Blazer Focused

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Portland Trail Blazers news, interviews and analysis from Aaron Fentress and The Oregonian/OregonLive.

The Oregonian/OregonLive


    • Jul 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 179 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Blazer Focused

    Deandre Ayton out for the Portland Trail Blazers; Damian Lillard in?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 58:38


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the possibility of Damian Lillard returning to Portland and the ramifications of buying out Deandre Ayton's contract. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Does Blazers' GM deserve benefit of the doubt following shocking selection of Yang Hansen?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 43:10


    The hosts of the ⁠Blazer Focused podcast⁠‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Portland Trail Blazers trading back from the No. 11 pick in Wednesday night's draft to ⁠select center Yang Hansen from China in a move that stunned the basketball world⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Analyzing the Trail Blazers' acquisition of Jrue Holiday, NBA draft preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 84:38


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, dive into the Blazers trading Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday, and discuss what they believe the Blazers should do with the No. 11 pick during Wednesday night's NBA draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Could Chris Paul be a fit in Portland? Mock drafts project Blazers' selection at No. 11

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 41:55


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss mock NBA drafts, Chris Paul being linked to the Trail Blazers and Craig's New York Knicks taking a tumble in the NBA playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Donovan Clingan recognized, grading the guards, Trail Blazers for sale

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 57:11


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss Donovan Clingan being named to the All-Rookie team, the Blazers seeking a buyer and what that means for Moda Center and they grade the guard position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers go up for sale and the draft lottery fallout

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 50:50


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Trail Blazers finally going up for sale and what's next for the team on the court after landing at No. 11 in Monday night's NBA draft lottery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Damian Lillard injured, Trail Blazers shake up staff, will Donovan Clingan make All-Rookie team?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 56:50


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Trail Blazers making staff changes, Damian Lillard's injury, rookie of the year voting and they break down the center position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Grading the Trail Blazers forwards, lottery slippage, Lillard healthy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 61:45


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Portland Trail Blazers falling a tad in the NBA draft lottery, analyze the forward position and address the return of Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks' lineup for the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Did Trail Blazers make the right move retaining coach Chauncey Billups?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 58:49


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Portland Trail Blazers signing coach Chauncey Billups to a contract extension and take a quick look at the team's chances of reaching the playoffs next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin's contract extended, Chauncey Billups should be next

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 47:14


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss general manager Joe Cronin receiving a contract extension and agree that coach Chauncey Billups should be next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers, led by Deni Avdija, continue playing with heart

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 38:03


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Blazers' unexpected 127-113 win at Atlanta, Deni Avdija's second triple-double, Toumani Camara's chances of landing on the All-Defensive team and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Can Deni Avdija, Anfernee Simons lead Trail Blazers to play-in berth?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 42:08


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Blazers making noise in the tight race for the final play-in berth in the Western Conference and more during the latest episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers fading, but Henderson and Avdija shining

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 45:09


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' fading play-in hopes, the play of Scoot Henderson and Deni Avdija, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Possibility of Trail Blazers earning play-in berth just improved

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 41:04


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Blazers winning five out of six, what Kyrie Irving being lost for the season means for Dallas and the Blazers, the rise of Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija, plus what reaching the play-in would mean for the franchise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers remain in play-in hunt, Shaedon Sharpe posterizes on career night

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 40:38


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the team's recent winning streak, chances of reaching the play-in, Shaedon Sharpe's career night and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers enter All-Star break with no clear direction

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 60:20


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss where the Blazers stand after losing three consecutive games entering the All-Star break and once again dealing with injuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Surging Trail Blazers complicate future

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 56:25


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the team winning nine of 10 and what that means for the rebuild, Thursday's trade deadline, coach Chauncey Billups and the future of the franchise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Is the Trail Blazers' rise legit or smoke and mirrors?: Blazer Focused podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 61:56


    The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the team winning six out of seven, Scoot Henderson's ascension, coach Chauncey Billups' future and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Making sense out of an interesting few days for the Trail Blazers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 44:25


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, jumps all over the latest developments surrounding the team. Scoot Henderson continues to shine. Anfernee Simons bounced back. Shaedon Sharpe lost his starting role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Scoot Henderson shines, but Trail Blazers still reeling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 49:02


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, offers well-earned praise to Scoot Henderson for his performance against the Nets. But was it just a fluke? Also, why does Deandre Ayton coast at times, and should the Blazers regret not trading Damian Lillard to Miami for a package including Tyler Herro? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Simons, Sharpe and Avdija rolling with trade deadline a month away

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 51:23


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, examines the team's solid play lately, especially that of Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons and Deni Avdija. Plus, the trade deadline is coming up on Feb. 6. What should the Blazers do? And would we trade for Zion Williamson? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Reviewing the first quarter of the Trail Blazers' season

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 51:46


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, examines all that went right and all that went wrong for the 8-14 Trail Blazers during the first quarter of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers performing reasonably well through injuries, inconsistent play

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 48:58


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, goes over the impact of recent injuries, the inconsistent play of Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe and others, and if the 7-11 Blazers have played a little too well for their own good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Did Trail Blazers' Sharpe and Clingan flash glimpse of positive future?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 44:33


