Blazer's Edge

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang try to make sense of the last few weeks, why the Blazers suddenly can't defend the 3-point line, weird starts and bad endings to games, firing up the trade machine, the turn "against" CJ McCollum Intro Opening Comments 0:20 Why can't the Blazers defend the 3-point shot? 4:00 What is Kyle Korver known for doing? 4:25 What should you never do on Kyle Korver? 5:25 Tara agrees that Danny is objective, kind of 6:15 The lack of effort makes me want to pull my hair out 7:00 Doncic had to redeem himself after Aminu dunked the life out of him 9:30 I want to come up with a reason, but there's not a lot of stuff outside of effort & decision making 9:55 Who are we to know what is creating this perceived lack of effort? 12:50 Portland hasn't won a game trailing heading into the 4th quarter this season 13:50 Damian Lillard scores a lot in the 2nd half but what's going on in the 1st? 15:50 Starting the game through Harkless or Nurkic 17:4

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang are joined by Blazer's Edge alum, formerly of Sports Illustrated and the Washington Post's newest national NBA writer - and all around great guy, Ben Golliver. Together they hit on the state of the franchise from ownership, the ties that Portland has through their fans, looking forward to the trade deadline, trading for Jabari Parker, Jusuf Nurkic's growth, the future for Damian Lillard and much more! Intro Opening Comments 2:30 Pro-"Danny" stance 4:30 ELI5, a Blazer's fan 8:50 Relationship between front office & ownership with the fanbase previously & going forward 9:20 Taking Paul Allen for granted 12:15 Stability of the franchise 14:20 Looking forward to new ownership 17:15 Does the uncertainty of ownership effect players? 19:20 Top tier players and "ownership" of the franchise 20:30 Damian Lillard's future 22:15 Jabari Parker and the Blazers 24:50 Parker as a basketball fit and another chance 28:30 Is this the year that

This week’s WHAT podcast features a hypothetical playoff scenario (that the Blazers would win), who would be the best retired Trail Blazer to have on the broadcast team, and what should Santa bring for the team this season? Then  Tara and Cassidy are joined by Anna Jane Smith of Raptors Twitter for a tutorial on getting started with basketball statistics.  0:45 Come to the Blazers WHAT meetup watch party!5:45 If the playoffs started today. (which has already changed) the Blazers would play OKC, how do you think the Blazers would do in a seven game series against them? 8:45 Which former Blazer would you like to have as a broadcaster 10:30 A bit about Clyde Drexler on Dancing with the Stars12:00 What should the Blazers ask santa for this year?  16:30 How do you watch a game? 19:30 Introducing Anna Jane Smith how she got into basketball.21:45 Helpful stats for evaluating individual players? Simplest stats are often the best. 23:30 In real time you often see what you expect to see. Sometimes it takes watching a s

The Blazers have won two in a row, are they back on track? Will Jusuf Nurkic get a triple double this year? Why have Damian Lillard's numbers trended upwards these last few weeks? Has the team turned over a new leaf or are those just turnovers? All this and more on the latest edition of the Blazer's Edge Podcast.  1:20 Intro/Dan's new Toy/Placing a bet in Vegas  7:00 Blazers vs Phoenix, a "must not-lose" game  10:00 What did we learn from the Minnesota game?  13:00 Physical Nurkic is tough to guard or score on.  14:30 Turnover troubles  16:30 Dan wants Nurkic to have the ball more. Alright then, who loses touches?  19:40 Damian Lillard is on pace to get the scoring average record, surpassing Clyde Drexler.  20:45 Blazers went a whole game without giving up a 30 point quarter.  21:45 Debating Jake Layman vs Maurice Harkless in the starting lineup?  23:50 Seth Curry's minutes needed to go to Jake Layman  27:50 Layman  runs and runs and runs.  29:15 Lillard's minutes have trended up lately. With the difficult st

We search for answers to why the Portland Trail Blazers are losing and what they can do to break out of this funk? Is their poor defense really just about effort? What can coaches and players do to get them back to their early season success? Plus, lots of your twitter questions!    2:45 Effort really seems to be the problem with the defense: Lack of communication, late for rotations, giving up on plays, dying on screens . . . You can't waste a 37 point 10 assist night from Damian Lillard.  6:00 What has happened to communication?  8:00 Zach Collins appears like he's in his own head, like he is trying to fight through these last few weeks of sub-par play.  9:30 Even Al-Farouq Aminu is getting caught out of position. Need to get back to the basics of communication.  10:30 Meyers Leonard and Collins playing together, is this a change to pair Collins up with someone.  12:30 Is it time to shake up the lineups, or try something new. What would you try?  13:20 What about adding Wade Baldwin to the lineup? Or moving

