In a candid conversation captured on the ‘7PM in Brooklyn’ podcast, Carmelo Anthony revealed the heartfelt advice he shared with Damian Lillard before the star point guard’s trade from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks. Anthony drew parallels between his own experience in Denver and Lillard’s loyalty to Portland.
“We spoke. I was telling Dame, man get the f**k out here. It wasn’t like a knock to Portland but it was, ‘Champ, you in the same situation I was in, in Denver. Our loyalty gonna kill us It’s gonna kill us!’ What do we have to see or know to make the decision?”
“For me they had to hit rock bottom for it to be like alright I’m gonna go. But at that time, it’s too far down the line; It’s like forceful, it’s like we gotta make it happen. I don’t give a fu** what happens.”
“So I’ve been telling Dame that, and finally, he was like ‘My loyalty is stamped in Portland.’ They better put a statue of Dame in Portland. It’s that deep of a connection. But I be telling him, ‘You gotta go’ because I knew what was gonna happen.” (3:54)
The seasoned NBA veteran, who spent over seven seasons with the Denver Nuggets before being traded to the New York Knicks, emphasized the potential downsides of unwavering loyalty.
Melo acknowledged that both he and Lillard share a characteristic virtue, turning it into a potential flaw that could waste prime years in their careers. He pointed out the challenging decision-making process when loyalty becomes a hindrance. Anthony further revealed that, for him, hitting rock bottom was the turning point that led him to leave Denver.
Despite Lillard expressing his deep connection and loyalty to Portland, Anthony urged him to consider leaving before the narrative changed and roles were reversed. He emphasized the importance of recognizing when it’s time to make a move and avoid waiting until it becomes forceful.
Whether Melo’s advice directly influenced Lillard’s decision is uncertain, but it is evident that Lillard eventually had a change of heart. Carmelo initially thought Lillard might end up in Miami, but the star point guard ultimately landed in Milwaukee, pursuing a championship with the Bucks.
Anthony’s candid advice sheds light on the complexities of player loyalty in the NBA and the challenging decisions that stars like Lillard face as they navigate their careers. As Damian Lillard embarks on his new chapter with the Bucks, the impact of Anthony’s words remains part of the narrative surrounding his move from the Blazers.
Damian Lillard’s Move To Milwaukee Has Worked Out Great So Far
Damian Lillard’s move to the Milwaukee Bucks has proven to be a seamless transition, and he’s making a significant impact on the team’s success. Despite a slight statistical drop-off from his final years in Portland, Lillard’s performance with the Bucks has been impressive, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.
Currently averaging 26.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 8 assists per game, Lillard has maintained his scoring prowess while embracing a playmaking role. Shooting at 43.6% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc, Lillard has found a balanced approach that complements the Bucks’ style of play.
After a brief adjustment period, Lillard has settled in nicely with the Bucks, who boast the second-best record in the league at 21-7. While their defense experienced some early-season challenges, it has significantly improved, contributing to the team’s overall success. The Bucks’ offensive rating stands at an impressive 120.2, ranking third in the league.
One of the key aspects of Lillard’s integration into the Bucks’ system is his synergy with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The dynamic duo has established a smooth on-court connection, with Lillard delivering standout performances in crucial moments. His ability to take over in clutch situations has been a valuable asset for the team.
In clutch situations, defined as the last five minutes of a game with a point difference of five or fewer, Lillard ranks third in the league for points per game, averaging 5.2. He shoots efficiently, boasting a 46.2% field goal percentage and a 38.1% success rate from beyond the arc, emphasizing his reliability in high-pressure scenarios. Additionally, Lillard maintains an impressive 94.4% accuracy from the free-throw line during clutch moments.
Overall, Lillard’s move to Milwaukee has not only revitalized his individual performance but has also significantly contributed to the Bucks’ success, making them a formidable force in the league.
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