CaseyHoldahl

In THE FINAL EDITION OF THE RIP CITY REPORT, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers trading for Robert Covington and Enes Kanter, signing Rodney Hood, Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Jones Jr and Harry Giles as free agents, injury updates, the roster as it currently stands and how it stacks up historically and their thoughts about the team a few weeks from training camp. They also play one last round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up, as always by answering listener questions about roster depth, covering basketball in quarantine, the Oden draft, favorite memories from over seven years of podcasting and why the show is coming to an end. Thanks to everyone who has listened and supported over the years.

In this 2019-20 Season Wrap Up edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl consider the direction of the Portland Trail Blazers, the 2019-20 campaign, hand out “Most" awards, including the Most Surprising and Most Disappointing from a season unlike any other, the importance of Jusuf Nurkic, good free agent fits for the Blazers, play another round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions about Gary Trent Jr., the NBA draft, former Blazers who could have made a difference last season, Anfernee Simons and more.

On the first 2020 offseason edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl give their initial thoughts on the 2019-20 season, their takeaway's from Portland's play in the Orlando bubble, Carmelo Anthony wanting to stay and the life and death of Clifford "Uncle Cliffy" Robinson. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions about ranking the free agents to be currently on the roster, Carmelo the Recruiter, offseason plans, trade proposals and what kind of players they might look to add before the start of the 2020-21 season.

On this latest 2020 Playoffs edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the "good news" about Damian Lillard's knee injury, the Lakers deserving credit, the foolish expectations taken from Game 1, Los Angeles' dominant defense, Zach Collins needing to undergo ankle surgery, Portland's roster and future team needs and facing elimination in Game 5. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions about officiating, The Simpsons, Wenyen Gabriel, Hassan Whiteside, the draft, the Blazers’ bench, Terry Stotts and more.

In this 2020 Playoff Edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl recap the Trail Blazers' blowout loss to the Lakers in Game 2, Portland offense struggling under the weight of their own mistakes and Los Angeles' defense, the difficulty of trying to slow Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard's dislocated finger. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about changing hotels, CJ's wine collection in Orlando, the Lakers complaining about "Blow The Whistle," Jusuf Nurkic's team defense, whether Lillard should have still been in the game in the third quarter, Gary Trent Jr. on LeBron James and more.

In the first 2020 NBA Playoffs edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl preview the 8-seed Trail Blazers' first round series versus the 1-seed Lakers,how Portland might go about defending LeBron James, their advantage in the guard matchup, getting something out of Hassan Whiteside and Anthony Davis and his past postseason success against Portland. They also play another round of "Walton or Oden and finish up by answering listener questions “Live in the Bubble,” the Blazers’ Twin Tower lineup, Zach Collins’ playing status, CJ McCollum’s back injury, home-court “advantage,” Lillard’s scoring prowess and more.

On the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' victory versus the Nets, Portland earning the eight-seed and the right to play the nine-seed Grizzlies in the Western Conference Play-in, Damian Lillard's MVP performance, the growth and maturity of Jusuf Nurkic, Hassan Whiteside's momentum and Zach Collins' struggles. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions regarding Nassir Little, Anfernee Simons, the Blazers’ three-point defense, playing large lineups, playoff x-factors and more.

On the latest post-game edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Damian Lillard's 61-point performance in Tuesday's win versus the Mavericks and whether he's being guided by otherworldly powers, Portland moving past the Grizzlies for eighth-place, another impressive performance from Carmelo Anthony, Hassan Whiteside returning with purpose, CJ McCollum's fractured back, whether Jusuf Nurkic is hitting the wall and where the Trail Blazers stand going into their final seeding game.

In another post-game restart edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers’ great escape against the injury-riddled Philadelphia 76ers, the performance not instilling a whole lot of confidence regarding Portland's chances going forward, the Blazers' inability to put teams away, Damian Lillard bouncing back with a 51-point performance, Carmelo Anthony moving into 15th all-time in scoring, Portland's remaining games in the bubble and the chase for the eight seed with two games to go.

