The Evolution and Explosion of Damian Lillard

On this week’s episode of the Blazer’s Edge podcast, Tara Bowen-Biggs and Danny Marang marvel and discuss Damian Lillard’s absolutely epic week, running out of superlatives along the way. Then it’s the emergence of the “pink show crew”; Anfernee Simons, Gary Trent Jr and Nassir Little, ranking Dame as an MVP candidate, all the listener questions about the upcoming trade deadline and what Portland would/could/should do, even more Damian Lillard praise and so much more!

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Intro

Opening comments

Damian Lillard having the best run ever for a Trail Blazer

What’s your favorite part of what Dame is doing 3:00

He’s so good that the defense that defined him years ago is now obsolete 4:30

What’s one of the greatest things about having him on the team? 6:00

Appreciating Lillard for what he’s done 7:00

Where does Dame sit in the MVP ladder now? Is he up there with Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James and Luka Doncic? 10:00

What about the guys not named Lillard - Hassan Whiteside, Gary Trent Jr, Anfernee Simons and Nassir Little 12:00

How has Trevor Ariza looked/fit? 17:30

It’s amazing what competent experience can accomplish 19:30

“Tara he has 100 points and 2 turnovers!” 21:30

“A week ago he couldn’t throw a lob pass and now he’s freaking Andre Miller!” 22:45

Not really worried about the defense right now when you’re dropping 120 26:00

Listener questions!

If Whiteside isn’t traded, will a different trade happen? 29:00

Should this recent run cause Portland to change their direction? 33:00

Assuming Nurk comes back this year and is playing at a high level, do you see him playing as a starter and Whiteside coming off the bench? 36:30

What is the max you think the Blazers would offer for RoCo (Robert Covington)? Have the young guys become untouchable?

38:00

The rise of Gary Trent and Ariza’s fit appear to be better than Baze? 43:00

“Do you watch the Bachelor?(Tara) I do not. (Dan) Well, here’s my Bachelor reference anyways…” 44:00

Barring a collapse by OKC or an insane run by the Blazers, it looks like the 8th spot is the highest attainable seed- which team is the biggest threat to the Blazers? 48:00

Was ready for Whiteside trade before, but the way things are going is it wise to keep him? 51:00

Who do you see being valuable role players going forward? 57:00

Hassan Whiteside being more impactful 1:00:00

Closing comments

Outro