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Kevin' s replacement in PDX




The Trail Blazers name Braiden Bell as new television play-by-play announcer. The 29-year-old's last gigs were calling games for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and the G League’s Valley Suns.  He fills the spot vacated by Kevin Calabro after Calabro said the team surprised him with a low-ball contract offer.  He took his voice to the Timberwolves.

Bell's comments:

Rip City - Wow, it’s going to be an awesome ride! It’s hard to describe the honor I’m feeling. I can’t wait to settle into this community & fanbase.

My goal is to make you proud every game and honor the incredible history & tradition of Blazers play-by-play. Talk to you soon!


Comments

  1. Rhett WorkmanOctober 1, 2026 at 12:10 PM

    Not surprised Dundon chose someone unfamiliar to the market. He is probably coming real cheap. "Subprime" as Calabro famously calls it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wayne LOctober 1, 2026 at 12:31 PM

    Much younger, much, much cheaper coming from WNBA and minors. Lucky break for him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rhett WorkmanOctober 1, 2026 at 12:48 PM

      For sure Wayne. Hope he is well received down there. The rest of the broadcasters returned so there is that

      Delete
  3. AnonymousOctober 1, 2026 at 1:52 PM

    No NBA experience. No studio show presence. Probably the only guy who would take the job. Blazers will be gone from PDX soon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wayne LOctober 1, 2026 at 2:53 PM

    Yes an uphill battle but if Neil Everett is still doing studio, that could help smooth things out.

    ReplyDelete
  5. IDC9October 1, 2026 at 4:59 PM

    Congrats to Braiden on his new role! Its a big promotion for him, and I hope he will rise to the occasion.

    ReplyDelete
  6. IDC9October 1, 2026 at 8:10 PM

    KGW is reporting tonight that Braiden has now been fired by the Trailblazers after racist and misogynistic comments he allegidley made back in 2012 and 2013 came to light.

    So much for rising to the occasion...

    ReplyDelete
  7. IDC9October 1, 2026 at 8:28 PM

    KOIN has now reported on Braiden's firing as well.

    https://www.koin.com/sports/blazers-fire-recently-hired-play-by-play-commentator-after-racist-misogynist-social-media-posts-resurface/?email=93882b5a957ee8c3b2da9e8ae06a14bd220779d7&emaila=9e3f2f8f16848815a95a5c7534f0f562&emailb=8a440f7375760cc845ad8bbc8194295bc18ead9199f2e1e1099f21e9f0627dbd&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Breaking%20News%20-%20KOIN%20-%20Breaking%20News%20-%20October%202%2C%202026%2C%203:26%20am%20UTC&utm_content=breaking%20news&utm_term=Breaking%20News

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousOctober 1, 2026 at 9:41 PM

    And he has already been fired…

    ReplyDelete

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