Holy Backboard

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

Sage Digital


    • Oct 11, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 3m AVG DURATION
    • 404 EPISODES

    4.9 from 29 ratings Listeners of Holy Backboard that love the show mention: best blazers, great game, basketball, fans, break, true, definitely, real, better, guys, great podcast, listen, like, dustin and sage.


    Ivy Insights

    The Holy Backboard podcast is a must-listen for any Portland Trail Blazers fan or basketball enthusiast. Hosted by Dustin and Sage, both of whom have a deep love and knowledge of the team, this podcast delivers insightful analysis and entertaining discussions on all things Blazers basketball. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the team, their passion and expertise will make you feel like you've been following the Blazers your whole life.

    One of the best aspects of The Holy Backboard podcast is the in-depth breakdowns of the games from the previous week. Dustin and Sage provide comprehensive analysis, discussing key plays, player performances, and strategies employed by the team. Their insights go beyond just basic stats, delving into the nuances and intricacies of each game. This level of detail allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of not only what happened on the court but also why it happened.

    Another strength of this podcast is its coverage of upcoming opponents. Dustin and Sage take the time to research and discuss each upcoming matchup, analyzing opposing teams' strengths, weaknesses, and playing styles. This prepares listeners for what to expect in future games and provides valuable context when watching Blazers games.

    As with any podcast, The Holy Backboard does have some minor drawbacks. Occasionally, there may be instances where personal bias creeps into their analysis. While their passion for the team is evident and can be endearing, it may lead to slightly skewed perspectives at times. However, they do strike a good balance between being homers and providing constructive criticism.

    In conclusion, The Holy Backboard podcast is an excellent source of Blazers analysis that goes beyond surface-level discussion. With their deep knowledge of basketball combined with their genuine fandom for the team, Dustin and Sage deliver engaging content that keeps fans informed and entertained throughout both regular season games and playoffs. If you're looking for a podcast that feels like chatting with friends about your favorite team while gaining valuable insights into their games, The Holy Backboard is the perfect choice.



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    Latest episodes from Holy Backboard

    Holybackboard intro outro 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 67:45


    Dustin and I talk about Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan ,and the remaining Blazers. Did our 2024-2025 Western Confrence predictions    HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    2024 Blazers Draft Recap: A Clingan Conversation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 60:57


    Dustin and I talk about the 2024 NBA Draft.  Mainly discussing about our new Center, Donovan Clingan.  We want the Blazers to give Donovan achievable goals in his first season His role with DeAndre Ayton We are trading away all our seconds Deni Avdia, the good and bad plus comps    HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    2024 NBA Mock Draft 5.0

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 59:44


    Dustin and I do our last mock draft of the draft cycle. We do our entire first-round mock. Who were the risers? Who were the fallers? Do you like the Blazers picks?  HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    2024 NBA Draft Big Board

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 81:56


    Dustin and I do our Big Boards for the draft cycle,  Top 15 guys on our big board Who are the guys we are missing?  Who are we too low on? Who are we too high on? HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasag

    2024 NBA Mock Draft 4.0

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 57:22


    Dustin and I remember Bill Walton's Legacy on and off the court.  Then, we did our 4th mock draft of the cycle  We had some draft risers that went against the consensus  We focused on getting bigger and stronger with the Trail Blazers  Building a switchable team that fits around Scoot and Shaedon 

    Complementary Pieces: Bub Carrington

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 16:41


    This episode of Complementary Pieces: Bub Carrington  I talk about the fantastic start of his NCAA career. His shot-creating  Pick and roll craft Playmaking Defense  Weakness Comps

    Future Friday Zaccharie Risacher

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 46:22


    Dustin and I talk about the French prospect Zaccharie Risacher. His potential as a sharpshooter The defensive potential Who's a better prospect between he and Ron Hollands The best fit as a prospect for Portland    HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    Complementary Pieces Tyler Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 20:49


    This episode of Complementary Pieces:    Tyler Smith, we talk about his time at Overtime Elite. Transition to G League Ignite Outside Shooting Scoring Versatility Passing Ability Defensive Potential Areas for Improvement Fit with the Portland Trail Blazers Player Comparisons #TylerSmith #GLeagueIgnite #OvertimeElite #NBAProspect #PortlandTrailBlazers  #NBAFutureStars

    2024 Mock Draft 3.0

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 60:41


    On this episode of the Holy Backboard, Dustin and I conduct our third mock draft of the draft cycle. We use the actual draft order to make our picks. It's interesting to see how our opinions have changed. Enjoy the show, and stay tuned for more draft content coming soon.   HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    Complementary Pieces Melvin Ajinca

