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Damian Lillard Gets Brutally Honest About Trail Blazers’ Free Agency Woes After Carmelo Anthony’s Exit
The Portland Trail Blazers look set for a tough NBA season. After Carmelo Anthony and Enes Kanter moved on, the TrailBlazers are in real trouble. Damian Lillard, on the other hand, looks set to stay at Portland but is unsure about the team’s performances next season. Lillard is with Team USA at Tokyo Olympics 2020 as they entered the final. Despite the tough loss to France in the opening round, the US basketball team is back in contention to win the gold medal. But when asked about Portland’s current situation, Lillard looked doubtful about the team’s performances.
Lillard spoke about Portland’s chances in a recent interview.
May 27, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) dunks the ball during the second half of game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Damian Lillard speaks about plans for Portland
The point guard sat down with reporters to discuss the national team’s performances in Japan while shedding some light on the TrailBlazers’ plans.
“I haven’t really dove too deep into it. I have just been focusing on here, you know, it’s a lot of things that are out of my control. When you into free agency and things like things like this, you never know what’s gonna happen, where guys are gonna end up, and why they go there.”
“You just try to have conversations and convince guys to be a part of our team. We wasn’t able to go there and just get some of the guys that we would have liked,” said Lillard.
The player looked anxious about his franchise’s troubles but focused on the USA’s performances in the Olympics. Losing Carmelo Anthony is hard, but other players can step up in his absence. CJ McCollum is the primary second scorer on the team. But Lillard’s importance can’t be unnoticed. Despite the offensive output, there are no players who can come from the bench and provide a spark.
Will Lillard stay with the Portland Trail Blazers?
The interesting takeaway would be whether Lillard would stay with the Blazers. After Russell Westbrook got traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, the whole complexion of the league changed. With three superstars on the same team, the Lakers are the favorites to win the NBA title next season. It also proved to be a difference in Lillard’s attempt to move to the Lakers.
That would have been quite amazing!!!
Jan 24, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket past New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Ever since Lillard got drafted to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012, he spent nine seasons with the franchise and is their key player. During his nine seasons in Portland, he averaged 28.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. The offensive output he provides speaks volumes about his importance to the franchise. But there are no other teams who can provide a better project than the Blazers.
If Lillard left Portland, the legacy created by him will be remembered forever. But, if Lillard stays with his current franchise, legendary status awaits the point guard. After winning their last NBA title in 1977, the TrailBlazers look to win their next NBA title. In conclusion, Dame Time needs to stay in Portland.
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