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Casey Holdahl

Greetings podcast enthusiasts. Between CJ McCollum getting an extension and Moe Harkless signing a new deal, Portland's roster for the start of the 2016-17 regular season is all but finalized. So it seemed like a good time to hit the studio with Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com to record yet another edition of the Rip City Report podcast, which you can listen to below...

On this edition, we discuss the near-max extension for McCollum and the four-year, roughly $40 million contract for Harkless, which directions Terry Stotts might go in terms of starting lineups and minutes allocations, the news that both Al-Farouq Aminu and Festus Ezeli will forego playing for Nigeria at the 2016 Summer Olympics, give a quick rundown of the preseason schedule and answer your Twitter-submitted questions.

You can find the Rip City Report on Soundcloud, iTunes and Stitcher. Thanks as always for listening.

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Podcast: The Rip City Report, Finalized Roster Edition

On Thursday, Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts was a guest on The Doug Gottlieb Show on CBS Sports Radio. Over the 15 minute conversation, Stotts discusses LeBron James saying he would have been his pick for 2016 NBA Coach of the Year, Kevin Durant signing as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors, the notion of "super teams" in the NBA, having confidence in your players and his participation in the Men's Wearhouse National Suit Drive.

You can listen to the entire interview here, though I'm transcribed a portion which you can read below...

On LeBron James saying Stotts should have been Coach of the Year:
"To be honest, it felt pretty good. I have a lot of respect obviously for LeBron, what he does and what he’s done in his career, but for him to come out and say that, it made me feel good."

On Cleveland winning the NBA Finals after being down 3-1 to Golden State:
"Obviously it was historical. A lot of things went into it, but when a team can do that and to win two games on the road being down 3-1, it’s really remarkable. It just put an end to a historical season as it was with Golden State and what they did during the regular season, the way they came back against Oklahoma City and then for Cleveland to do that, it was just remarkable. I thought it was a remarkable season to begin with and it finished that way."

On Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors:
"My first reaction was he earned the right to be a free agent. I know a lot of thought went into it and it wasn’t a decision that he took lightly. I know he took a lot of criticism for making that decision but I think he earned that right to make whatever decision he felt was best for him. I think it’s going to be interesting with Golden State. Obviously defending them is going to be a challenge because — we talked about versatility — they were already an extremely talented offensive team and he’s going to make them better. They’re going to be a different team than they were last year, they’re not going to have the big guys. When you lose Festus Ezeli, who is on our team now, and Andre Bogut and Maurice Speights, the look of their frontline is going to be different. But I think they could be just as good just because of what they’ll be able to do at the offensive end."

His thoughts on "super teams" in the NBA:
"You know, I don’t know if it’s good or bad for the league. I’ve just kind of accepted that that’s the way things are. I know people have made comparisons when LeBron went to Miami and that was supposedly the first super team and they won two championships, but it’s not like there was a five year, seven year run dynasty. When you get out on the court, you still have to play the games. Obviously Golden State is going to be very good, but you’ve got to play an 82-game season, you’ve got to go through four series to win a championship. I think the league does thrive on star power, whether it’s star power within a team or having a team be a star. I don’t know, I think the league is doing extremely well, I think it’s extremely popular. I think this is just another story that people are going to be interested in."

On having confidence in shooters like Allen Crabbe and CJ McCollum:
"I’m a big believer in confidence when shooting. It probably goes back to my freshman year in college when I didn’t know whether to shoot or (laughs) you know the phrase. But anyway, I’m a big believer in confidence and Allen and CJ are two different categories. CJ struggled with injuries his first two years and was trying to get incorporated into a roster that was winning 50 games and never really got into a rhythm. I think shooting is about rhythm and confidence. Same thing for AC, really, is that he did have opportunities to play in his first two years but he was playing behind Wes Matthews and Nic Batum and his opportunities on the court were limited. When you’re looking over your shoulder and trying not to make mistakes and putting pressure on (yourself) to make a shot, it’s difficult. I really give it to CJ and Allen, they were ready for this year and they were prepared for it, the opportunity was going to be there. But I think that a lot of players — and you know, you played — is that if the coach trusts me, I’m going to play better. Whether I trusted them or not their first two years, certainly their opportunity was there and I trusted them with the role that they were going to have."

