Damian Lillard is enchanting everybody with his performances in the bubble, taking the Portland Trail Blazers to the postseason after resuming play with 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies. Dame has done great, there is no other way to describe it, and he’s earning big praise around the league.
In recent days, we’ve seen people trying to bring him down, even after dropping over 100 points in two games, but Lillard also has people that back him up and is there to defend his name. His teammate Carmelo Anthony had big praise for Dame, even naming him the best player he’s played with. Talking with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Melo claimed Lillard was the best teammate he’s had during his career.
“Dame’s at the top for me,” Anthony said. “I’ve never played with someone who lifted his team on the court with his play and as a leader. He genuinely cares for his teammates. What he’s been able to do is amazing. He’s the top guy I’ve played with.”
"I’ve never played with someone who lifted his team on the court with his play and as a leader. He genuinely cares for his teammates. What he’s been able to do is amazing. He’s the top guy I’ve played with."
– Melo on Dame ✊
(Via @ChrisBHaynes ) pic.twitter.com/3skVSg8BQq
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 16, 2020
He shared touches with other great players, including Allen Iverson, one of the most talented players in NBA history. Melo explained that Iverson was reaching the end of his career when they crossed paths in Colorado.
“AI was on the tail end [of his career] at that point [in Denver],” Anthony added. “I’ve played with some great players, but the way Dame elevates his game and others, he’s at the top.”
Besides, Iverson, Carmelo played with Chauncey Billups, Jason Kidd, James Harden, Paul George, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, among others, but he picked Lillard as the greatest player he’s played with. Dame has been terrific, no doubt about it, and Melo has the chance to see him every day, so he must know more than us, even though plenty of people are already criticizing him for his statement.