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2024 17:01


    I talk about the French Sharp Shooter Melvin Ajinça.  His roles on the French U19 team vs his professional French Team What his role in the NBA will most likely look like His screen setting  Off Ball Defense  Fit With the Blazers  Comps  Thank you Oddshopper for supporting this podcast use this code to get the best tools for all the sports betting https://www.oddsshopper.com/?via=dasage  

    Complementary Pieces Kel'el Ware

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 24:42


    Complementary Pieces Kel'el Ware In this episode, I talk about the Indiana center Kel'el Ware.  His college journey Finding a role that he can succeed individually at Indiana  His versatile offense Dominate Drop coverage defense  Fit on the Blazers  Comps

    Summer of Scoot

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 67:20


    Dustin and I have our end-of-the-season podcast Reacted to the Blazers exit interviews  The disconnect between coaching and Basketball ops  We talk about the development of Scoot Henderson The future of Kris Murray, Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons and Malcolm Brogdon Getting more spacing around Scoot and Shae HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage  

    2024 Mock Draft 2.0

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 44:05


    Dustin and I do our second lottery mock of the 2024 draft cycle.  Who was the high riser  Biggest fallers  Bigs dominating the lottery with four players drafted How do you feel about the Blazers two draft picks? HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    Complementary Pieces: Yves Missi

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 27:35


      I am talking about the defensive playmaker from Baylor, Yves Missi.  His offensive skills, screen setting, finishing, and offensive rebounding Defensive playmaking, scheme versatility  Fit with the Blazers  Comps Thank you, Oddshopper, for supporting this podcast, https://www.oddsshopper.com/?via=dasage, to get the best information for your sports betting 

    Monday After the Madness Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 34:49


    Dustin and I talk about the last weekend of March Madness. We talk about Dalton Knecht and his multifaceted performances this  weekend Zach Eddy, how dominant he was, and how long he played. We disagreed on the quality of the prospect he is but agree he's fantastic in a college setting. Donovan Clingan and how he plays in short bursts  Jared McCain and his shooting abilities  Tyler Kolek and if he is athletic enough to be an NBA player PJ Hall and Clemeson's success  HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    Complementary Pieces Jared McCain

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 22:01


    I talk about the Duke sharpshooter Jared McCain.  His versatile way of shooting and scoring  Jared's strength and feel for the games handling defensive pressure  making reads  Fit with the Blazers  Comps 

    Rip City's Fab Five

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 61:37


    Dustin and I talked about the week that was for the Portland Trail Blazers. Being patient with the entire young group but Scoot especially  Will the Vets play another game this season? Our young wings need to develop.   Predicted games from next week's slate of games Gambling in sports and doing it responsibly here at https://www.oddsshopper.com/?via=dasage HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes2

    Monday After The Madness Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 41:18


    Dustin and I talk about the Draft-eligible players who played during the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.    Big men who dominated the competition  Older prospects getting disrespected  Guards and wings, we have questions about HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    Future Friday Dalton Knecht

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 42:49


    In this episode of Future Friday, we talk about the three-level scorer from Tennesse Dalton Knecht.  His impressive shooting  What his role will be when he scales down for the NBA with other players with gravity  The context surrounding the Volunteers and why he might not have a great tournament  His fit with Portland  Player comps  Tourney talk  HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    Complementary Pieces: Dillon Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 24:04


    I talk about the Weber State Star initiator, Dillon Jones.    How he uses his dribble creation to get into the paint to score or set up others    Finishing well at the basket while not being a great verticle athlete    Awesome rebounding    Skills he needs to improve on   Comps   Potential fit with the Portland Trail Blazers  

    Who's In, Who's Out?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 64:35


    Dustin and I talk about the Blazers in the last few weeks Dalano Banton impressive play   Scoot Henderson getting put in positions to fail   Anfernee Simons confusing play   Deandre Ayton being a stud post Allstar break   HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasag

    Future Friday: Mock Draft 1.0

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 50:18


    Dustin and I do our first lottery mock draft of the draft cycle. Do you agree with our mock Do the Blazers improve after this mock?  We miss anyone Thank you for listening to the show and giving the Draft content a chance HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    Missing Meaningful Basketball

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 45:12


    Dustin and I talked about the week that was for the Portland Trail Blazers  Anfernee Simons  Is the production that are replacement guards sustainable  Our second-rounders prove themselves over and over predicted  games from this week's slate of game    HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    Complementary Pieces: Tristan Da Silva

