe to Blazer Focused on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen Interested in sponsoring this show or any of ...
Phil Knight and Alan Smolinisky submit $2 billion bid to buy the Trail Blazers
June 02, 2022 21:17 - 44 minutesThis episode of the Blazer Focused podcast was already underway with discussion about Pistons forward and potential offseason target Jerami Grant and what to do with the number seven overall pick in this year's NBA draft. Then news intervened. On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused pod, Aaron and Craig react in real time to the ESPN report that Phil Knight and Alan Smolinisky have submitted a more than $2 billion bid to buy the Portland Trail Blazers. That part of the conversation start...
The Trail Blazers land the 7th pick, what happens now?
May 18, 2022 21:29 - 41 minutesYou win some, you lose some. Now the pressure is on for Joe Cronin and the Portland Trail Blazers’ front office. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach discuss the disappointing (but mathematically spot-on) NBA Draft lottery and what comes next for the franchise. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: · Fentress describes the scene from Chicago · Dame’s reaction and the viral video · An epic Kevin Durant rant · Assessi...
Draft lottery preview, Joe Cronin drops the interim tag and which players stay or go?
May 12, 2022 21:11 - 49 minutesStarting Tuesday, Blazers fans will suddenly become big fans of the ol’ bouncing Ping-Pong balls. The NBA’s draft lottery is Tuesday and the franchise’s short-term future may hang in the balance. Or is that hyperbole? On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach discuss the lottery odds, Joe Cronin officially getting the general manager gig and which players from last year’s roster are here to stay. Highlights: · When is the Cronin honeymoon over? · Envi...
CJ’s playoff performance, draft lottery thoughts and Coach Curry’s influence
May 02, 2022 17:01 - 1 hourAfter years of toiling away in apparent obscurity in Portland, CJ McCollum enjoyed rave reviews during his first-round exit as a New Orleans Pelicans guard. Kinda funny, isn’t it? On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach discuss CJ’s exit, the fawning national media attention, losing the second draft pick the looming draft lottery and much more Here are some highlights from this week’s show: · CJ’s performance was very CJ · Draft pick – trade it ...
The season is mercifully over, Cronin's comments, The Schonz gets his sendoff and more
April 12, 2022 22:09 - 50 minutesThe Blazers bid adieu to a dreadful season and gave a lovely goodbye to the legendary broadcaster and ambassador, Bill Schonely (aka The Schonz) in recent days. Now the hard work begins. On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach dissect the exit interviews and look ahead to the critical offseason. They hit on: What Cronin and Billups had to say Thoughts on The Schonz's legacy Whether a big fish is coming in the offseason Fact or Fentress See...
Recapping CJ McCollum appreciation night, plus draft prospects and other speculation
April 01, 2022 00:00 - 57 minutesCJ McCollum sure felt the love Wednesday night from the Rip City faithful. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach recap the overwhelming standing ovation fans gave to McCollum in his first game back at the Moda Center since the trade. They put the moment in perspective and discusses its meaning and much more. They also hit on: · CJ’s place in franchise history · The incredible tanking exposition continues · Players to watch in the F...
Inside Anfernee Simons' rise, plus tank talk and mock drafts
March 18, 2022 20:46 - 42 minutesThere’s not a ton to enjoy in the end of this NBA season here in Portland, but Aaron Fentress went deep with a three-part story looking at Anfernee Simons’ childhood and rise. On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Fentress and Craig Birnbach dove into that feature story and analyzed the latest mock drafts. They hit on: - Fentress called for the tank but is complaining about how hard the tank is hitting. What gives? - Inside notes from the Simons story - Looking at the mock draft. Who makes...
The Blazers tank is achieving 'work of art' status
March 04, 2022 01:00 - 42 minutesThe tank is on in spectacular fashion, but what do the young Blazers get out of the beatdowns? That's a point of discussion on the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast. Aaron and Craig break down the young players, their performances so far and whether it's time to shut Ant down. Also, Aaron rains on many parades. They discussed: What is Ant getting out of this at this point? Can we learn anything about Chauncey Billups with this roster? CJ Elleby...NBA player? Or soon-to-be over...
