Family Twine artwork

Family Twine

55 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratings

A father and son Portland Trail Blazers fan podcast. Jackson Scott (17) and his dad Pat (much older) sit down once a week to talk about their favorite NBA team the Portland Trail Blazers. Follow on Twitter @familytwine or email us at [email protected]. Go Blazers!

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Episodes

Would You Rather?

April 05, 2022 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

As the Blazers limp to the finish of the season, we take a step back and measure where the Blazers stand today (roster, draft picks, cap room) and compare to some of the other teams in the West.  As a Blazers fan would you want to switch places with the Jazz, Lakers, Spurs, Pelicans, Timberwolves or Mavericks?  Our answers may surprise you. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Special thanks to Andreas Moll for the int...

Family Twine? How'd They Get Tickets?

March 28, 2022 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

The Family Twine household went to a Blazers game this weekend and we breakdown the experience (spoiler alert, we had a blast). We got free parking from Lamar Hurd, a pregame chat with Kevin Calabro and a great in arena experience at the Moda Center. We breakdown the experience as well as what being their live told us about Joe Ingles, Brandon Williams, Keon Johnson, Chauncey Billups and most notably Trendon Watford. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an ema...

Feeling Pessimistic

March 23, 2022 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

We address some of the pessimistic takes we heard from the Family Twine network this week.  From the wrong coach, to the lack of impact players in the draft to missed opportunities this season; we look at the validity (and impact) of the takes. Let us know if you are feeling pessimistic as well Blazers fan. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Special thanks to Andreas Moll for the intro and outro music, https://pixab...

Be the Greg Brown Someone Needs in Their Life

March 15, 2022 09:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

We revel in a rare Blazers win by discussing the long-term implications of the positive play from Josh Hart, Trendon Watford & Keon Johnson. We also take a moment to share our appreciation for Greg Brown and all that he brings to the Blazers.  We also wonder if we have a Greg Brown in our lives before realizing perhaps, we need to be the Greg Brown in someone else's life. We wrap up with Jackson giving Blazers fans four potential future Blazers to watch as the NCAA tournament tips off this...

Blazer Fans (and Podcasters) are Grinding

March 08, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MB

It was a tough week to be a Blazers fan, but we podcast on.  With as bad as things were last week, could Blazers fans take a full season tank for a rebuild?  What must it be like to be CJ Elleby, Trendon Watford or Brandon Williams when you are getting blown out night after night?  Does Brandon Williams have something that former potential back up point guards haven't?  And lastly, is it possible that Utah Jazz fans have it worse than Blazers fans do right now?  Follow us on Twitter at htt...

The Hart of the Matter

March 01, 2022 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

The Blazers return from the break without Nurk and get blown out twice.  We talk what Nurk sitting out might mean for his future as well as why you can't make any long-term evaluation of Anfernee Simons and Trendon Watford during the blowouts.  We then discuss what we like about Josh Hart and how he could be a very key part for the Blazers next season (even if he isn't starting).  We finish by looking at how CJ McCollum is excelling in New Orleans and what that means for the types of playe...

The Promise of Anfernee

February 23, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB

After celebrating the signing of Trendon Watford (Jackson was on the bandwagon early), we spend a few minutes discussing if the Blazers win recent win streak should concern the Blazer faithful hoping for better draft assets this offseason. We spend most of the pod discussing the key piece of the Blazers next season prospects, Anfernee Simons.  Can he reach a higher level of play than CJ or Norm?  Are there reasons to think a Dame/Ant pairing will work better than Dame's partnership with CJ?...

End of an Era (TBD on the Next One)

February 15, 2022 09:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MB

We try to look ahead after the CJ McCollum trade, but it just doesn't feel right.  We discuss the Blazers logic for the moves they made and what we think they are hoping the next step will be.  We also debate whether these moves will lead to contention, or a total rebuild. We also spend some time on the "Fun" basketball the Blazers have been playing as of late and Jackson gives the fans another reason to keep watching this team beyond hoping they lose to improve their draft prospects. Foll...

Welcome to Being a Blazers Fan

February 08, 2022 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MB

The Blazers make a trade and Jackson gets to truly understand why some Blazers fans are so negative for the first time in his life.  We breakdown the feelings of what feels like a bad trade, hope for more moves to follow and answer the question asked in Jason Quick's recent article in The Athletic, "do we trust the Blazers that this was the first step in making the Blazers contenders next season?" Jackson also gives Blazers fan a reason to tune in to games while we await another trade. Fol...