In the latest post-game edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl banter about the Trail Blazers’ inability to put teams away in the bubble, the Damian Lillard-Patrick Beverley-Paul George beef, NBA pettiness, Gary Trent Jr.’s continued strong play, Portland's playoff chances and schedule with three games to play and more as the Blazers drop to 3-2 in Orlando and move with a 1 ½ games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for 8th in the West.

In this latest post-game bubble edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the The Blazers’ record-setting victory versus the Denver Nuggets and what they like about how Portland is playing, defiant and dismissive Gary Trent Jr. continuing to torch the NBA bubble, another Damian Lillard record-setting performance, the Trail Blazers attitude and approach in Orlando, moving to within a half game of the Grizzlies for eighth and what you need to do to have a chance to win a "virtual fan seat" to Sunday's game versus the 76ers.

In this latest post-game NBA restart bubble edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl the Trail Blazers' 110-102 victory versus the Houston Rockets, Portland's playoff chances with five games to play, which are looking a lot better than they did a week ago, another clutch — and vintage — performance from Carmelo Antony, the the ascension of Gary Trent Jr., winning in different ways, Terry Stotts' success with regard to coaching challenges and more as they improve to 2-1 in Orlando.

In the second post-game edition of the Rip City Report from the NBA restart in Orlando, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland's loss to the Celtics, whether they're more or hopeful about this team’s playoff chances after two games, the play of Gary Trent Jr., the first instance of "Dame Time" in the bubble, Jusuf Nurkic continuing to impress and the coming game against the Rockets on Tuesday.

Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers first game, a 140-135 overtime victory versus the Memphis Grizzlies, in their eight-game restart schedule in Orlando, the play of Jusuf Nurkić and the news that his grandmother is in a coma due to the coronavirus, the first few days in the bubble breaking well for Portland's playoff chances, Terry Stotts shortening his rotation, the play of Gary Trent Jr. and Mario Hezonja, CJ McCollum taking it back to the Denver series, Damian Lillard and whether he's dealing with injury and Carmelo Anthony coming up big in the clutch.

On the eve of the restart to the Trail Blazers' season, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl preview the matchup versus the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland's eight-game schedule, two reasons the Blazers might make the postseason and two reasons why they might not, Joe covering protests, the challenges of covering basketball remotely and the big man rotation. They also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up as always by answering listener questions about Anfernee Simons, Mario Hezonja, crowd noise in empty gyms and more!

Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl recap Portland's first two scrimmages in Orlando, what they like to see more of and less of in their final scrimmage, the return of Jusuf Nurkić, the prospect of a "twin towers" lineup rotation and how Terry Stotts might go about allocating minutes at power forward and center, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about playing for the postseason versus scouting for the future, Wenyen Gabriel, why Gary Trent Jr. wasn’t a first-round draft pick, the Blazers’ chances of making the playoffs, perimeter defense, Anfernee Simons’ playing time and more.

In the latest season-postponed edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the Trail Blazers' eight-game restart schedule, Portland's difficult path to the playoffs, Trevor Ariza not joining the team in Orlando and which direction the Trail Blazers might go to replace him, reported plans about players utilizing their platform in Orlando to speak out on issues and the relationship between the league and the players union. Joe and Casey also play another round of Walton or Oden and finish by answering listener questions about the Blazers’ playoff chances, the likelihood the team signs another player, the starting lineup, the quality of play we can expect in Orlando, how the players feel about the restart and more.

Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the NBA's plan to restart the 2019-20 season in Orlando and how the Trail Blazers fit into the truncated, 22-team season at Walt Disney World, why were the Blazers the only team to vote against the NBA’s plan and protests and world developments. Joe and Casey also play another round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions the Blazers’ playoff chances, a Twin Tower lineup featuring Jusuf Nurkic and Hassan Whiteside, free agency, the Blazers’ starting lineup and more.

On latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the latest developments regarding the postponement of the 2019-20 NBA regular season, reports that the league is making positive steps toward a resumption of play, Portland's practice facility reopening, the 2-4 week timeline for a decision about how the NBA moves forward and the team refunding season and single game tickets. Joe and Casey also play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about how they're managing the COVID-10 pandemic, Damian Lillard's chances of being a Top 15 scorer all-time, the returns of Nurkic and Collins and how much time has been spent playing video games.