On his participation in the Men's Wearhouse National Suit Drive:
"Every year what I do is I go through the closet and knowing that I’m going to get some suits in the fall, I go through and weed out the older ones. There’s certain ones that I do kind of have a special place in my heart for them, but other than that, I just take some of the older suits and the Men’s Wearhouse has a great program with the suit drive to give away suits to people who can use them. I’m kind of a bigger guy so hopefully there’s some big guys out there who are able to take advantage of them."

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Stotts Talks Super Teams And Suits On The Doug Gottlieb Show

Maryland forward Jake Layman took questions from the Portland media via conference call for the first time Friday afternoon since being acquired by the Trail Blazers from the Orlando Magic after he was selected with the 47th pick of the 2016 NBA Draft. The 6-9 wing, who averaged 10.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in four seasons with the Terrapins, discussed being selected by the Trail Blazers, whether he knew the team was interested in him prior to the draft, what skills he has that are most applicable in the NBA, his defensively strengths and his plans to come to Portland in time for summer league workouts...

What was your initial reaction after being drafted by the Trail Blazers and your impressions of the franchise?

Jake Layman: First off, I’m very excited. It was such a stressful night. I was nervous all night, I didn’t really know what to expect with what was going to happen the way the draft was going last night. To finally hear my name called was just a big sign of relief, I was very excited, especially to be picked up by the Blazers because I’ve watched them play a lot. I think that their style of play fits me very well.

Why did you watch them a lot over the season?

Jake Layman: I think it was really more playoff time when I saw them play.
Where the Blazers on your radar? Did they interview you in Chicago at the combine, have any interaction with the team leading up to the draft?

Jake Layman: I did an interview with them at the combine but they were still in the playoffs, so they didn’t have really anybody there who could interview. That was really it. I didn’t work out for them. But I did know that they were very interested going into the draft, but they had no picks, so I really didn’t think much of it. So when my agent called me to tell me they traded in for the pick, I was excited.
What did you think about Portland’s recent playoff run?

Jake Layman: It was very exciting. Watching them with how young they are, how much talent they have, to be battling out there against some of the best teams in the NBA. I know how excited the fanbase was to see that happen.
What are your most applicable NBA skills right now and how do you see yourself projecting as an NBA player from a position or skill perspective?

Jake Layman: I think for me, my shooting ability, it’s gotten better each year that I was in college. So I think for me, just carrying that into the NBA is going to be huge. And also for me, I think being able to guard multiple spots on the floor is what teams are looking for now. I think that’s something I can do.
Do you know Pat Connaughton at all since you’re from the same area? Did you play against him at all?

Jake Layman: I know him pretty well. We never really played against each other in high school or anything, but just being from the same area. We were part of the Boston Globe all-star team one year, so yeah, we definitely know each other.

Do you know when you’re going to come to Portland, when you might sign and whether you’ll play for the team at summer league?

Jake Layman: Talking to the GM yesterday, I think I’m going to fly out to Portland either July 3rd or 4th and then I’ll be there for the practices leading up to summer league, which starts pretty soon after that. Then I’ll play in summer league. I’m not really sure about signing contracts or anything right now, but for summer league I’ll definitely be there.
What was your conversation like with Neil Olshey?

Jake Layman: He just asked me how I felt. All the emotion going through your head when you get drafted, it was definitely nice to talk to him. Asked me how I’m feeling and if I’m ready to get going. I was very excited to hear from him, I talked to Coach Stotts also.

How would you describe yourself off the court? What’s your personality like? How do you approach the game? Approach life or leadership or being in a locker room.