Nurk at Center (Of Trade or Blazers?)

February 01, 2022 04:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MB

The Blazers have another losing week (1-3) and lose another player for the season (Nassir Little) so we turn our attention towards the trade deadline. We start with a lengthy discussion of Jason Quick's article in The Athletic on Jusuf Nurkic.  We discuss whether Nurk's improved play means he should be a part of the Blazers long-term plans or should they look to move him at the deadline in light of his upcoming unrestricted free agency. We also give our best guess as to which Blazers will ...

Being Better Changes Nothing

January 25, 2022 05:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MB

The Blazers are on a bit of a hot streak, and we discuss why with extra attention given to Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons and CJ McCollum. We use the Blazers improved play to discuss The Athletic's John Hollinger's Jan. 24th article proposing that this offseason the Blazers should trade Damian Lillard.  While we understand the logic behind what he says, we disagree with his reasoning that a recent uptick in wins should have any effect on the Blazers strategic path for this season and next.  ...

Opportunities Abound

January 18, 2022 00:00 - 38 minutes - 26.1 MB

Damian Lillard is out 6 to 8 weeks, but we discuss how the season may have become more interesting for those who are still hopeful for the Blazers to get back on track.  We discuss the Blazers who have a chance to step up and either show they are a part of the Blazers future or perhaps increase their trade value.  Coach Billups, CJ McCollum and Norm Powell are the big names to watch, but we also discuss the unique opportunity Ben McLemore, Trendon Watford and CJ Elleby have found themselve...

Tanking or Losing?

January 11, 2022 06:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MB

Damian Lillard gets shut down for an indeterminate amount of time and we ask if the Blazers are tanking or are they just not playing well this season?  And if they are tanking does that mean Dame is out the door and the rebuild is upon us? We pick out things to watch while the Blazers play without four starters and give a shout out to one of our favorite players, Sir Robert Covington.  Finally, we see the downside of trading CJ McCollum in the middle of the season, both from a business pers...

This Just In - COVID Not Fun

January 03, 2022 02:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

We start this episode getting Jackson's insight on high school testing and playing games almost 1/2 your team out due to COVID protocols which helped provide some insight on how the Blazers current predicament may be adding even more frustration to Damian Lillard.  While we don't take sides in the Damian Lillard/Jason Quick spat we worry that it's another sign of Dame's dissatisfaction with things in Portland before turning a more hopeful note of how things could soon be turning for the bett...

Easy to Put Your Fingers On It

December 29, 2021 01:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

The Blazers seem broken right now and it's not hard to see how and why.  We discuss the difference between Norm & CJ, why the defense struggles and why it will continue to do so and try to figure out what's keeping Ant from stepping up in CJ's absence. We also look at a few bright spots and profess are commitment to seeing the season through. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Special thanks to Andreas Moll for the ...

Not Good but Better

December 14, 2021 06:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB

The Trail Blazers try to reset their culture off the court, but will it pay dividends on the court this season.  We discuss the Front Office "Media Availability" and what to make of interim GM Joe Cronin's comments about the need to fix the roster.  We evaluate the trade value for CJ McCollum, debate the different paths the Blazers could go with a CJ trade and take a step back to figure out what is realistic approach for Blazers fans right now. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/fa...

Olshey's Gone but the Mess Remains

December 06, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

The Blazers fire Neil Olshey but we discuss while things probably aren't turning around quickly for the Blazers.  We try to put ourselves in the lucratively endorsed shoes of the Blazers players to understand why the team is struggling so hard. We also evaluate the Coach Billups through 24 games and try to decide if any long-term assumptions can be made. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Special thanks to Andreas M...

A Welcome Sight

November 22, 2021 18:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

The Blazers get back on track at home and we look at the keys (see Lillard, Damian).  We also talk about the emergence of the small ball lineup with Larry Nance Jr. at center and the play of Nas Little and Anfernee Simons. We also come to a key realization about this team from a fan's perspective and identify some things to watch out for to increase our optimism for the season. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Spe...