In the latest edition of the First Bus podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss sweatshirt sizes, Twitter follow lists and Casey's problem with them, the sliding scale of penmanship, Brooke's initial thoughts on the Great British Baking Show, the "Last Dance" documentary and tie ins to the Trail Blazers, meditation and Brooke's weekly comedy wrap up.

In this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, recorded via video conference, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss the latest on the NBA season and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, life under shelter-in-place and the uncertainty we’re all facing, if the NBA season resumes, what it might look like and whether next season is also in jeopardy. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about wearing sweatpants during quarantine, Blazers classic games, NBA after COVID-19, Anfernee Simons’ 21st birthday, our favorite old Blazers teams and more.

On the sixth edition of the First Bus podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss where the Trail Blazers would be if the season wasn’t postponed, complaints about Jeopardy, trying to restart the NBA in a quarantine bubble and the issues that might pose, Brooke getting tested for COVID-19, changing your name, busting chops with Terry Stotts, Brooke’s Tiger King thoughts and other shows they’re watching, little versus lil, river otters versus ocean otters and Brooke’s Cameo requests.

In the latest edition of the First Bus podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss how they're spending the days since the NBA season was suspended due to the coronavirus, where they'd be right now if the season was still proceeding as scheduled, Doris Burke, contemplating what the season might looks like if/when basketball returns, missing work, putting together puzzles, rats, Brooke's "English Muffin Challenge" and more.

In this season on hiatus edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the NBA and life in general, the latest out of Portland and the NBA as the sports world temporarily stops, what the remainder of the season might look like if/when the NBA starts back up and Rudy Gobert changing the world before playing another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish as always by answering listener questions about old games/series we’d like to see now that sports are paused, players we’d like to be quarantined with, whether the time off will help the Blazers, movie and television recommendations, our favorite apple varieties and more.

In this edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the impending return of Jusuf Nurkic, Portland's playoff chase with roughly three weeks to play in the regular season, whether Nurkic’s return affects the Blazers’ playoff chances and give some initial details of the next live podcast taping, which is currently scheduled for April 1 at Tough Luck. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up with answering lister questions about making the playoffs vs. building long-term chemistry, trading this year’s draft pick, Rodney Hood, coronavirus, our favorite sports to watch, playing in empty gyms, David Vanterpool and more.

In the latest edition of First Bus, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl recap the Trail Blazers' three-game trip through Indianapolis, Atlanta and Orlando, discuss what it's like getting sick on the road and missing games due to illness, why shrimp cocktail is so popular in Indianapolis, Brooke's career as a waitress, whether or not Casey is officially bald, the nightlife in downtown Orlando and killing time on a six-plus hour flight.

In this week's edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the win over the Detroit Pistons and how they came away from it feeling about Portland's playoff chances, the play of CJ McCollum in Damian Lillard's absence and the lack of offensive production from the bench. Joe and Casey also play another round of Walton or Oden and finish up by answering listener questions about Carmelo Anthony’s future with the team, Anfernee Simons’ development, whether Hassan Whiteside would embrace a bench role, the decade nights and more.

In this week's edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the win over the Detroit Pistons and how they came away from it feeling about Portland's playoff chances, the play of CJ McCollum in Damian Lillard's absence and the lack of offensive production from the bench. Joe and Casey also play another round of Walton or Oden and finish up by answering listener questions about Carmelo Anthony’s future with the team, Anfernee Simons’ development, whether Hassan Whiteside would embrace a bench role, the decade nights and more.

In the first 2020 post All-Star break edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss whether the Trail Blazers are primed for yet another late-season run, give three “make-or-break” factors that could decide the Blazers’ playoff fate and Damian Lillard’s health after he strained his right groin in the last game before the break. Joe and Casey also play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up as always by answering listener questions about Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins, the All-Star game, marriage proposals, the buyout market, over/under on Blazers wins the rest of the season, tanking and more.

