News

Portland Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 1, 2023) – The Portland Trail Blazers have signed guard Skylar Mays to a two-way contract, it was announced today by General Manager Joe Cronin. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Originally selected with the 50th overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Mays appeared in six games for the Trail Blazers during the 2022-23 season and averaged 15.3 points (50.0% FG, 46.2% 3PT, 92.3% FT), 3.2 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.0 steals in 32.5 minutes per game with six starts. Mays appeared in 29 games (14 starts) for the Mexico City Capitanes and Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League during the 2022-23 season, accruing averages of 14.1 points (43.1% FG, 88.2% FT), 3.7 rebounds, 5.1 assist, 0.7 steals and 27.6 minutes.

In three seasons, Mays has appeared in 67 career games (11 starts) and averaged 4.4 points (47.8% FG, 37.4% 3PT, 89.4% FT), 1.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 10.1 minutes per game for Atlanta (2020-22) and Portland (2023-24).

trail-blazers-sign-skylar-mays-to-two-way-contract

Trail Blazers Sign Skylar Mays To Two-Way Contract

Portland receives a 2024 first round pick and a 2029 first round pick from Boston

PORTLAND, Ore.&nbsp;(Oct. 1, 2023)&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired guard Malcolm Brogdon and forward/center Robert Williams III, a 2024 first round pick and a 2029 first round pick from the Boston Celtics in exchange for guard Jrue Holiday.

Awarded NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 2022-23 season, Brogdon averaged 14.9 points (48.4% FG, 44.4% 3pt, 87.0% FT), 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.7 steals in 26.0 minutes per game in 67 games for Boston during the 2022-23 season. The seven-year veteran has accrued career averages of 15.4 points (46.7% FG, 38.8% 3pt, 87.9% FT), 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 0.8 steals in 29.5 minutes per game in 400 games (258 starts) with Milwaukee (2016-19), Indiana (2019-22), and Boston (2022-23). A University of Virginia product, Brogdon was named NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2016-17 season with Milwaukee.

In five seasons with Boston, Williams has accrued career averages of 7.3 points (73.2% FG, 65.6% FT), 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.7 blocks in 20.5 minutes per game in 209 games (97 starts). Named to the 2021-22 NBA All-Defensive Team, Williams averaged career-highs in blocks (2.2) and rebounds (9.6) per game during the 2021-22 season.

Holiday was originally acquired from Milwaukee on Sept. 27 in a three-team deal.

trail-blazers-acquire-malcolm-brogdon-and-robert-williams-iii

Trail Blazers Acquire Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams III

Casey Holdahl

Greetings from the last weekday off the offseason. After having to sit tight most of Thursday despite news breaking about the three-team trade sending out Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic, Nas Little and Keon Johnson while bringing back Jrue Holiday, DeAndre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 first round pick and two pick swaps, wanted to give some initial thoughts on the deal on the 55th edition of The Brief Case podcast...

• How Ayton and Camara might mesh with the Trail Blazers' core group of players

• How Holiday is an incredibly valuable player regardless of what decision the team makes about his future in Portland &nbsp;

• A quick recap of the draft picks and swaps acquired from Milwaukee

• A plea to remember how much "reporting" was proven incorrect regarding the trade 

You can subscribe to the Brief Case on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeartRadio, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, PlayerFM. Talk next time from Santa Barbara.

the-brief-case-episode-55

The Brief Case, Episode 55

While the notions of suffering and struggling can be a bit gauche when it comes to sports, the years immediately preceding Damian Lillard’s arrival in Portland were rather rough on those in Rip City.

There was Greg Oden, the first overall pick of the 2007 Draft, whose career in Portland was seemingly over before it began due to injury. Then it was Brandon Roy, a Pacific Northwest folk hero, having to retire after just five seasons, seasons which rekindled the love that was hibernating in many fans who had turned away from the franchise for various reasons.

Then the 2011-12 season would see the NBA get off to a late start because of a labor dispute, and even when the Trail Blazers’ campaign that season did begin the day after Christmas, it was marred by locker room strife and poor play, resulting in head coach Nate McMillan’s time in Portland coming to an end after seven seasons.

So a few months later when Damian Lillard’s career in Portland started in earnest on June 15, 2012 with a solo predraft workout -- perhaps the only bright spot of the 2011-12 season was a trade that sent Gerald Wallace to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for a Top-3 protected pick -- at the team’s practice facility in Tualatin, the fanbase, always one of the best in sports, was a bit worn out. It was to the point where it felt like being a fan of the Trail Blazers was defined far more by failure and bad luck than success and good fortune, and after a while, that prompts one to consider whether the investment is ultimately worth the return.