Asking for Direction

November 15, 2021 07:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

As bad as the Blazers were on the court last week, they may have found a way to be worse off of it.  We discuss a 1-3 road trip that ended with a disastrous blowout loss to Denver as well as the continued investigation of Neil Olshey creating a toxic work environment and the resignation of CEO Chris McGowan. There seems to be no shortage of issues with the team right now and we discuss what it's like rooting for a team that doesn't seem to have a plan right now. Follow us on Twitter at htt...

Context Provided

November 08, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

The Blazers are 10 games into the season and it's still tough to get a read on this team.  So I through out some statements about the team and Jackson provides the context.  Is Dame holding the team back?  Are the Blazers holding Anfernee back?  Is the work on defensive end a waste of effort and how long can the Blazers hover around .500 before it impacts their chances to host a playoff series. We also spend a few minutes talking about the recent report that the Blazers are investigating Pr...

Not Used to This

November 02, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

The Blazers start to the season has got us thrown for a loop.  While there are enough positives on the court to make us hopeful, the results aren't showing up on the court.  We discuss the offense, defense, personnel and coaching changes and the effect they are having on the wins/losses early in the season.  There are things of concern (having enough depth to play faster and more aggressive) and things to not worry about (Damian Lamonte Lillard Sr.).  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitte...

Causes or Concerns (or Both)?

October 27, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

To say the start of the Blazers season has been uneven is an insult to the word uneven.  We try to make sense of this team and try to figure out if there are any explanations for the rocky start and if those explanations make you feel any better about the team.  We finish discussing Dame making the NBA 75 All Time Players list and what it means for the franchise and the season. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Spec...

What Has to Go Right and Wrong

October 13, 2021 05:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MB

The Family Twine household is only interested in one thing this season, making sure it is not the last time Damian Lillard wears a Portland Trail Blazers jersey.  To do that, it seems the team will need to beat expectations.  So we looked at what has to go right for the Blazers (not as much as you'd think) and what has to go wrong for their conference foes (maybe more than is realistic) for the Blazers to at least be one of the last four teams standing in the Western Conference at the end of...

Not Much Changed. Are Things Different?

October 05, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MB

The Blazers didn't make any big moves this offseason, but they are hoping some improvements around the fringes make a big impact.  We discuss the hiring of Chauncey Billups, the upgrades to the bench unit and why Jackson thinks Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum have the most pressure on them to start the season. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Special thanks to Andreas Moll for the intro and outro music, https://pixaba...

Looking Back in Anger

September 28, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

It's been awhile, we shouldn't have left you, without a dope pod to step to, but frankly it wasn't that much fun to talk about the Blazers this offseason.  Before we can look ahead to next season, we force ourselves to revisit Neil Olshey's bungling of the coaching hire; from the interview process to making Damian Lillard the focal point of negative fan reaction, to the joke of a press conference, to the on and on and on.  It won't be a fun one to listen to, but perhaps by looking back toget...

The CJ Question

June 21, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

Every once in a while a father has to have that difficult conversation with his son, "Does the addition of Norm Powell mean the Blazers have to seriously start thinking about trading CJ this offseason?"  Well, Fathers Day was that day in the Family Twine household so we talked trade ideas w/an extended conversation about Ben Simmons. We also discussed what should the Blazers do if they can't find a legitimate number 2 in the trade but instead get two needed parts to better balance the roster...

Sitting in Olshey's Chair

June 14, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour - 44.2 MB

Jackson slides behind Neil Olshey's desk to evaluate how each Blazer met expectations this season.  We also provide a little homework for some of the key contributors to help the Blazers make the leap into title contention discussion next season. We also discuss why Mike D' Antoni would be a great fit for the Blazers as a head coach next season, before Jackson drops a tease about how open the Western Conference might be next season. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine o...

Tough Way to Go Out

June 07, 2021 01:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

You know how we always say the pod's are a lot of fun to record?  Well that ain't the case this week as we recap the Blazers first round loss to Denver (boo), discuss Terry Stotts stepping down as head coach (sad) and briefly talk about the brief flirtation of Jason Kidd as leading coaching candidate (yuch).  Come commiserate with us.  As the Blazers enter what will most likely be a very tumultuous off season, we still say Go Blazers though. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/famil...

