PODCAST

Holy Backboard

Sage Digital

A weekly Portland Trail Blazers centric NBA podcast, hosted by Dustin Hawes and Dillon Sage.

All Episodes

46:18

Splashy Summer Trade Targets for Trail Blazers

Holy Backboard ·

2025/05/24

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

09:55

Complementary Pieces: Thomas Sorber

Holy Backboard ·

2025/05/21

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

32:41

2025 Lottery Mock 2.0

Holy Backboard ·

2025/05/17

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,

56:05

New Ownership, New Opportunities

Holy Backboard ·

2025/05/17

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

09:12

Complementary Pieces: Egor Demin

Holy Backboard ·

2025/05/05

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

28:01

Future Friday: Kon Knueppel

Holy Backboard ·

2025/04/25

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

01:00:30

2025 Lottery Mock 1.0

Holy Backboard ·

2025/04/11

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

54:55

Blazers Extend Cronin, Now What?

Holy Backboard ·

2025/04/09

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

46:42

400!

Holy Backboard ·

2025/04/02

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

01:03:57

Scoot and DC’s Continued Development on Display...

Holy Backboard ·

2025/03/26

58:19

March Madness in Rip City

Holy Backboard ·

2025/03/21

This episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosted by Dustin and Dillon Sage, dives into the current state of the Portland Trail Blazers. They discuss the team's performance in recent games, including their overtime thriller against the New York Knicks and victories against the Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies. We also analyze individual performances, the impact of injuries, and roster decisions made by coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin. The episode concludes with a

34:13

Future Friday: Dylan Harper

Holy Backboard ·

2025/03/13

Welcome to the 397th edition of the Holderly Backport podcast, hosted by Dustin in RIP City and Sage in rainy Beaverton, Oregon. In this episode, the hosts discuss the highly anticipated NBA prospect Dylan Harper, a 6'6 combo guard from Rutgers University. They analyze his stats, strengths, and areas for improvement, comparing him to notable players like Cade Cunningham. The discussion covers Harper's offensive prowess, defensive potential, and fit with various NBA teams. Please tune in for a

48:31

Pressure Cooked in Portland

Holy Backboard ·

2025/03/12

In the 396th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' challenging week, recapping losses against higher-quality teams such as the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and Detroit Pistons. They delve into the team's current standings, the diminishing chances of making the playoffs, and prospects. They also critically analyze coaching issues, specifically Chauncey Billups' performance and the team's overall direction

41:30

“Allow me to Reintroduce Myself”

Holy Backboard ·

2025/03/05

In the 395th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage break down the Portland Trail Blazers' recent surge and their fight for a playoff spot. The Blazers have defied expectations, bouncing back from a 13-28 record to 28-34, fueled by rising star Shaden Sharpe's expanded role. They highlight the team's defensive intensity, led by February's Defensive Player of the Month, Toumani Camara, and analyze the challenges ahead with a demanding remaining schedule. How will Coach Chauncey

29:00

Future Friday: V. J. Edgecombe

Holy Backboard ·

2025/02/27

In this 394th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage break down the game of Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe. They analyze his physical profile—standing between 6'1" and 6'5", weighing 180 pounds—and discuss his strengths and weaknesses on both court ends. His explosive transition play, rebounding ability to his struggles in half-court offense and ball-handling. Edgecombe’s shot-blocking and versatility stand out on defense, drawing comparisons to NBA players like Victor Oladipo and

30:19

Old Man Talk

Holy Backboard ·

2025/02/26

In the 393rd edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage break down recent Portland Trail Blazers games, including LeBron James' dominant performance against Portland, the Blazers' historic win over the Charlotte Hornets, and a narrow victory against a depleted Utah Jazz squad. Dustin voices his frustration with the NBA's tanking culture, debating its impact on fan engagement and the league's competitive integrity. The practice of resting healthy players to improve draft positioning and

26:22

Future Friday: Asa Newell

Holy Backboard ·

2025/02/21

In this episode of our Future Friday series, Dustin and I dive into the game of Georgia’s Asa Newell one of the most intriguing prospects in college basketball. We break down his fluid movement, naturally gifted tools, and the areas he needs to develop to reach his full potential. His fit for the Portland Trail Blazers? We discuss his strengths, weaknesses, and how he might complement the Blazers' young core. Tune in for our in-depth scouting report! 🎧 Available on all podcast platforms—don’t

34:41

Clearing the Runway for Clingan

Holy Backboard ·

2025/02/19

Dillon and Dustin break down the NBA All-Star break. We discuss what to expect from Donovan Clingan as he gets extended minutes and how his development could impact Portland’s future. Plus, we share our thoughts on what we want to see from the Blazers in the final stretch of the season

44:28

Assessing the Blazers at the Break

Holy Backboard ·

2025/02/12

Dillon and Dustin break down the Portland Trail Blazers’ recent win streak and what it means for the team’s development. With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, we discuss why the Blazers stood pat. Plus, when should Portland shift focus to its young core and scale back minutes for the veterans? All that and more on this episode of Holy Backboard!

52:26

Evaluating Portland’s Forwards

Holy Backboard ·

2025/01/29

In this episode, Dillon and Dustin break down the performances of Blazers forwards Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija. We also dive into the upcoming trade deadline, discussing which players Portland needs to move now and what kind of returns could shape the team’s future. Plus, with so much misinformation floating around, we talk about how to find accurate and trustworthy NBA news.

453 results