I've updated my @blazersedge.bsky.social article that details all of the Trail Blazers' future draft picks. So if you have any questions, bookmark it for reference material. I try to update it when pick statuses change. www.blazersedge.com/2024/5/8/241...

Dave Deckard has you covered with an extensive breakdown of the night's big news.

The Trail Blazers and Deandre Ayton are reportedly parting ways.

Among the group at Portland's May 29 workout full of first-round talent, Yang Hansen was drafted before everybody. “I mean, they got a 7’3 guy,” the 6-foot-1 Jase Richardson said afterward with a humble smile. “There’s not a lot I can do there.” @cbergin.bsky.social takes a look back on the event:

"After Friday, based off vibes and personality alone, Hansen will likely enjoy an easy route to becoming a fan favorite in Rip City. He even said he likes Portland a lot because all the rain makes for a great sleeping environment (take that Miami and L.A.)."

If the Trail Blazers' shocking gamble on Yang Hansen pays off, the front office will be hailed as geniuses - cigars, firm handshakes and hearty backslaps all around. If they're wrong, the hindsight trial may be unforgivable. Only time will tell if this pick was more "mad genius" than "mad."

Hand Fruit News 🍎🍌🍐

A trilogy of coverage from today's Trail Blazers pre-draft workout, starting with Asa Newell:

The Estate of Paul G. Allen has initiated the formal sales process for the Portland Trail Blazers franchise.

Take a look back on the year that was in Rip City.

Seismic news in Rip City.

Blazer's Edge has the Chauncey Billups situation on the mind: Three stories from three different writers for your Saturday perusing. First up, a column from @pdxtimmay.bsky.social.

The man behind such classics as "THANKS FOR THE CHEESE" and flipping off the Denver Nuggets will get behind the mic Wednesday. I love it.

Big news this morning out of Rip City.

Having Lamar Hurd on the podcast was a joy. In the years we've been lightly acquainted, he's been unfailingly gracious and kind. This is kind of a double episode, and we kick it off with Lamar. It's worth the listen:

It was so much fun to have Lamar Hurd hop on the pod with me and @brandonmullen.bsky.social. The thoughtfulness he put behind each answer made for a great conversation. His reflections about his broadcasting approach and development can double as advice for anybody in any career field.

Breaking news: Sources tell me the Celtics are very good. “That’s the NBA Champions and a team that is gonna have a chance to do it again this year.” Story on Sunday's Blazers loss:

Matisse Thybulle has returned to the Portland Trail Blazers lineup for the season's stretch run, but what about his future with the franchise? @abernecich.bsky.social provides analysis on the question that will need an answer soon:

In his last nine games, Deni Avdija has averaged 23.7 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 52.8% from the field and 50% on 3s. In a season that had already been heralded as a success, Avdija has reached an even higher gear. Story on his latest big performance:

Whether you’re for the Blazers disregarding their first-round pick in the name of a playoff push or vehemently against it, the debate is no longer some abstract thought exercise. The possibility of Portland making the play-in is very much alive. These players are gunning for it.

In case you missed it, Blazer's Edge Managing Editor Dave Deckard wrote a two-part deep dive into the Chauncey Billups question. First, the argument for:

A 2-for-1 From Press Row edition: First, a negative section about a rough performance that amounted to an uninspiring win vs. a peculiarly tanking Toronto. Then, a feel-good story about Matisse Thybulle going rogue in his season debut with defensive wizardry and saving the day.

Blazer's Edge Basketball Shoe Guru @brandonmullen.bsky.social dives into the Scoot/Cheetos Puma crossover! "I felt ready enough both to review them and to have a Flamin’ Hot Cheeto-level spicy take about these glowing orange oddities."

