Damian Lillard is among the greatest players of this generation even without having been to the NBA Finals. His loyalty to the Portland Trail Balzers and commitment to succeeding with his team is something that is rarely seen in today’s NBA. Lillard’s accolades may not ring out as the most amazing, but he is in contention to be considered the greatest Blazers ever. And that’s an interesting topic to discuss.
Damian Lillard has had enough of people questioning his loyalty to the Trail Blazers, reaffirming his own beliefs of loyalty. Lillard is the all-time leading scorer for the Blazers, and he recently shared his humble belief that he is the greatest ever to wear the uniform.
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“Personally I think I am. I don’t think it’s a question I can just give an answer to and say I am. I think the fans and the people who’ve followed this organization for a long time and seen me play enough and seen all those other guys play enough… I think that’s for them to decide.”
Damian Lillard wasn’t arrogant in his answer, deferring to the fans when he said it. And it led to some debate as to whether he is the best Blazer ever on Reddit.
“Drexler led them to two finals and had an amazing 8 year run that I’d argue was substantially better than Dame’s.”
“I wouldn’t put him above a prime and healthy Walton.”
“A Healthy Bill Walton would be a top 10 player of all time. Easily.”
“Very biased but I’d rather have Dame.”
“Longevity? Yes. Peak? No.”
“Dame is the greatest Blazer to me, most loyal ever.”
“Nobody has done more for this franchise overall.”
“Stats and rings not the only thing that matters, Dame is the Blazer GOAT for me.”
“The longevity with the franchise is nice but the GOAT Blazer is Walton.”
“Every single Blazers fan says it’s Dame without a question.”
“Bill Walton won a title. Clyde Drexler went to 2 Finals. So no.”
There seems to be no consensus on the matter, but for many Portland Trail Blazers fans, he is their GOAT. He has done enough to deserve that title too, although the two other players mentioned most often have their cases as well.
Is Damian Lillard The Greatest Portland Trail Blazer Ever?
In the modern era, Damian Lillard’s commitment to staying with the franchise long-term and through his prime has been commendable. He is also the all-time leading scorer in the franchise, and will likely end up being their all-time leading assist-getter as well. But other players have a case.
Clyde Drexler stayed with the organization for 12 years and was an 8-time All-Star. He led his team to two NBA Finals, and although he lost, it’s something Damian Lillard has never managed. Bill Walton’s prime was shorter than both players, but he won MVP, Finals MVP, and a championship as a Blazer. Injuries hampered him, but he has a case too. Ultimately, as Dame said, only the Blazers fans can decide their GOAT.
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