We check in with our friends Sabreena Merchant from Silver Screen and Roll and Clipps Nation and Jannelle Moore from Bball Index to find out how the Clippers, Lakers and Golden State Warriors are doing so far this season.  04:09 What were the expectations for the Clippers this season and how are people thinking about them now?  07:30 Fan favorites of the Clippers: Montrezl Harrell, Boban Marjanovic 09:45 How are things going since Doc Rivers lost his role as the GM? 12:00 Clippers weaknesses: need someone who can score a lot when they face a really good defense. And they need a defensive center for the future. 16:00 What is the difference between Clipper fans and Laker fans? 17:45 What are the expectations for the Laker fans? 23:00 How is the M.U.D. Lineup playing? 26:30 Jannelle Moore 27:00 It is hard to three-peat 28:00 Weaknesses are the bench and the Center position. 28:45 A few gems on the smaller contracts that the Warriors have been forced to use because they spend their money on the big stars

This week we try to figure out which is the real Trail Blazer’s Team? The team that jumped out to a fast start or the one we have seen the past few weeks which looks remarkably familiar to the Trail Blazer’s we’ve seen over the past few seasons. We also answer twitter questions, thanks to @jackfrank_jjf, @lazchance, @KodyTarbe11, @NervousOrca, @Burlacious_M, @GoldnerPDX for sending those in!   0:15 Meyers Leonard and Evan Turner: why are people still complaining about them?2:20 How Zach Collins can work on getting fewer foul calls. 4:40 Thanksgiving5:30 Paul Allen interlude8:15 Blazers are probably thankful for many things like playing on a team full of good guys with a coach they love and respect. 9:50 Rehashing the last 3 losses. How did they happen?11:30 Golden State: They let Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson both get loose. 12:45 Blazers continue to struggle against teams with length.15:00 What has been different for the Trail Blazers over the last few weeks?16:40 In 8 losses, Portland has won the 3rd quart

At the time of this recording, the Portland Trail Blazers were alone at the top of the mighty Western Conference. 20 minutes into the recording they were tied with the Memphis Grizzlies and the LA Clippers, but the important thing is, the Blazers continue to play well. Even coming off of a 1-2 week, things are still looking pretty good for the Blazers and the Blazers’ Edge weekly podcast has the rundown for you.  How does Anfernee Simons look in real NBA minutes? Why didn’t Coach Stotts play Meyers Leonard much at all in the Minnesota game? How much is the bench missing Seth Curry? Just how good is Jusuf Nurkic playing this season? Many players are really hustling this season.  Evan Turner is great at finding players in their spots. What about that 15 second, nine-pass play? Is that "real" Trail Blazer's basketball? Would the Trail Blazers want to trade for any of the Washington Wizards players?   All of this and more on this week’s edition of the Blazer’s Edge podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

On the latest Women’s Hoops And Talks (WHAT) Podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs (Team Mom) and Cassidy Gemmet are joined by Anne Peterson of the Associated Press to talk about how things have changed in the media over the years.  It has been an exciting start to the NBA season, with plenty to talk about in just under a month of regular season play. First we talk about what has surprised us like punches thrown, early season trades and Warriors intrigue. Of course we have praise for the surprising Trail Blazers bench who are in mid-season form.  Then we talk about how overwhelming the media has become, with so many big personalities, so many choices and so many platforms for fans to follow. We share some of our favorite media resources for following the NBA.  Finally we talk to our favorite media resource, Anne Peterson. Anne tells us how things have changed since she was a young reporter. What is easier? What is more challenging? Finally, she gives us the inside scoop about what it was like on press row the first time

Dan and Tara talk about what its like to watch the best Blazer basketball they have seen in a long time.  01:45 Most fun basketball in 10 years  04:30 Please get better soon Moe Harkless  07:20 Does the team have an identity now?  10:00 They have an identity and its bifurcated.  11:45 What does the Jimmy Butler trade mean for Portland  19:30 How CJ Is finding his way  22:00 Aminu Appreciation Segment  25:15 Jake Layman appreciation segment  26:20 The old "Ice the other team by leveling the rim" trick  27:50 Why hasn't Dame gotten to the foul line for basically 3 games?  34:00 Twitter questions:  35:05 Nickname for Seth?  36:20 What it is like to have a name that is a food?  37:10 How will be bench and Zach Collins do on the upcoming road trip?  38:30 Dan goes in on how well Zach Collins has been the last few weeks.  42:10 Two handed rebounding this year  45:10 Collins appears to be being groomed to play power forward at least for a few years.  46:30 Will Aminu be traded at the deadline?  53:10 Portland bench