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discusses the death of Brian Wheeler, the Blazers' incredible two-game sweep of Minnesota, how the play of Donovan Clingan and Shaedon Sharpe offered hope, Chauncey Billips' performance and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers show encouraging signs during 3-5 start

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 45:12


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, examines the team following a 3-5 start. Young forwards are playing well, but Scoot Henderson is still struggling. What does losing the right way look like? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers were a hot mess in the opener. Is it a fluke or a bad sign?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 41:03


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive, and Craig Birnbach, is back with another episode. Fentress and Birnbach evaluate the Trail Blazers' 139-104 loss to the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night to open the season. They also discuss any silver linings, Scoot Henderson not starting and when the Blazers might pick up their first victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Evaluating the Trail Blazers after 2 preseason games

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 37:32


    Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach evaluate the Trail Blazers' first two preseason games, specifically the play of Scoot Henderson and rookie Donovan Clingan. Plus, they reflect on coach Chauncey Billups' Hall of Fame speech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers already hit by injuries ahead of first preseason game

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 43:45


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discusses troubling injuries to Shaedon Sharpe and Robert Williams III, Fan Fest, and the preseason opener Friday in Seattle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers start training camp, seek clarity on franchise's direction

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 61:29


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, reviews Monday's media and examines the best position battles that began with Tuesday's start of training camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Blazers get new TV partner, guard preview, WNBA to PDX

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 47:55


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, continues with training camp previews, this time assessing the guards. Also, the new TV partner is announced, and the WNBA will return to Portland in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Training camp preview part 2: How will forwards Jerami Grant and Deni Avdija fit?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 36:16


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, continues with training camp previews, this time assessing the forward situation. Jerami Grant and Deni Avdija seem like a solid pairing, but will either still be around when the team starts winning again? Also, does the roster have another forward who figures to be in the team's long-term plans? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers training camp preview part 1: How will Deandre Ayton and Donovan Clingan co-exist?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 37:45


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, start their training camp previews with a look at the center position. What does the present and future look like for Deandre Ayton and Donovan Clingan? Can they co-exist? And for how long? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers summer league report card

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 47:28


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, provides a final assessment of the Trail Blazers' summer league performance, complete with individual grades for Donovan Clingan, Kris Murray, Rayan Rupert, Justin Minaya, and Bryce McGowens. Plus, is the USA men's basketball team vulnerable? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Evaluating Donovan Clingan's summer league performance thus far

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 58:43


    The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, evaluates the Trail Blazers first three summer league games with a focus on the play of rookie Donovan Clingan. Plus, why people should leave Bronny James alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    What to look for from rookie Donovan Clingan when summer league starts on Saturday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 28:13


    The Blazer Focused podcast, featuring Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, gets you ready for the start of summer league play this weekend. What to look for from rookie center Donovan Clingan and others. Plus, should Scoot Henderson have been added to the roster? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers draft Donovan Clingan, trade for Deni Avdija

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 41:45


    The Blazer Focused podcast, featuring Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, examines the selection of Donovan Clingan out of Connecticut with the No. 7 pick in the NBA draft, and takes a look at the team's acquisition of forward Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards for Malcolm Brogdon and draft picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    NBA draft week is here, let's get prepped

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 58:50


    It's NBA draft week, and the Blazer Focused podcast, featuring Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, examines the latest mock drafts while attempting to predict what the Blazers might do in an unpredictable draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    NBA draft a week away, Payton Pritchard wins a ring, Caitlin Clark drama is a good thing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 51:50


    The Blazer Focused podcast, featuring Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, dives into next week's NBA draft, praises Payton Pritchard and gives their take on the drama surrounding Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Pre-draft workouts continue, and how many titles could the Blazers have won with a healthy Bill Walton?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 47:52


    The Blazer Focused podcast, featuring Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, reacts to Bill Walton dying at the age of 71 on Monday, and discusses his legacy as a player and broadcaster. Craig has stories. Also, the Blazers continue their pre-draft workouts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers face puzzling situation after falling to No. 7 in NBA draft lottery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 58:05


    The Blazer Focused podcast, featuring Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, reacts to the Trail Blazers falling to No. 7 in Sunday's NBA draft lottery. Select for need? Take the best player available? Trade pick? Package pick to trade up? Decisions, decisions for the Blazers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Lillard's playoff runs ends early, and just how far behind the rest of the Western Conference are the Blazers?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 46:26


    The Blazer Focused podcast, featuring Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discusses the depth of the Western Conference on display during the NBA playoffs and how far the Blazers trail several elite teams with young talent. Also, Damian Lillard's playoff run with the Bucks comes to an early end. And are the Blazers set at center? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trail Blazers enter offseason with plans to remain on development path

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 53:22


    The Blazer Focused podcast, featuring Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discusses the franchise's offseason following a 21-61 season. Plus, why the Blazers retained coach Chauncey Billups, why GM Joe Cronin plans to remain on the development path and what to expect this offseason and next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Positive road trip includes growth from Scoot Henderson; what we hope to learn during exit interviews

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 44:28


    The Blazer Focused podcast, featuring Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discusses rookie Scoot Henderson's growth during the team's recent road trip, as well as what we've learned about the young forwards and what we hope to learn during upcoming exit interviews following the end of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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