It appears on the surface as though Detroit have settled with less than they could’ve got for a 28-year-old power forward who has been performing at an All-Star level these last two seasons. However, this move also frees up cap space ahead of an offseason packed with speculation insistent that upgrades are inbound: Suns’ wantaway big man Deandre Ayton among them. Continue reading “Pistons open up cap space and hint at big summer, after trading Jerami Grant to Portland”
Tag: Portland Trail Blazers
Atlanta, Detroit and Portland all early suitors in Deandre Ayton sweepstakes
After a promising season ended with a forgettable postseason collapse on May 16, the cloud hanging over Deandre Ayton’s long-term future in Phoenix appears to be clearing this summer: multiple teams are readying themselves with lucrative max contract offers for 2018’s no. 1 pick. Continue reading “Atlanta, Detroit and Portland all early suitors in Deandre Ayton sweepstakes”
NBA Q&A: Big questions answered, predictions made as 21-22 season into business months
A few weeks removed from the All-Star break and now into the home straight for another eventful NBA season, I spoke to LA Clippers fan and NBA expert Jack Brown earlier this month – discussing multiple topics including: under-the-radar players, intriguing offseason storylines, the MVP race as well as why he has a surprise team emerging from the West come playoff time. Continue reading “NBA Q&A: Big questions answered, predictions made as 21-22 season into business months”
CJ McCollum to the Pelicans: This exit from Portland felt inevitable, but also long overdue
Midway through his ninth NBA campaign, after 564 regular season games and 57 more in the playoffs, Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum has been acquired as part of a seven-player trade package sending him to the New Orleans Pelicans. It’s the end of an era in Oregon for the 30-year-old, while opening up new opportunities elsewhere. But why now?
Continue reading “CJ McCollum to the Pelicans: This exit from Portland felt inevitable, but also long overdue”
New home: Lauri Markkanen joins Cleveland Cavaliers in three-team sign-and-trade
In a three-team trade that has left critics with multiple questions, the Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Chicago’s wantaway RFA PF Lauri Markkanen. They send PF/C Larry Nance Jr to the Portland Trail Blazers, while small forward Derrick Jones Jr will depart Rip City for the Bulls, alongside two future draft picks (2022 first, 2023 second-round). Is this a good move all-round? Continue reading “New home: Lauri Markkanen joins Cleveland Cavaliers in three-team sign-and-trade”
Spurs coach Becky Hammon hopes it’ll be normal for women to get NBA jobs
Entering her eighth season as an NBA assistant coach with Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, already interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs, the 44-year-old – who played 15 years in the WNBA – still awaits a first opportunity to be the first woman to lead a NBA team after being a finalist for the Portland Trail Blazers job, which went to Chauncey Billups this past offseason. Continue reading “Spurs coach Becky Hammon hopes it’ll be normal for women to get NBA jobs”
Bucks 127-109 Blazers: Giannis’ 47-point effort exposes Portland’s ever-present issues
In a season where multiple players have staked their claim for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP crown, the power forward produced a dominant showing to reinforce the notion that he’s quietly improving with less of the spotlight on Milwaukee after consecutive playoff disappointments, while the focus is centred around other contenders across both conferences.
Continue reading “Bucks 127-109 Blazers: Giannis’ 47-point effort exposes Portland’s ever-present issues”
NBA Previews: OKC Thunder vs Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns host Trail Blazers
Read on for two NBA match previews as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-18) host a determined Miami Heat (13-17) side, while reigning West Player of the Week Damian Lillard looks to propel an undermanned Portland Trail Blazers (18-11) to a big road win vs. Phoenix Suns (19-10), with both vying for fourth place out West. Who will prevail? Continue reading “NBA Previews: OKC Thunder vs Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns host Trail Blazers”
Trail Blazers 108-111 Chicago Bulls: White, LaVine key as visitors rally down 20 to win
The Portland Trail Blazers started hot and had a 20-point lead over the Chicago Bulls early on, but watched their lead disintegrate in an contrasting second-half display before Zach LaVine’s step-back three gave them a four-point deficit with 10.7 seconds remaining. Despite their best efforts, they failed to force the game into overtime and have fallen to 3-4 to start the season. Continue reading “Trail Blazers 108-111 Chicago Bulls: White, LaVine key as visitors rally down 20 to win”
NBA Playoffs Preview: LA Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers – Can Dame Time continue?
The 2019-20 NBA playoffs continues, as the Lakers face a tricky series opponent to begin their title assault here. Frank Vogel will urge consistency from his players against a determined Portland side – who had to beat Memphis in a play-in over the weekend to book their playoff berth. Will LA send them back down to earth? Continue reading “NBA Playoffs Preview: LA Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers – Can Dame Time continue?”
Damian Lillard won’t play, if Blazers don’t have ‘true opportunity’ to make playoffs
Portland Trail Blazers’ All-Star guard Damian Lillard has confirmed he will not complete the 2019-20 NBA season when proceedings resume later this summer, if the Blazers are not afforded a ‘true opportunity’ to make the postseason.
Carmelo Anthony: What does the future hold for the 10-time All-Star?
Last week, Carmelo Anthony said he ‘hit rock bottom’ before signing with the Portland Trail Blazers in November 2019. Considering the politics and controversy that has constantly followed him over the past few years, that admission isn’t surprising. However, what’s next for his NBA career post-pandemic? Continue reading “Carmelo Anthony: What does the future hold for the 10-time All-Star?”
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