PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Portland Trail Blazers are bound for the NBA playoffs for the first time in five years!
The Blazers are facing off against the Spurs in San Antonio on Sunday. Ahead of the playoff action, Trail Blazers President of Business Operations Dewayne Hankins spoke with KATU News.
“Blazer-mania is back in full force, which is really exciting for our fans and for us,” said Hankins.
You can watch the full interview below, which includes a question on whether we could see Damian Lillard on the court:
While the blazers did make the playoffs in the 2021 season, pandemic restrictions meant that fans could not fill the Moda Center for games. These will be the first full-house playoffs games since the 2018-19 season.
KATU Sports Director Guillermo Motta asked Hankins about the strength of Deni Avdija on the team this season, following his trade to Portland from the Wizards in 2024.
“At the time that move was maybe viewed as not the best move for the team. And to watch him play on Tuesday night and put up 41 points, and get to the rim in whatever way he wanted,” Hankins said. “It’s always a question of whether these guys can bring the same level of play they do in the regular season, and all of our fans saw – and the national media saw that he’s ready for the moment.”
Hankins said the team welcomes the national attention for the team as they make this playoff run.
READ MORE: The Trail Blazers overcome an unusual season to earn playoff spot
“It’s been a couple years since that’s happened, and I think for our staff, when the lights are shining bright on you like they are right now in this round one, we gotta do our job to support these players,” said Hankins.
After two games in San Antonio, the Blazers return to Portland for Game 3 at the Moda Center on Friday, April 24.