For the first 11 years of his career, Damian Lillard tried (and failed) to get the Trail Blazers an NBA championship. But now, with the Milwaukee Bucks, he’s in a new situation surrounded by veterans and a roster that is built for a long playoff run. Speaking ahead of his Portland return, Lillard spoke on what it’s like to play in these circumstances after years of uncompetitive seasons with the Blazers.
“It’s not refreshing, it’s more encouraging that these guys want what I want,” said Lillard. “They got one and they want one more… I’ve always enjoyed pouring into younger players so it’s not really refreshing it’s more encouraging.”
While Lilllard did admit that he sees a world when he comes back to Portland, it won’t be anytime soon as he and Giannis Antetokounmpo chance a championship for the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I think because of how I feel about Portland the organization and the time I spent here, I’ve always felt like my career will end here (Portland),” said Lillard. “But my time now is in Milwaukee, competing there in this time. You’ve got to be fully invested in that – you can’t let it slip away in the moment.”
For Dame, it was an emotional moment and a celebration of all the things he did for the franchise. He went viral on social media and fans were buzzing with memories from his Portland days. Looking back, it really is a shame it had to end the way it did.
What Happened With The Blazers?
Damian Lillard was proud of his loyalty to Portland and he was happy to spend some of his best years with the franchise before it started to fall apart. With Dame past the age of 30, the pressure was at an all-time high for him to win, and everyone knew he couldn’t get it done in Portland with a hoard of young talent and no true co-star to help him win. By the end of last season, after the Blazers finished 14th in the West, Dame had seen enough and gave the Blazers one last chance to change his mind in the summer.
But when the weeks came and went with no signs of a trade, Lillard forced the team’s hand by issuing a request of his own. Initially, Lillard wanted to join the Miami Heat but after negotiations went south, he ended up with the Bucks. Alongside Giannis, Lillard will have his best chance yet at a title… but it remains to be seen if they can recover after a questionable start to the season.
New Opportunity In Milwaukee
This season has been far from perfect for Damian Lillard. Before the campaign even began, he saw the head assistant (his former head coach for years) Terry Stotts walk out for unknown reasons. Then he had to face scrutiny as the Bucks started off slow early on and massively showed their defensive vulnerabilities. Of course, it all ended with Bucks coach Adrian Griffin being fired as Lillard is in the middle of the worst statistical season in years.
Even so, the Bucks are still doing pretty well this season at 32-15. Due to the greatness of Giannis and Dame alone, Milwaukee is 2nd in the standings and on pace for 60+ wins. But after last season’s first-round collapse against the Heat, there are still some lingering questions about the Bucks and their odds of making it through four playoff rounds.
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