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang take a look at the Blazers 4-1 week, commiserating over a Lakers loss but moving on, with a big chunk of time spent discussing the situation and role of CJ McCollum as he tries to find his way within the Blazer's shifting offensive game plan. A deep dive into when and where McCollum is getting his touches and then what he's doing with them highlight his attempts at trying to fit in rather than fit out. From there it's onto the nightmare fuel that is the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo and the upcoming Los Angeles Clippers and their surprising revival through the first 10 games of the season. All that and more on this week's episode!! Intro Opening Comments :30 Tara as a scout 2:00 Arguing about Zach Collins, a tradition unlike any other 4:00 Review the week that was 5:00 Did you know Anthony Davis was out? 5:20 Anthony Davis tried to give it a go vs POR 7:00 Bingo card- Dan reminds us he's old and has bad knees! (

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Tara Bowen Biggs and Danny Marang take a look at the Blazer's past week where Portland found themselves dropping two of three games in pretty terrible fashion against the tire fire that is the Washington Wizards and failed to come out with enough energy against the Fighting Dwyane Wade's in Miami. Along the way they discuss Tara's love for the Beastie Boys, what happened in the closing minutes against the Wizards, CJ McCollum's slow start, Damian Lillard playing at a truly elite level, Zach Collins' emergence as a box score contributor, looking forward to games against the Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets and much more! :30 Tara's Beastie Boys love Intro 2:00 Opening Comments 3:45 Is it fool's gold, is everything we saw gone? Please send help.  5:00 Why didn't the Blazers go small vs the Wizards 6:00 The Wizards won't have a players only meeting, they can't stand each other 9:20 Is there something up with CJ or is he just having a slump? 10:40 Miami was t

On this week’s episode of the Blazer’s Edge podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang take a look at the Blazer’s 2-0 start, the madness of the first week of NBA action, “Spitgate”, early storylines, Portland’s bench revival, Maurice Harkless coming off the bench, Damian Lillard picking up where he left off last season, how hot is “the sauce” and more! IntroOpening Comments:40 What the hell is going on in the NBA? 1:45 Coach Stotts introduces the whistle wrinkle 3:10 Dan has never seen Sound of Music.4:05 What has made the last two games so fun to watch?4:20 Vet Minimum Signing Nik Stauskas carries game one. He earned his whole salary that game.6:00 Dame’s NBA Award speech6:50 The Moda center crowd is bringing it7:40 Checking in on where the Blazers are with Assists, Rebounds and Fast Break Points9:00 Fast pace because of Lakers and because of Evan turner10:05 Even Turner is straight up playing well in his job of bench playmaker11:20 Zach Collins-- game one impacted the game defensively, game two he impacted

On the latest edition of the Women’s Hoops And Talks (WHAT) podcast, Tara and guest hosts Alex Haigh (@owlhix) and Cassidy Gemmet go team-by-team through the Western Conference. Who were the major additions, who moved on, which young teams have a bright outlook and which old stars will drag their teams through the season? We also chose walk-up songs for each team, you can find all of them on our WHAT Western Conference YouTube Playlist. Timestamps 3:00 Remembering  Portland Trail Blazer's owner Paul Allen 7:20 Los Angeles Lakers, I Need a Hero, Bonnie Tyler10:30 How bad would it be if they didn't make the playoffs13:00 San Antonio Spurs, Montage Song from Team America17:30 Houston Rockets, So Close By Hall and Oats22:30 New Orleans Pelicans Dancin’ On My Own, Robyn28:30 Minnesota Timberwolves Love the One You're With, Stephen Stills 34:40 Los Angeles Clippers,  I Hope You Dance, Leanne Womak 40:05 Golden State Warriors, Theme to Dynasty AND  Hit ‘em High Monstars Theme song 43:00 Denver Nuggets, The Climb, Mi

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang take a look at the Trail Blazers preseason, what looked good, what needs work and what to look forward to into the season. From there it's opening night and the Los Angeles Lakers, will the Blazers win? Then it's a twist on a Western Conference Preview, where we take a look at some different questions/storylines, which ultimately leads to Tara making her greatest hot take proclamation. That and more on this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast Intro Opening Comments Tara's Fantasy Basketball Draft Birthday Basketball! Blazers v Lakers Opening Night Buy into LeBron James' teams starting slow K.I.S.S. - Blazers mantra Blazers win on opening night? Overall feeling heading into the season Blazers bench unit ups and downs Meyers Leonard can shoot, seriously Preview Edition Most overrated and underrated in the Western Conference? Which team finishes with a better record, Suns or Kings? Which team finishes with a better rec