But Lillard’s arrival changed that calculation.

In Lillard, the Trail Blazers finally had their “point guard of the future.” Coming from little-known Weber State, Lillard entered the league with a chip on his shoulder and a desire to prove wrong those who doubted his ability, an ethos that permeates the Pacific Northwest. “More wood on the fire” means a bit more out here in timber country.

He started his professional career on Halloween Night in 2012, dueling Kobe Bryant and coming out on top, and finished his first year by being named Rookie of the Year by unanimous vote.

He’d then help lead Portland to 54 wins, the sixth-best season in franchise history and a 21-game improvement from the prior season, and their first playoff series victory in 14 years by hitting his first buzzer-beating, game-winning and series-ending three-pointer versus the Rockets, a moment so iconic that it’s known simply as “0.9.” the amount of time left on the clock when Nicolas Batum inbounded the ball to a streaking Lillard. The legend was born.

And over the next 11 seasons, Lillard would go on to do things both on and off the court that had rarely been seen in Rip City. When Lillard was the only player left from a starting lineup that won 51 games the season before, he re-signed with the team, taking his rightful place as the unquestioned leader of the locker room. One would assume a team in that situation would spend a season in the lottery, but instead, Lillard, tapping his wrist along the way, lifted Portland to a fifth-place finish in the West and another first-round playoff series victory.

A few seasons later, Lillard and the Trail Blazers would bounce back after being hardened by an embarrassing first-round sweep at the hands of the Pelicans to advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 19 years. He hit another buzzer-beating, game-winning, series-ending three-pointer, this time versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, in a shot punctuated by a stone-faced Lillard waving goodbye to the opposing bench and then looking up at a camera while engulfed in a dogpile, a moment that launched a thousand memes. He made All-Star appearances and All-NBA teams. He was named one of the Top 75 players of all-time while still in the prime of his career.

But while Lillard’s exploits on the court laid the foundation for a rebirth in Rip City, what he was able to do off the court set him apart from the other greats in franchise history. He had a signature sneaker and was featured regularly in national ad campaigns. He made spending time encouraging students with his “RESPECT” campaign an integral part of his life rather than a perfunctory obligation. He marched arm-in-arm during racial justice protests. He launched a music career that transcended the typical athlete attempts. He defended Portland from the usual slings and arrows launched at small market cities. He brought his family to Portland and made the city his home rather than an outpost. He proved you didn’t have to be in a big market to be a big deal.

And by doing all those things, by always believing in himself and his vision, he made fans in Rip City believe in both the team and themselves again. Good things actually were possible, and those good things could actually be enjoyed in the moment without always worrying about what ill fate was waiting around the corner. After enduring their fair share of heartbreaks, Dame made things feel a bit less cursed, if not entirely exorcized.

So it’s somewhat poetic to see the confidence that Lillard gave to Trail Blazers’ fans over the last 11 seasons reflected in the reaction to the news that he had been traded to Milwaukee. Rather than feeling betrayed or slighted, fans seemed to express almost unilateral gratitude for his efforts, something not often afforded to athletes who choose to move on (one need to look no farther than the reaction to LaMarcus Aldridge landing in San Antonio as proof).

Before Lillard, it’s easy to imagine Rip Citizens cursing the fates and lamenting every instance in which the world didn’t tilt in their direction at the news of the greatest player in franchise history making his departure. But now, one gets the sense fans feel like things are going to be alright. A good part of that can be attributed to the moves Joe Cronin and his staff have made -- Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson and DeAndre Ayton comprise a solid foundation on which to move forward -- but what Dame did to reawaken that belief cannot be understated.

Damian Lillard being who he is, on and off the court, allowed Trail Blazers’ fans to consider their lot through a more positive lens than the regular pessimism that preceded his arrival. That is the part of Lillard’s legacy that those outside of Portland have never understood, and likely never will.

as-he-departs-portland-lillards-most-lasting-legacy-is-belief

As He Departs Portland, Lillard's Most Lasting Legacy Is Belief

-Portland receives a 2029 first round pick and the right to first round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 from MIL-

-Team trades Damian Lillard to MIL and Keon Johnson, Nassir Little and Jusuf Nurkic to PHX-

PORTLAND, Ore.&nbsp;(Sept. 27, 2023)&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired center Deandre Ayton and forward Toumani Camara from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for guard Keon Johnson, forward Nassir Little and center Jusuf Nurkic, the team announced today. Additionally, Portland acquired Jrue Holiday, a 2029 first round pick and the right to swap first round picks in 2028 and 2030 from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for guard Damian Lillard. Milwaukee also sends guard Grayson Allen to Phoenix.

