archivePortland Trail Blazers

DHJ Quick Take: Scouting the New Architecture The Talent Hunter: Mike Schmitz is arguably the premier talent scout of the digital era. By bringing him in from Portland, Masai Ujiri has secured an executive who has spent over a decade watching every relevant prospect on the planet. For a team...

DHJ Quick Take: Mavericks’ Search for a Defensive Identity The Identity Pivot: Following the Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis eras, the organization's messaging is singular: defense. Pairing Cooper Flagg with a point-of-attack stopper would officially cement this new philosophy. The Holiday Factor: Even at 35, Jrue Holiday remains an elite...

DHJ Quick Take Top Priority Giannis: The Trail Blazers are expected to be a prime suitor for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is expected to be traded this offseason. Giannis and Damian Lillard were teammates in Milwaukee and have a close relationship. Anthony Davis as Plan B: If the...

DHJ Quick Take Lillard’s Potential Return: After missing the entire 2025–26 regular season recovering from a torn left Achilles, Damian Lillard has reportedly not been ruled out for a "surprise appearance" in the 2026 NBA playoffs. Pursuit of Giannis: The Portland Trail Blazers are preparing an offseason trade pitch for...

DHJ Quick Take Season-High Eruption: Marvin Bagley III finished with 26 points and nine rebounds on 11-of-14 shooting, including three made threes, in 27 minutes off the bench — the most efficient offensive performance by a Maverick this season. The Closer: With the score tied at 92 and just over...

DHJ Quick Take Historic Half: Cooper Flagg erupted for 20 points in the first 19 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers—his 11th career 20-point half, which is more than the rest of this year's rookie class combined, per Elias Sports Bureau. Rhythm Restored: Flagg acknowledged the difficulty of rediscovering his...

DHJ Quick Take Guarding the Arc: After struggling against Golden State and Denver, the Dallas Mavericks held Portland to just 26.7% (8-of-30) from three, a "conscious effort" highlighted by coach Jason Kidd. Standout Activity: Naji Marshall led the defensive charge with a season-high five steals, while rookie Cooper Flagg added...

DHJ Quick Take Franchise Record: Klay Thompson surpassed Tim Hardaway Jr. for the most three-pointers made off the bench in a single season in Dallas Mavericks history during Friday’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Historic Pace: With 189 triples on the season, Thompson is 11 shy of his 11th...

DHJ Quick Take Business of Basketball: Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd acknowledged that while the playoffs are out of reach, several players are using the final weeks to play for contract extensions. The Naji Example: Kidd specifically highlighted Naji Marshall as a player "doing the right thing," punctuated by Marshall's...

DHJ Quick Take The "Clear-Cut" Choice: Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd declared Cooper Flagg the definitive NBA Rookie of the Year, citing a "historic year" that statistically outpaces past winners. Record-Breaking Half: Flagg dropped 20 first-half points against the Portland Trail Blazers, marking his 11th career 20-point half—more than the...