Jake Layman: I think for me, I’m a little different off the court than I am on the court. I think when it comes to being on the court, I’m definitely pretty intense. I’m always going hard, going crazy on the court. Then off the court, I’m a pretty quiet guy, very laid back, definitely a great locker room guy. I get along with everybody. That’s how I would describe myself.
You said you feel like your defensive versatility is an asset. Could you break down your strengths defensively?

Jake Layman: I think my on-ball defense has definitely gotten better over the years. But I think playing off the ball on defense, being able to come over and help and then block shots from the weakside, it is something that I’m definitely good at.

Do you feel like joining a young team, but one that has already had some success in the playoffs, give you an opportunity that other guys in the draft might not get?

Jake Layman: I think it’s a great chance to be able to come in this next year and help, make an impact on the team, just go in and help whatever way I can, whether it’s scoring, defending or all of those. I think the makeup of this team definitely gives me a chance to go in and make an impact right away.

What’s your hometown of Wrentham like? What was it like growing up there?

Jake Layman: Growing up in Wrentham, I’m one of five boys in my family, so there’s always something to do, always someone to play with. I was big into sports when I was little. My dad played baseball in college, my mom played basketball in college so I was always involved in the youth leagues, whether it was baseball, football or basketball. I think for me, my childhood was definitely run by sports when I was little growing up.
Can you see someone in the NBA who reminds you of yourself or someone who has the same skillset?

Jake Layman: Someone I’m trying to model my game after — I’m not saying I’m him right now, but it’s someone who I definitely think my game over time could be just like his — is Gordon Hayward, plays for the Utah Jazz.

Can you describe waiting to hear your name called last night?

Jake Layman: From the start of the night, you’re going in with the thought of what you’ve been hearing from teams and what your agent’s been telling you. Once the draft starts going, especially last night, it was definitely not what I expected. I was surrounded by a bunch of family and friends, so they were keeping me calm the whole time. I was just hanging in there, staying strong and to finally hear my name called, it was definitely a sigh of relief.

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Layman Looking Forward To 'Making An Impact' With The Trail Blazers

Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard is currently barnstorming through Asia as a part of the adidas "Take On Summer" tour. He's meeting fans, instructing young players, working on his dance moves and generally having a good time in one of the most basketball-obsessed places in the world.

A few select four bars from Lillard's latest offering...

Good stuff. "Shook Ones" is just the latest of Lillard's growing number of tracks, which include Soldier In The Game, Full Stomach, Why?, Free Bands, The Villains and last week's Isley. All of these tracks and more can be found on Lillard's Soundcloud page.

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Lillard's 'Music Monday' Goes Freestyle With New 'Shook Ones' Track

That sounds about right. Previous "Music Monday" releases from last year include “Soldier In The Game,” “Full Stomach,” “Why?” “Free Bands” and “The Villains.” Then there's non-Music Monday releases such as "I Wish I Could Tell You," "Heatwave," and "They Sleep," which, like "Talk To Em" was produced by Jahlil Beats, who also produced, among other things, the Rick Ross/Meek Mill hit "Ima Boss" and that Bobby Shmurda song whose name I can't put on this blog. And of course, there's "Bigger Than Us," the video for which currently has roughly 750,000 views on YouTube.

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Lillard's 'Music Monday' Is Back With New 'Talk To Em' Track

It is not easy to get an interview with former Trail Blazer Brandon Roy. After his career was cut dreadfully short due to knee injuries, the 6th overall pick of the 2006 NBA Draft has kept a relatively low profile. You hear every now and then about Roy, who was instrumental in revitalizing the franchise after the "Jail Blazers" years, showing up at various youth basketball tournaments -- he and Damian Lillard hung out for a bit at this year's Les Schwab Invitational -- and he's a regular fixture at events in Seattle, but for the most, he's avoided the spotlight in his retirement.

So kudos to Clippers guard JJ Redick for getting Roy to guest on his podcast for Adrian Wojnarowski's "The Vertical" website. During the interview, Roy and Redick discuss their history together, hanging out in the run up to the 2006 Draft, the NBA's minimum age rule and the new rules heading into this year's draft. And at the end, Roy discusses the end of his career in Portland. It's well worth your time.