Analysis on Deni from @abernecich.bsky.social

In today's Blazers Practice Report, Matisse Thybulle speaks! "Being a basketball player again is great. It’s been tough to be a basketball player that can’t play basketball." Hear more on what Thybulle and head coach Chauncey Billups said about the vet's return to the lineup:

In a Blazers' season bound to be measured by moral victories, the ones gained in Wednesday's heartbreaking loss to the Knicks felt promising, even if they stung. "I’m just proud of how we play.” My story on one of the best games of the NBA season.

Good news on the Matisse Thybulle injury front.

Blazers take a shot at the Champs today.

Things you love to see.

Get to know newest Trail Blazer Sidy Cissoko a little and see how he did over the week in three games with the Rip City Remix.

The Blazers are past the midway point of their first season with a new broadcasting model, and the early returns of the bet have come back positive in terms of viewership. "[W]e believe that when you do the right thing by the fans, then you’re going to be okay.” Story on the local ratings surge:

"After coaching Portland through three of the top-5 largest losses in franchise history during his tenure, Chauncey Billups now owns the franchise’s largest win. It’s irony fit for an Alanis Morissette lyric." Conor's story on a pleasant Saturday at the Moda Center, complete with scenes and quotes:

Several times last night it felt like the Blazeraissance might die. But Portland hung in and grinded out the win, this time in the clutch as the Moda Center crowd roared with inspiration. "It was real basketball." My story on an impressive win over Phoenix.

The Moda Center was a thrilling place to be as the biggest NBA story in years broke. News of the Luka trade triggered an endorphin rush of disbelief, shouting and cursing that spread through the arena down to the players on the floor. “My heart feels like it’s on cocaine." My story on the frenzy.

When Scoot and Sharpe play over 30 minutes and score over 20 points, Camara is leading a determined defense and Ayton is dribbling coast to coast for fast-break dunks, the product and process feel good. My story on how the Blazers made the Magic miserable and lent hope for the future on Thursday.

I broke out the first-person language to describe the festivities of Damian Lillard's second Portland return and my journalistic hunt for "electricity." What I found was pretty ordinary until the Blazers turned in one of their best performances of the season. My story about Rip City moving on.

Checked in on Rayan Rupert Monday for his second appearance with the Rip City Remix this season. “The last two months, it’s been tough to adjust on the bench and just practice, so I’m happy to be in the G League to get some reps and get better.” My story on how Rupert is handling the assignment.

Chauncey says Deni Avdija is out tonight, Robert Williams III is in. Same starters as last game, so Scoot will start again.

Postgame jersey swaps. A mentee-mentor relationship with 76ers center Andre Drummond. Repping the school after his biggest game. Blazers rookie center Donovan Clingan continues to show his UConn pride in the NBA. “It’s just a brotherhood. UConn brings everyone so close together."

Deni Avdija and Robert Williams are out tonight. Dalano banton is available. Chauncey said Deni tweaked his ankle in practice yesterday. He’s not sure yet who will start in his place.

Billups said Jerami Grant is still ramping up his activity, but there’s nothing really new to report about his status.

Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams are both OUT for tonight’s game, Chauncey Billups says.

The NBA has announced tonight's Blazers game vs. the Mavs will start one hour earlier than scheduled due to inclement weather in Dallas. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Pacific now.

Coverage on the story from me and @pdxtimmay.bsky.social for Blazer's Edge.

The Portland Trail Blazers will not waive guard Dalano Banton today, guaranteeing the remainder of his $2.2 million contract for the season, per league sources.

No one is better on these kinds of questions and topics than @blazersedge.bsky.social www.blazersedge.com/2025/1/3/243...

Hey, hey BlueSky... @brandongoldner.com needs your questions for his preview of Blazers/Pistons tomorrow. These previews are the most entertaining and insightful on the web, send in your Qs now!

Well Blazer fans, here's why you want me recapping games for @blazersedge.bsky.social this season: - Portland's record in 14 games recapped by me: .571 (8-6) - Portland's record in 17 games NOT recapped by me: .214 (3-14) Then again, maybe that's why some of you don't want me recapping games.

Toumani and Williams are in tonight. Grant and Banton are out. Deni and Tou will start together.