Damian Lillard is currently sidelined with an injury and won’t come back to the court until the 2022/23 NBA season. The point guard is getting ready to see if the Portland Trail Blazers can assemble a competitive team to aspire to win a championship in the future.
The former Rookie of the Year has spent his entire career in Portland, trying to build a legit contender at Moda Center. Unfortunately, he’s been unlucky in recent years, and many people have urged him to find a new team since the Blazers are going nowhere.
In recent months, Dame was linked with a move away from Portland, with the New York Knicks sounding like a good option for him. Well, that’s not the case anymore, as the player is set to stay put in Portland, helping this squad. Following an entertaining trade deadline, the Blazers are ready to land big píeces in the offseason, trying to assemble a team that can win the title.
Contrary to what many believe, Dame hasn’t changed his mind about the Blazers, and is set to see what the front office will do in the next months to create a team that can challenge the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz and more. He’s not going anywhere and remains loyal to his team.
Via Complex:
When I spent time with you in Portland for a story in 2019, loyalty and commitment was the theme. You’ve shown a dedication to Portland that few guys show to any given city or community in the NBA. Why are you still so committed to the city of Portland?
I think any time you say you love something or care about something… it’s not always going to be peaches and cream. You don’t know when that moment or breakthrough is going to come. Especially if you’ve done things the right way for so long, which I have. I’ve treated people the right way, I’ve done things the right way, I haven’t skipped steps. My process, which is why I’ve been able to get better each year of my career. I think something that’s important people realize is that it’s a business. Everybody’s like, “Oh this person’s loyal, that person’s loyal.” They kind of throw that word around loosely. But, for me, I’m loyal to what I believe. I do love living in Portland. I do love playing for the Trail Blazers. But I’ve built this. I’ve been part of this for 10 years. I’ve been part of the change here and us being a successful franchise. I know what means something to me in my heart. And that’s winning a championship here. That’s why I’m so committed to that. And that’s my personal feelings. That’s being loyal to how I feel and how I operate. It is what it is. That’s what I want to see happen and I remain just committed to that as long as that’s the goal, that’s the plan.
While many folks insist that Damian wants out of Portland, the player keeps reassuring that he’s not going anywhere. He knows where home is and won’t change that for anything. Sadly, his sidekick CJ McCollum was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans before the trade deadline, but that’s a move the Blazers know will benefit them in the future.