In this week's edition, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl look at the moves made during the NBA trade deadline, why the team decided to keep center Hassan Whiteside, the trade sending Skal Labissiere to Atlanta for luxury tax savings and the Blazers making their "bigger" trade a few weeks prior. They also play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about Hassan Whiteside, the buyout market, Carmelo Anthony, Pau Gasol’s coaching future, Anfernee Simons’ play, Rasheed Wallace vs. LaMarcus Aldridge, breakfast carbohydrates and fashion.

In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe and Casey discus the tragic death — and powerful life — of Kobe Bryant, the Trail Blazers’ reaction to there news of Bryant's passing, Damian Lillard's remarkable performances over the last week, the trade for Trevor Ariza being a better fit that originally thought and give a quick update on the Blazers’ injured players, including Jusuf Nurkic, who returns to full practice last week. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Walton or Oden" before finishing up by answering listener questions about grieving players and their obligations to speak to the media, Carmelo Anthony’s role when Zach Collins returns, Ariza’s defensive impact, replacing the NBA logo with Bryant and more.

In this edition of the Rip City Report podcast, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl banter about the trade with Sacramento that netted Trevor Ariza, Wenyen Gabriel and Caleb Swanigan, whether the trade does more than shed salary and luxury tax obligations and the time Kent Bazemore and Anthony Tolliver spent in Portland. Joe and Casey also play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish the show as always by answering listener questions about Hassan Whiteside, future trades, whether the Blazers are going to quit, 90s night, reddit AMA’s, the Blazers’ young players, scented candles, beer and much more.

In the first 2020 edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss where the Trail Blazers stand at the midway point of the 2019-20 season, whether the playoffs are still in play, and if not, how the team might proceed, Jusuf Nurkic's return and how the team should play it and thoughts on why Portland hasn't signed a stop-gap center before playing a round of "Walton or Oden" and answering listener questions Rodney Hood, Greg Oden, the NFL playoffs, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum’s frustration with this season, Ed Davis, the bench outfits of Nurkic and Zach Collins and more.

In the final 2019 edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss where the Trail Blazers find themselves going into the new year, yet another serious injury and if and how they could go about adding talent, whether the style of play that they've been forced to employ is all that interesting, play another round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about Hassan Whiteside, Kent Bazemore, trades, Portland’s chances of landing an All-Star Game, New Year’s Eve, favorite personal/Blazers moments of the decade, Zach Randolph memories and much more.

Season's greetings from various members of the Portland Trail Blazers

In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, recorded on location at Talking Stick Hotel Resort Arena in Phoenix, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl banter about Jusuf Nurkic’s rehabilitation, his workout in Phoenix, being pain-free and when he might return, the struggles of the Trail Blazers' bench, play another round of "Walton or Oden" and answer listener questions about trades, assistant coach David Vanterpool’s departure, the next live podcast, Zach Collin’s anticipated return, 1980s night and more.

In the latest edition of the First Bus podcast, that podcast that documents life on the road with the Portland Trail Blazers, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl recap the six-game, 11-day trip with stops in San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Chicago. Brooke and Casey talk about some of their favorite places in each city, dealing with ticket requests, whether it's worth the trouble trying to meet up with friends on the road, Carmelo Anthony joining the team mid-trip, bad donuts, good Italian, the importance of having a person speak up at team dinners, foods not to be consumed on the plane and more of the minutia of life on the road.

In an abbreviated edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the season-ending injury to Rodney Hood and why it's such a bummer, how the Trail Blazers might go about replacing his production, or whether such a thing is even possible, and if the injury changes Portland's long-term plans. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up as always by answering listener questions about trades, “Parks and Recreation” vs. “The Office,” Damian Lillard’s three-point shooting and officiating.

In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeeman and Casey Holdahl discuss whether the Trail Blazers have turned the corner, the recent play of Hassan Whiteside and whether he's making improvements, the price of Christmas trees and Carmelo mania. Joe and Casey also making their Blazers stock watch picks, play a round of Walton or Oden and finish up with listener questions about potential trades, Anfernee Simons, fried chicken, Nassir Little’s new hairstyle, the coaches challenge, iso-ball, go-to breakfast items on the road, projected win totals and much more.

