PODCAST

Holy Backboard

Sage Digital

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

All Episodes

44:13

Organized Chaos

Holy Backboard ·

2025/10/29

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

41:07

Emergency Podcast: Chauncey Billups

Holy Backboard ·

2025/10/24

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

36:53

2025 Trail Blazers Season Opener

Holy Backboard ·

2025/10/22

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

01:18:24

2025 Western Conference Preview

Holy Backboard ·

2025/10/04

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

39:53

Evaluating the Blazers' Offseason Moves

Holy Backboard ·

2025/08/06

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

46:26

Is now the right time for Dame’s return to Rip City?

Holy Backboard ·

2025/07/18

Dustin and I discuss Damian Lillard's return to Portland. The pros, cons, the potential roster building, relationship building and the proper marketing

45:34

Adios Ayton, Hello Holiday

Holy Backboard ·

2025/07/09

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

01:07:18

Perplexed in Portland: Blazers add Yang Hansen

Holy Backboard ·

2025/06/27

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

40:29

Emergency Pod! Jrue Trade

Holy Backboard ·

2025/06/24

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

40:37

Future Friday: Rasheer Fleming

Holy Backboard ·

2025/06/20

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

55:02

2025 Lottery Mock 3.0

Holy Backboard ·

2025/06/17

Dustin and I work together to create a mock draft!

09:20

Complementary Pieces: Koby Brea

Holy Backboard ·

2025/06/16

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

28:03

Future Friday Cedric Coward

Holy Backboard ·

2025/06/13

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

10:41

Complementary Pieces: Ryan Kalkbrenner

Holy Backboard ·

2025/06/06

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

25:47

Future Friday Kasparas Jakučionis

Holy Backboard ·

2025/06/06

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

09:28

Complementary Pieces: Noah Penda

Holy Backboard ·

2025/06/04

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

21:09

Complementary Pieces: Will Riley

Holy Backboard ·

2025/06/02

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,

52:30

Dribble, Pass, Shoot: 2025 NBA Draft Edition

Holy Backboard ·

2025/05/30

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

09:16

Complementary Pieces: Labaron Philon

Holy Backboard ·

2025/05/28

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

24:57

Future Friday: Derik Queen

Holy Backboard ·

2025/05/24

Dustin and I talk about Maryland's Derik Queen. We talk about the sky high potential and the real potential of him failing.

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