“On behalf of the entire Portland Trail Blazers Organization, I want to express my gratitude to Damian for 11 storied years with this franchise and for his loyalty to the Portland community,” said General Manager Joe Cronin. “From becoming the all-time leading points scorer in franchise history to his dedicated commitment to youth across Oregon and the entire Pacific Northwest, Damian is and will remain a titan and a true trailblazer to this city.”

“I would also like to thank Jusuf Nurkic for his devotion to Portland these last seven seasons,” said Cronin. “A consummate professional on and off the court, Nurk has been a key leader for this team, and we appreciate his dedication and passion for this franchise, the city, and the fans.”

“Thank you to Keon Johnson and Nassir Little for their contributions to the Trail Blazers and Portland as well,” added Cronin. “We wish Dame, Nurk, Keon and Nas much success going forward."

During the 2022-23 season, Ayton averaged 18.0 points (58.9% FG, 29.2% 3-PT, 76.0% FT),&nbsp;10.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.8 blocks in 30.4 minutes per game in 67 games (all starts). Originally selected with the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, Ayton holds career averages of 16.7 points (59.7% FG, 26.3% 3-PT, 25.5% FT), 10.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.0 blocks in 30.6 minutes per game in 303 games (296 starts) in his five seasons with Phoenix.

Holiday averaged 19.3 points (47.9% FG, 38.4% 3-PT, 85.9% FT), 5.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.4 blocks in 32.6 minutes per game in 67 games (65 starts) during the 2022-23 season with Milwaukee. The 14-year veteran guard holds career averages of 16.4 points (46.2% FG, 36.6% 3-PT, 78.3% FT), 4.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 33.1 minutes per game in 906 games (825) starts.

Camara was drafted as the No. 52 overall pick in this year’s 2023 NBA Draft. The rookie forward played 125 games (106 starts) in four seasons at Dayton (2021-23) and Georgia (2019-21) and accrued averages of 11.0 points (51.3% FG, 30.7% 3-PF, 63.1%FT), 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game.

Lillard was drafted by the Trail Blazers out of Weber State with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He appeared in 769 games (all starts) over 11 seasons in Portland, accruing career averages of 25.2 points (43.9% FG, 37.2% 3-PT, 89.5% FT), 4.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.0 steals in 36.3 minutes per game. Among all-time franchise leaders, he ranks first in points (19,376), points per game (25.2), three-pointers (2,387), free throws (4,427) and free throw percentage (89.5%), second in field goals (6,281) and assists (5,151), third in games played (769) and minutes per game (36.3), fourth in assists per game (6.7), and sixth in triple-doubles (3 - tied) and steals (732). During his time with Portland, Lillard was a seven-time NBA All-Star, an All-NBA First Team (2018), Second Team (2021, 2020, 2019, 2016) and Third Team (2023, 2014) selection, a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, the 2021 NBA Teammate of the Year, the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year, and an NBA All-Rookie First Team selection (2013). The Trail Blazers made the playoffs in eight of Lillard’s seasons in Portland, advancing to the Western Conference Finals in 2019 and the Western Conference Semifinals in 2016 and 2014. Lillard also won a Gold Medal with the United States Men’s National Team at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Nurkic spent the past seven seasons in Portland, where he averaged 14.4 points (51.3% FG, 29.8% 3-PT, 69.3% FT), 9.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks in 27.0 minutes per game. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the No. 16 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and traded to Denver on Draft night. In 463 games (382 starts) with Portland and Denver, he holds career averages of 12.3 points (50.2% FG, 29.2% 3-PT, 67.1% FT), 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 blocks in 24.2 minutes per game. The Bosnia native ranks fourth in rebounds per game (9.8) and 10th in total rebounds (2,280) in Trail Blazers franchise history.

