Lamar Hurd, known for his role as the Trail Blazers Television Analyst, continues to be a prominent figure in the basketball world. The 2023-24 season marks his eighth season in this capacity, where he provides insightful analysis of Trail Blazers games. Hurd’s dedication to the sport extends beyond broadcasting; he played professional basketball in Germany from 2006-07 and returned to the United States to share his passion for basketball with local youth.
Who is Lamar Hurd?
Lamar Hurd was born on August 18, 1984, in Houston, Texas. He attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, where he was a star basketball player. He then went on to play for Oregon State University, where he was a four-year starter and a team captain. He graduated with a degree in business administration in 2006.
Hurd was not drafted by any NBA team, but he signed with the Portland Trail Blazers as a free agent in 2006. He played in four preseason games, averaging 2.3 points and 1.8 assists per game. However, he was waived by the team before the regular season started. He then played for several teams in the NBA Development League and overseas, before retiring from professional basketball in 2009.
Hurd then pursued a career in broadcasting and media. He became the director of basketball at The Hoop, a basketball facility in Beaverton, Oregon, from 2007 to 2009. He also co-owned All In One Basketball, a youth basketball program, from 2009 to 2012. He made his debut as a basketball analyst for the Pac-12 Network in 2012, covering college basketball games. He also worked as a color commentator for the Portland Trail Blazers radio broadcasts from 2013 to 2016.
In January 2022, Hurd joined KGW as a contributor, hosting a weekly segment called “Hurd Mentality”. In this segment, he shares his insights and opinions on various topics related to basketball, sports, and culture. He also appears on other KGW shows, such as “Straight Talk” and “Tonight With Cassidy”. He continues to work as the analyst for the Portland Trail Blazers television broadcasts, alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro.
His Career and Achievements
Lamar Hurd has achieved a lot in his career, both as a player and as a broadcaster. As a player, he holds several records at Oregon State University, such as the most assists in a single season (229), the most assists in a career (600), and the most games started (119). He also ranks second in school history in steals (147) and minutes played (4,088). He was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team in 2003 and the Pac-10 All-Defensive Team in 2005.
As a broadcaster, Hurd has received several accolades and recognition for his work. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Analyst in 2015 and 2016. He also won the Oregon Association of Broadcasters Award for Best Sports Coverage in 2016. He has been praised for his knowledge, charisma, and humor by fans and critics alike. He has also been involved in various community and charitable initiatives, such as the Trail Blazers Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Special Olympics.
Lamar Hurd is a remarkable example of someone who has overcome adversity and achieved success in different fields. He is a role model for aspiring athletes and broadcasters, as well as a respected member of the Portland community. He is not only a talented basketball analyst, but also a passionate and engaging media personality. He is one of the most popular and influential figures in the Oregon sports scene. He is still active and relevant in his career and has a bright future ahead of him.