Turns out the tank is back on
February 26, 2022 01:30 - 42 minutesJusuf Nurkic is out for a month (at least) and the suddenly quite youthful Blazers were blasted off the court by the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron and Craig discuss the reemergence of the presumptive narrative that a high draft pick is unavoidable. Well, it sure is. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why the Nurk injury may guarantee his return Who else may come down with a minor injury? Thoughts on Keon Johnso...
Will the Trail Blazers ever lose again?
February 19, 2022 13:00 - 50 minutesIt's a question that would have been ludicrous a few weeks ago: Will the Trail Blazers lose again? It's sort of a joke, but the Blazers are in a groove now and the tank appears to be in jeopardy. What's it all mean? On the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron and Craig discuss the Red Hot & Rollin' squad, the draft implications and much more. They discussed: Will Dame come back this season? Should he? Anfernee Simons is a star Are Winslow and Hart here to stay? No denying ...
The Build Back Blazers edition
February 12, 2022 02:43 - 43 minutesNow Blazer fans have nothing to do but wait -- for the Ping-Pong balls, for the draft, and for free agency. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach look back at the riveting week that was in Rip City. They discussed: · Joe Cronin and Chauncey Billups' comments · Josh Hart's arrival · What actual options exist in free agency · Fact or Fentress/Theen's No-Look Passes Here’s the full episode: [I’ll drop audio hyperlink] See acast....
Grading the CJ McCollum and Norman Powell trades
February 10, 2022 01:00 - 39 minutesThe Dame and CJ era is officially over in Rip City. On the latest episode of Blazer Focused, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach dissect the two big deals in the past few days and give their takes on the overall direction of the franchise. They discussed: · The Norman Powell and Robert Covington move · Josh Hart and Keon Johnson · McCollum with the Pels · How Cronin is trying to straddle blow it up with rebuild and reload See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out informatio...
Blazers thumped by Thunder, Ant has a bad game, trade deadline musings
February 02, 2022 13:00 - 53 minutesThe Portland Trail Blazers were steamrolled by the woeful Oklahoma City Thunder this week despite the Thunder being without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Tough nights happen in the NBA, poor shooting nights do as well, but it was a rough performance. On this week’s episode of the Blazer Focused podcast, Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach discuss the pre-trade deadline doldrums and what to make of Anfernee Simons’ (gasp) bad game. They discussed: · Why covering this team right now is a challenge...
Nassir Little is the latest injured Blazer, plus welcoming new co-host Craig Birnbach
January 28, 2022 13:00 - 1 hourThe 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 ...
Brian Wheeler talks Damian Lillard's surgery and the big questions circling Rip City
January 13, 2022 01:38 - 52 minutesPortland’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 deadl...
With Dame out again, Blazers have prime chance to tank
January 07, 2022 13:00 - 32 minutesPortland’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 ...
Rough times in Rip City as Blazers' losing streak grows
December 16, 2021 21:21 - 53 minutesIt'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 an...
Getting to know Joe Cronin
December 10, 2021 18:49 - 46 minutesPortland 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...
Reaction to Neil Olshey's firing
December 04, 2021 02:11 - 1 hourNeil 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 ...
Kerry Eggers on Jerome Kersey, Dame and more
November 26, 2021 13:00 - 31 minutesA 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 ...
Recapping the roller coaster start to the season with Mike Acker
November 19, 2021 22:37 - 34 minutesThe 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 ...
Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey under investigation; team struggling on the road
November 12, 2021 02:08 - 1 hourOn 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
The Portland Trail Blazers' Craig Birnbach on Dame, Chauncey, more
November 05, 2021 12:00 - 1 hourCraig 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, ...
Has an empowered and mature Anfernee Simons finally arrived?
October 28, 2021 18:11 - 45 minutesThe 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 bre...
Has an empowered and mature Anfernee Simons finally arrived?
October 28, 2021 18:11 - 44 minutes - 61.2 MBThe 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 - Anfern...
2021-22 NBA Season Preview
October 19, 2021 21:56 - 1 hourThe 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
Nurk shooting threes, Ant dropping dimes and defensive struggles: Recapping preseason opener
October 06, 2021 19:56 - 41 minutesThe 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