Playing With A Fuller Deck

May 31, 2021 05:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MB

The Blazers are tied w/the Nuggets 2-2 in their best of 7 series and we talk about what went right and what went wrong over the last three games.  We also look ahead to Game 5 to discuss what adjustments can still pay dividends and what new things we should be looking for.  Finally, we use The Undefeated's Justin Tinsley's - 2-1-1 theory for playoff victories and how it works in the Blazers favor. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at familytwinepodc...

Two Finger Salute

May 24, 2021 00:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

The Blazers take game 1 against the Nuggets and there was a lot to like.  We talk a healthy Nurk, Coach Stotts' defensive game plan, Damian leading the back court, great bench production from Melo & Ant and Zach Collins sending a double bird at Jamal Murray. We also highlight some areas the Blazers need to improve upon in game 2 as well as a few possible adjustments from the Nuggets. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]...

Denver Nuggets Playoff Preview

May 21, 2021 06:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

Jackson does the heavy lifting breaking down the Trailblazers first round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.  He scouts the Nuggets performance since the Murray & Barton injuries, identifies some key matchups, gives Blazers fans a few things to watch for during the series and explains why Anfernee Simons is the Blazers X-factor.

Playoffs Here We Come

May 17, 2021 06:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

We put the finishing touches on the 2020-2021 regular season.  We talk about what worked for the Blazers this year and what factors on the team are making us most optimistic for the playoffs.

Locking In

May 11, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MB

The Blazers are playing there best when it matters the most.  We breakdown how Nurk being his best self is moving this team to new heights, how Dame, CJ & Norm compliment each other and spotlight Robert Covington for his exceptional play. We also do our best to breakdown the multitude of potential playoff matchups and finish with a discussion of not only bringing back Terry Stotts for another season, but one of us wants to extend him (w/a small caveat attached). Follow us on Twitter at htt...

Signs of Life

May 03, 2021 00:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MB

The Blazers start their road trip w/a win streak and we are feeling much better about it.  Jackson breaks down what went right for the team (a renewed sense of urgency helped) as well as who stepped up (Melo & Ant off the bench and a guy named Damian). We take our first look ahead at the playoffs and on the 7th anniversary of the shot, look back at Dame's series ending 3 pointer against the Rockets. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at familytwinep...

Tough Week All Around

April 26, 2021 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB

Come commiserate with us Blazers fans as our team has their worst week of the season at the absolute worst time.  We discuss Damian Lillard's struggles, the team's inability to be consistent on both sides of the ball and the role Coach Terry Stotts has played in it.  We also talk about the effect an end of the season collapse could have on resigning Norman Powell. At the end of the day, we remain hopeful if not optimistic as the Blazers have one last week to right the ship. Follow us on T...

A Heartfelt Thanks

April 19, 2021 02:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MB

After a truly, eye of the beholder week for the Blazers, some positive statistical data has us staying hopeful for a successful season.  We discuss LaMarcus Aldridge's place in Blazers history and share our favorite memories.  Jackson talks about the first time seeing him in person and Pat talks about how LaMarcus' heart condition had a huge impact on the Family Twine household. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Spe...

Existential Hopefulness

April 11, 2021 23:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MB

After a tough week for the Blazers, we get existential but remain hopeful.  We can't quite figure out how we feel about the team right now, so we look at the range the team could finish at the end of the season.  We conclude that the Blazers are a playoff team and discuss what could realistically happen in the next 20 games to have Blazer fans optimistic for playoff success. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Special...

Time to Step Up

April 05, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

The Blazers take care of the teams they should but come up short when measured against an upper level opponents this week, but with 23 games left in the season it's time for the team to see if they should be considered contenders. We discuss what the addition of Norm Powell and the return of Jusuf Nurkic is showing on the court and take a moment to give a little extra shine to Enes Kanter for what he's done for the team (and the community as a whole) off the court. Follow us on Twitter at ...

A New Norm

March 29, 2021 05:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

We welcome Norman Powell to the Blazers by discussing the trade for the former Raptor.  We also reminisce over our favorite Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood memories and discuss why the Nuggets offer for Aaron Gordon was too high for the Blazers to match.  Lastly we celebrate the return of the Bosnian Beast, Jusuf Nurkic. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Special thanks to Andreas Moll for the intro and outro music, h...

Dame in Control

March 22, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

Damian Lillard is in control on and off the court and Blazers fans are the fortunate ones.  We also discuss the great play from RoCo & DJJ and celebrate the return of CJ McCollum.  We finish the pod with a reframing of the Fire Stotts "debate" on Twitter and give our opinion on the Rodney Hood over Anfernee Simons rotation now that CJ is back. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected]. Special thanks to Andreas Moll for the...