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 19:04


    This episode of Complementary Pieces highlights Colorado's do-it-all-four Tristan da Silva. His NCAA Journey  Offense  Defense  Improvements to his game Potential fit on the Trail Blazers  Player Comps  Thank you to Oddshopper for sponsoring this Podcast. Use this code to get positive EV bets https://www.oddsshopper.com/?via=dasage

    Ayton Excels But Blazers Can't Break Through

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 39:53


    Dustin and I talked about the week that was for the Portland Trail Blazers.  Anfernee Simons' future role on a team   Deandre Ayton  excellent play post All-star Play   DRAFT TALK   Preditced the next week of Blazers basketball HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage

    Future Friday: Cody Williams

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 35:59


    Dustin and I talked about the Colorado Buffalo Cody Williams.  Cody is an excellent off-ball guard with potential on ball upside What he has to do offensively to unlock his potential  Defense is moldable and all issues are fixable Player Comps 

    Buying Stock in Jerami Grant Long-Term

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 70:17


    Dustin and I talk about the last few weeks of Blazers basketball We break down the last ten minutes of the game vs Detroit The things we need to see from Scoot and Anfernee for the rest of the year Anfernee needing to learn to play off-ball   Jerami Grant's Long-Term prospects as the full-time Small Forward  DRAFT TALK  Predicted games from the next slate of games     

    Complementary Pieces: Devin Carter

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 19:21


    I talk about the Providence Friars Devin Carter for the second episode of Complementary Pieces. I talk about his NCAA Journey  The context surrounding him taking that next step His potential fit with the Portland Trail Blazers  Him being a great culture guy wherever he goes His Player comps   

    Future Friday: Ja'Kobe Walter

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 36:38


    Dustin and I talk about the Baylor Bear Ja'Kobe Walter. We talk about his elite and versatile shooting ability. The work he would have to put in to be a starting level shooting guard  His defense and the context around it The teams he fits well on His NBA team scheming around his skill set  Player Comps HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage  

    future friday ja'kobe walter
    Three's Company in the Blazer Backcourt

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 45:31


    Dustin and I talked about the week that was for the Trail Blazers  Scoot Henderson's fantastic week The viability of a Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Malcolm Brogdon three-guard lineup The coaching not being creative enough Predicted the two few games of Blazers Basketball HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22

    Solo Sage Pod: PJ hall

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 24:33


    I did my first solo draft content podcast on the Clemson Forward/Center PJ Hall I talk about PJ's college journey  How we scale him down to play in the NBA  His shooting, Screen setting and playmaking  his Fundamental defense  and his Player Comps    Thank you for listening 

    Deandre Dominates in Increased Role

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 51:45


    Dustin and I talk about the last week of Blazers basketball Deandre Ayton getting involved in the offense and shining in a more significant role How do we envision Anfernee Simons's role on the Blazers when there is better context surrounding the team?  Which players are untouchable    Damian Lillard returns to Portland.    We predicted the games for this week's slate of games.  HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/dasage      

    Future Friday: Nikola Topić

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 33:03


    Dustin and I talk about  Nikola Topić, an elite playmaker and slasher with warts in other parts of his game. Can the NBA help him get more flexibility? Can he play off the ball?  What his comps are How does he fit with the Blazers specifically?  Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22

    Topsy-Turvy Trail Blazers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 50:44


    Dustin and I talk about the Blazers road trip, the score differential in the games from the last few weeks Coaching staff not putting players in positions to succeed  What to do with DeAndre Ayton? Trade targets  Predicted games for next week's slate of games  Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Buy your HB merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me/    

    Future Friday Alexandre Sarr

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 34:50


    Dustin and I do our first Future Friday of the draft cycle and talk about NBL Center Alexandre Sarr. As a prospect, Sarr gives you defensive versatility that is incredibly hard to find, and mixed with a developing three-point shot, it makes him the number one prospect on most boards.  We talk about his fit with the current core of players, finding players that fit around Sarr.  We give out our player comps on Alexandre Sarr.  Thank you for listening.  HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22

    Portland's Problems in the Paint

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 47:54


    Dustin and I talk about the lack of a paint presence. The Blazers relying too heavily on Anfernee Simons having a ceiling performance to be competitive  Shaedon Sharpe is not getting enough playing time and lack of usage when in. Made our predictions for this week's slate of games. Draft coverage is coming soon Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22