For me, the most compelling part comes at the end when Roy discusses how he views his injury-shortened career...

All of the "what could have been" questions are probably why Roy, who was always incredibly gracious dealing with the media, prefers to live his post-basketball life out of the spotlight. It would be hard to move on to the next stage of your life if all anybody ever wanted to talk about was your past, so it makes sense why Roy generally avoids media attention these days (not to mention he was notorious for all but disappearing from the public eye in the offseason while playing for the Trail Blazers). But that just makes it all the more interesting when he does pop back up.

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Podcast: Brandon Roy Discusses The End Of His Career In Portland On JJ Redick's Podcast

The morning after helping the Trail Blazers clinching their third-consecutive post-season appearance, guard CJ McCollum joined "The Jim Rome Show" to discuss the season, playoffs and a host of other topics. You can listen to the interview below...

On how good it felt to clinch a post-season berth by beating the Thunder Wednesday night...

"It felt really good. We had put so much time in over the course of the summer and the season, just continuing to work hard, come together. A lot of highs and lows, big wins and bad losses, and it's finally fun to see it all come together, to be able to clinch that playoff spot at home."

On how pride he takes in playing a major role in getting the Blazers into the playoffs...

I take a lot of pride in this situation. The last three years have been a roller coaster ride for me, being a lottery pick then re-breaking my foot and hearing the doubts and the whispers about he's injury prone, he's going to be a bust, he can't succeed at this level and then coming back and breaking my finger last year. Once I got in the rotation, it was a trying time for me. Just a testament to work ethic, preparation, coaching staff believing and the front office entrusting me with backup point guard duties, allowing me to play my game and not putting me in a box. They allowed me the creative freedom to shoot crossover stepbacks, pullup jumpers, contested 15-footers and allowed me to play through mistakes and not have to look over my shoulder. Just grateful for the opportunity they provided me. They gave me the chance to sink or swim, and I'm swimming.

On Luis Montero talking trash to Kobe Bryant at Staples Center this season...

Luis is from the Dominican Republic and he's a rookie, so he's not familiar with NBA legend etiquette. I think he was talking to Kobe the entire game and just kind of yelling out stuff because I kept hearing "KOBE-NO-BRYANT! KOBE-NO-BYRANT" and stuff like that, basically just trying to get into his head. I think during a timeout, Kobe ended up pumpfaking, somebody jumped and he got the foul. He walked over to the bench and he said "If I've been in the league more years than you've been alive, you can't talk." It was just a moment where Luis was like, "Yes sir, you're right" and kind of just shut up. He realized a legend was speaking and he could listen.

(Audio provided courtesy of The Jim Rome Show)

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AUDIO: McCollum Talks Clinching, Journalism, Montero's Kobe Trashtalk on 'The Jim Rome Show'

Greetings and salutations loyal podcast listeners. After the Trail Blazers punched their ticket for the 2016 NBA Playoffs with a win Wednesday night against the Thunder, the hard-charging podcast duo of Joe Freeman, he of The Oregonian/OregonLive.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of this here blog and TrailBlazers.com, hit the Moda Center studios to record yet another edition of the Rip City Report, which you can listen to in various iterations below...

This week's podcast is probably a bit more free form than usual (not that it's all the structured in the first place) with topics including but not limited to the Trail Blazers clinching their third-consecutive playoff appearance, how far the team has come since the beginning of the season, the success of the Al-Farouq Aminu/Moe Harkless small ball forward rotation, preferred playoff matchups and end as always by answer your Twitter-submitted questions. Listen to it while you're sunbathing.

You can find the Rip City Report on Soundcloud, iTunes and Stitcher. We haven't had many iTunes reviews lately, so consider being a part of the solution rather than the problem.

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Podcast: Rip City Report, Playoff-Clinching Edition

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Moda Health

<a href="https://www.nba.com/blazers/weather" target="_blank">Important Weather Update for Tonight's Game vs. the Phoenix Suns</a>