On this week’s episode of the Blazer’s Edge podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang take a look at the first 3 preseason games; who has stood out, who has lacked some polish, what are the big picture take aways, Jusuf Nurkic with the green light from 3, Nik Stauskas operating outside of expectations, Anfernee Simons continues to shine, Meyers Leonard delivering on offense, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum look ready to start the season, injury concerns for Moe Harkless and Evan Turner and more! Intro Opening comments French tuck spotted! What have we learned through 3 games of preseason basketball? Nik Stauskas revival What could this mean for the early season rotation? Development curve for role players under Terry Stotts Meyers Leonard delivering offensively so far Dunks and 3's oh my! Tara calls Meyers a giant squid Does Meyers look different? Jusuf Nurkic 3's are real! Nurkic has found a great balance on both ends Doubling down on Anfernee Simons Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are in midseason form Seth

Tara, Kendyl and Karol Collymore of XRAY-FM in the Morning cover a wide range of topics from how we as fans judge players, what do players really “owe” us, using sport as a platform and what role sports plays in community activism and involvement? Join us this week as we talk about players asking for trades, why we are worried about super teams and will this be Jake Layman’s year? We share how we are coping with LeBron in a Laker jersey, preview some of the Eastern Conference teams that intrigue us and ask if Lonzo Ball deserves to be in Space Jam 2? 00:30 Introduce Karol Collymore 4:00 What is going on with Jimmy Butler 10:30 Kawhi Leonard--does he owe anyone an explanation? 14:00 Will this be the year of Jake Layman? 18:30 How are we handling the Lebron to the Lakers situation? 25:00 The ring debate. How important is a ring for a player to be in the Hall of Fame? 29:30 What is Space Jam 2 going to be like? 33:00 Mini East Preview: Kendyl looks at Celtics and Raptors 41:30 Mini East Preview: Tara talks ab

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge Podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang break down Media Day highights; Maurice Harkless injury news, more ball movement, more 3's on offense and more. Then it's onto Preseason basketball, yes it's officially here and things are already in midseason form! Damian Lillard makes it look easy, questioning rotations, hope for Meyers Leonard, wondering if Harkless will contribute- the story lines are here folks! Plus some insights from Fanfest, thoughts on a few tweaks to the Blazers offense, what we've seen that's new for the Blazers on both ends of the floor and a whole lot more! Intro Opening Comments Stand out thoughts from Media Day Harkless being shut down during the Summer Is Maurice Harkless the glue guy? Blazers pecking order on offense Damian Lillard's Media Day thoughts Dad Lillard Lillard & McCollum on playing in Portland Blazers will move the ball more on offense Putting pressure on the ball defensively Will Portland rack up fouls based on reputation? Neil

On this week's episode of the Blazer's Edge podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang have on special guest Sean Highkin to talk about the now epic saga of Jimmy Butler, Karl Anthony-Towns, Coach Thibodeau, Sean's wildest days covering the Chicago Bulls beat, whether or not Portland is really a player for Butler, should the Blazers include CJ McCollum in a deal, what this means for the Western Conference, expectations for the Blazers rotations, favorite media day quotes, what to look forward to in the preseason and more! Intro Opening comments Sean Highkin everybody! The Timberwolves and the apocalypse How dirty has the whole situation become? Breaking down the events of the past week A bored Stephen Jackson is amazing Realistic destinations for Butler Most dysfunction team Sean's seen/covered Tara feels bad for Timberwolves fans, but loves the carnage How much leverage do the Timberwolves have Should Portland offer CJ in a deal? The package that Portland should offer The price of Butler, financially could g

On the latest edition of the Women’s Hoops And Talks (WHAT) podcast, Tara and special guest host Alex Haigh  (@owlhix) talk about the stories they are looking forward to in the upcoming NBA season. From the Eastern Conference Trail Blazers (also known as the Brooklyn Nets) to Wade Baldwin’s loooooong arms, and from retirement tours to all-in-the Curry family fun, there will be something for everyone this year. Then we invite Jannelle Moore, writer for Golden State of Mind, to tell us what stories to watch for as the Warriors go for their third straight championship. You’d be surprised what is on her mind! While there is plenty of talk about Steph Curry and the rest of the All Stars, there are other interesting stories to keep an eye on this year. Follow Blazer’s Edge on Twitter @blazersedge, WHAT Pod @HoopsAndTalks, Tara @tcbbiggs, and Kendyl @kendylbennett16. This week’s guests: Alex Haige (@owlhix) and Jannelle Moore (@jannelle12) Women’s Hops And Talks (W.H.A.T.) Join the Women’s Hops And Talks Facebook gr