    Scootin' into the New Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 51:23


    Dustin and I talk about the last few weeks of Blazers Basketball.  Blazers having one quarter every game where things fall apart  Not rebounding  Scoot's improvement  Needing to get healthy to make decisions  What players would we protect if the NBA had an expansion draft?  Predicted games from this slate of games    HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22  

    All I Want For Christmas is a New Head Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 55:25


    Dustin and I talk about how the Blazers have played the last week How important Scoot is for all Portland Trail Blazers and their ability to reach their highest potential  Billups and the coaching staff not putting the players in positions to succeed. We predicted games for this slate of games for the Portland Trail Blazers  Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22 Buy your HB merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me/    

    Ant's Return Shows Promising Results

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 58:27


    Dustin and I talked about Anfernee Simons and his wonderful play this week. He's defending at a high level and driving to the basket at an elite frequency.  Shaedon Sharpe is playing exceptionally well. The young players are stepping up with the injuries on the roster. Buy our merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me/ Follow the show: Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22       

    Guard's Return Brings Stability to Blazers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 59:09


    Dustin and I talked about the week that was for the Portland Trail Blazers!  Shaedon Sharpe's fantastic week!  Malcolm Brogdon's mentorship with Shaedon and Scoot Deandre Ayton's role this week   Our opinions on the in-season Tournament    Predicted games from this week's slate of game    Buy HB Merch: https://holy-backboard.printify.me/products   Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22  

    Guard's Return Brings Stability to Blazers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 67:22


    Dustin and I talked about the past week of Blazers Basketball. The offense is much easier with two decision-makers at the guard positions. Jabari Walker improvement   Scoots shooting prep   Utilizing the Blazers player minutes so they can be more effective   Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22      

    Reinforcements Needed in Rip City

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 61:58


    Episode 360!!! Dustin and I talk about why our offense has been awful.  when we get our injured players back, the offense will get so much better guards not making the reads to give us easy baskets Predicted games for slate of games  a quickly talked about Nikola Topić Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22

    Struggling to Find Offensive Spark

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 59:15


    Dustin and I discuss our favorite Thanksgiving desserts. Watching the Blazers struggle Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant pairing Getting Deandre Ayton more involved defensively  More Kris Murray playing time Predicted the next week of games  Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22  

    Injury Bug Bites Blazers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 62:42


    Dustin and I talked about the last week of Blazers basketball The effect injuries have on the team Shaedon's incredible play Players not playing in roles for their skill set Predicted games for the following slate of games  Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22.  Buy our merch https://holy-backboard.printify.me/products

    Shaedon Shines, Deandre Dominates the Boards

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 51:43


    Dustin and I talked about the last week of Blazers basketball!  Spacing the court properly What happens when Anfernee returns to the lineup Favorite League Pass Teams We talked about the following slate of games for the Portland Trail Blazers.  Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22. 

    New Crew in Rip City Requires Patience

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2023 63:04


    Dustin and I discussed the Blazers to start the 2023-2024 Season. The two different thought processes the head coach and general management have.  Building around Scoot and Shaedon  Anfernee Simon's roles this season   Predicted this week's slate of games    Who are you watching the most on the court on offense and defense?    Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22.           

    2023-24 Western Conference Predictions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 92:14


    Dustin and I talked about Malcolm Brogdon's role on the team, and Robert Williams III being too good for the role the Blazers have for him, then we did our Western Conference Predictions   Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22

    A Quick Holiday Lands Portland More Picks, Reloads the East

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 64:09


    Dustin and I talked about the Jrue Holiday trade to Boston for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, and picks. We talk about the potential fit with Robert and Deandre Ayton, having a depth of big men, Malcolm Brogdon's fit and which players he helps the most, and more excitement about the next season. 

    Rip City Reset, Deals Dame to Milwaukee

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 49:35


    The Boys are back and we discussed the Damian Lillard trade. We give our thoughts on the return, how Deandre Ayton will fit with Scoot and Shaedon, and potential Jrue landing spots.     

    Summer Q&A with Rip Village

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2023 75:58


    Sam (@RipVillage) joins us on the podcast! The three of us talk about potential Damian Lillard trades, Jusuf Nurkic's future with the Blazers, Anfernee Simons' role on the team, who will be the leader of the Trail Blazers in terms of leadership and our opinions on Joe Cronin.  Follow the show @HolyBackboard, @dasage, and @DHawes22.  Listen to Sam's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lickety-brindle-up-the-podcast/id1689238442.  

    First Impressions From Our Summer Blazers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 61:46


    Dustin and I talk about the young Blazers in the summer league. 

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