The Trail Blazers originally acquired Johnson from the LA Clippers on February 4, 2022. Over two seasons with Portland and the LA Clippers, Johnson has accrued career averages of 5.9 points (36.2% FG, 34.3% 3-PT, 73.9% FT), 1.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.60 steals and 14.4 minutes per game in 77 games (12 starts). He appeared in 40 games with Portland last season, averaging 4.7 points (37.6% FG, 34.6% 3-PT, 65.9% FT), 1.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 10 minutes per game.

Selected 25th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers, Little has appeared in 192 games (34 starts) in Portland and holds career averages of 6.0 points (45.1% FG, 33.5% 3-PT, 72.5% FT), 3.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.4 blocks in 17.1 minutes per game. Last season, the former North Carolina standout averaged 6.6 points (44.2% FG, 36.7% 3-PT, 71.7% FT), 2.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists and 18 minutes per game in 54 games (four starts) with Portland.

trail-blazers-acquire-deandre-ayton-jrue-holiday-and-toumani-camara-in-three-team-trade-with-milwaukee-bucks-and-phoenix-suns

Trail Blazers Acquire Deandre Ayton, Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara in Three Team Trade With Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns

Greetings from the last week of the 2023 NBA offseason. With the season starting in earnest in less than a week with Media Day, it seemed like a good time to hear from Dewayne Hankins, Trail Blazers President of Business Operations, about some of the things you might see at Moda Center in the near future...

You can subscribe to the Brief Case on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeartRadio, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, PlayerFM. 

fan-enthusiasm-moda-center-upgrades-remix-and-wnba-with-dewayne-hankins-on-the-brief-case

Fan Enthusiasm, Moda Center Upgrades, Remix and WNBA With Dewayne Hankins On The Brief Case

Greetings and happy Friday to those of you who observe. While there's kinda, sorta been a recent uptick in trade rumors in the last few days, there doesn't seem to be too much new information to report. So rather than rehashing what you've already read on Twitter, that time is better spent listening to what Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons had to say about a host of topics on the latest edition of The Brief Case podcast...

With so little new news to discuss, almost the entirety of this, the 53rd edition, is comprised of a discussion with Simons. Topics include...

• How his offseason went and how the offseason changes the longer you're in the league

• Traveling to Croatia for Jusuf Nurkic’s "Game Of Thrones" wedding

• Simons' impressions of Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray and Rayan Rupert after a couple weeks of informal workouts

• Pairing up in the backcourt with Shaedon Sharpe

• What he’s learned about leadership from his vets and how he’s applying those lessons now

• How being mentored by Damian Lillard has prepared him for stepping into a similar role

• His expectations for the team going into the 2023-24 season

You can subscribe to the Brief Case on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeartRadio, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, PlayerFM. Please, I'm begging you.

anfernee-simons-discusses-taking-on-a-leadership-role-rookies-and-nurks-wedding-on-the-brief-case

Anfernee Simons Discusses Taking On A Leadership Role, Rookies And Nurk's Wedding On The Brief Case

Greetings loyal podcast listeners! Long time, no listen. After an extended post-summer league hiatus, things are starting to pick up around Rip City as training camp rapidly approaches, so it seemed time to dust off the mics to record the 52nd edition of The Brief Case, which you can listen/subscribe to below...

While the NBA news is still pretty lean a little less than two weeks before players are required to report for camp, there's just enough out there to fill out the episode, with topics that include...

• The past and future Rip City Remix open workouts

• The trades the Remix have made in the last few weeks

• The Rip City Rally making its way across the state

• Details about the 2023 Fan's Fest, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 8

But the good stuff comes at the end in the form of a little catchup with Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe, who is already back in town and participating in informal workouts at the team's facility in Tualatin. The 6-6 guard entering his second season out of Kentucky (sort of) discusses his offseason, what skills he's been working on and why, building chemistry on and off the court with Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson, the prospect of starting this season, being a part of Nike's "GT Squad" and the play of Team Canada at the FIBA World Cup and his hopes of joining his fellow countrymen at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

You can subscribe to the Brief Case on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeartRadio, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, PlayerFM. New editions will get more frequent starting this week, so now is a great time to subscribe!

shaedon-sharpe-talks-offseason-playing-with-ant-and-scoot-and-team-canada-on-the-brief-case

Shaedon Sharpe Talks Offseason, Playing with Ant And Scoot and Team Canada on The Brief Case

Presented By

Moda Health

To learn about our current health and safety protocols, <a href="https://rosequarter.com/welcome-back/" target="_blank">click here</a>