In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the current state of the Trail Blazers 16 games into the season, a disappointing road trip, Carmelo Anthony’s impact through four games, whether there's still time to turn the season around, Pau Gasol’s departure, play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about Hassan Whiteside, the team’s chemistry, Skal Labissiere, assistant coaching, Thanksgiving, how our opinions on things have changed since early in our careers, the open roster spot and the best-cast scenario for the rest of the season.

In this, an especially emergency edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the report that Carmelo Anthony and the Trail Blazers have agreed in and the Trail Blazers have agreed in principe to a non-guaranteed contract, whether it's worth the risk, how well Anthony will fit with the current Blazers team, Anthony's motivations at this point in his career, opinions of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum of the reported signing and play a quick round of Carmelo-themed "Walton or Oden." to a non-guaranteed contract, whether it's worth the risk, how well Anthony will fit with the current Blazers team, Anthony's motivations at this point in his career, opinions of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum of the reported signing and play a quick round of Carmelo-themed "Walton or Oden."

In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss the current state of the Blazers and breakdown some of their issues, Mario Hezonja and Anthony Tolliver struggling and the lack of depth at the power forward and center positions, rookie Nassir Little’s surprising rise and issues replacing Zach Collins on the defensive end. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about Meyers Leonard, Little, Fortnite, favorite candies, New Orleans food, and more.

In the second edition of the First Bus podcast, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl recap the Trail Blazers' two-game trip with stops in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Topics include the importance of being early for the bus and plane, favorite spots in the Bay Area, the merits of staying in downtown LA vs. Marina Del Rey and finish up by tallying up miles travelled, shows watched and whether John Krasinski is good looking.

In the latest edition of the Rip City Report podcast, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Damian Lillard's 60-point performance in a loss to the Nets, the Blazers’ losing streak and general struggles, the play and criticism of Hassan Whiteside, CJ McCollum’s shooting woes, Zach Collins’ injury, play a quick round of "Walton or Oden" and finish up by answering listener questions about the vibe of the team, our biggest surprises, tanking, Anfernee Simons closing games and more.

In this week's edition, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Joe Freeman and the Trail Blazers’ Casey Holdahl discuss where the Blazers stand after five games, Zach Collins’ shoulder injury and up and down play, especially from the bench. Joe and Casey also play a round of "Blazers Stock Watch," consider a few "Walton or Oden's" and finish up by answering listener questions about Halloween costumes, Jusuf Nurkic traveling with the team, the offense, Skal Labissiere, Damian Lillard’s MVP chances and more.

Trail Blazers reporters Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss the life traveling with an NBA team in the first edition of the First Bus podcast. Brooke and Casey recap Portland's first trip of the year, a four-gamer with stops in Sacramento, Dallas, San Antonio and Oklahoma City, and get into the specifics of eating, drinking and surviving away from home.

In the 2019-20 season preview edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl look at where the Trail Blazers stand heading into the regular season, give their opinions on whether Portland will win 50 games this season, how the Blazers will finish in the West, predict conference standings and NBA awards, debate which player will be the Blazers’ third-leading scorer, how many games Jusuf Nurkic might appear in before playing an extended edition of "Walton or Oden." As always, the show finishes up with your questions, which this week pertain to Pau Gasol, the best early-season game, Terry Stotts’ player rotation, which player likes spicy food, which new player has embraced the Pacific Northwest, gameday posters and more.

In the latest edition of the Rip City Report, Joe Freeman and Casey Holdahl discuss Portland’s preseason opener, the debuts of Mario Hezonja and Kent Bazemore, whether the Blazers are going to play faster before playing a round of “Walton or Oden” and finishing up as always by answering listener questions about throwback jerseys, Hassan Whiteside’s offense, Zach Collins, the coach’s review, Blazers killers, how to take in opening night and much more.

Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts takes questions from the media after the 2019 Fan Fest.

Trail Blazers guard Kent Bazemore takes questions from the media after the 2019 Fan Fest.

Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard takes questions from the media after the 2019 Fan Fest.