Apologies & Perspective

March 15, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MB

We start this week with a public apology to Anfernee Simons after his dunk contest win and then discuss a tough start to the second half of the season. We point out how weird this season must be for all those involved and then Pat shares his personal story of having to shut down and then restart a business during COVID. We end by introducing the "Jackson Scott Stat of the Day" (perhaps a new weekly feature of the Family Twine podcast). Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwi...

Nothing Mid About It

March 07, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

It's the halfway point and we're feeling great about the Trail Blazers season.  Why you ask?  Damian Lillard mostly, but also Carmelo Anthony and Enes Kanter. We also look forward to the second half of the season by spotlighting the need for the defense to improve by following the lead of Derrick Jones Jr. & Robert Covington and how the return of CJ & Nurk, means the young guys (Gary, Anfernee & Nas) will need to continue to step up. We finish with a quick discussion of why we think Rodney...

All is Not Lost

March 01, 2021 03:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB

It may have been a tough week for the Blazers but positivity reigns supreme with the Family Twine Podcast.  We put a 4 game losing streak in perspective, discuss the positive impact Derrick Jones Jr. had throughout the week and decide to keep an eye on Nas Little's increased playing time. Jackson breaks down the upcoming NBA All Star Dunk Contest featuring Anfernee Simons and tell Blazers fans why the upcoming Charlotte game could be a sign of increased optimism for the second half of the s...

Get Off Stotts's Lawn

February 22, 2021 05:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MB

Jackson finds the silver lining in Dame missing out on a starting guard spot in the Western Conference All Star Game.  Then Pat leads an old man rant against those who think that the Blazers need to make a coaching change. Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate & Review. Follow on on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine Email us at [email protected] Thanks for listening and Go Blazers!

Damian Lillard - #NBAAllStar

February 15, 2021 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

After a thrilling Trailblazers victory against the Mavericks, we discuss a 4 game win streak, how the team can get even better when CJ & Nurk come back and the reasons why Damian Lillard should be a starter at this year's NBA All Star Game.  Remember to subscribe, rate & review. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/familytwine. Email us at [email protected]

Steppin' Up

February 08, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

Multiple Blazers step up over the week to salvage a 3-3 East Coast road trip. We discuss Nas Little, Harry Giles & CJ Elleby show potential while Anfernee Simons & Gary Trent Jr. showed their ready to contribute.  We also talk about the steadiness of Enes Kanter and the benefits to getting Robert Covington & Derrick Jones Jr. back in the lineup. Follow us on Twitter https://www.twitter.com/familytwine or drop us an email at [email protected].  Remember to subscribe, rate and rev...

Game Winners & Fajitas

February 01, 2021 02:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

Damian Lillard's game winner against the Bulls. Young guys taking advantage of the opportunity. Mentor Melo? Rest of the Road Trip Being a Positive Fan Anfernee's Mindset

Ready for a Reset

January 25, 2021 02:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

COVID postponements give the Blazers some extra practice to adjust to playing without CJ & Nurk so we reset our expectations for the season and identify what we'll be focusing on this week.  Robert Covington's 3 point shooting, Nas Little getting some run, The Blazers second unit offense and Anfernee Simons & Harry Giles +/- are just some of the topics discussed. Follow us https://www.twitter.com/familytwine.  Email us at [email protected].

Next Man Up

January 18, 2021 00:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MB

Pat & Jackson share their thoughts on who will have to step up for the Blazers in the absence of Nurk & CJ and reasons for hope that they could. The family dog Dempsey works really hard to make an appearance as well. Follow us on Twitter at FamilyTwine (@FamilyTwine) / Twitter Send us an email at [email protected].

Things are Happening Now

January 11, 2021 02:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

After an eventful week for (for the Nation and our podcast) we look back at the lows (Steph's 60 & Chicago) and highs (two blow out wins) for the Blazers third week of the season.  We debate whether its better to get blown out by a top team or lose closely to an inferior opponent.  We then take a look at what may be a more challenging week than anticipated. Special thank you to Jason Quick at The Athletic for his nice message and to the Blazers Balcony podcast for the Family Twine shout out...

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@familytwine 47 Episodes