When the All-Star starters got announces earlier this week, one notable name was missing from the lineup: Portland star Damian Lillard. Considering all he has done this season, and the success of his team, him not being named a starter was viewed as a major sign of disrespect by much of the NBA community.
For Dame, though, the news of his snib did not come as a surprise, and he’s a long way from feeling grim about it.
“When I was younger I cared a lot more,” Lillard said following Friday’s practice. “Obviously, that’s an accomplishment to be an All-Star starter. It’s something that I haven’t done, so of course, I would like to have been named the starter, but I honestly wasn’t surprised.
That’s just what the reality is. I think for a lot of people who are saying that, they’ve taken notice of what I’ve done in the Bubble and what I’ve done this year.”
Despite countless injuries and a loaded Western Conference, Damian Lillard has kept his Portland Trail Blazers near the top of the standings, boasting an 18-10 record through the first 28 games.
All the while, Lillard has been stuffing the stat sheet. So far this season, he’s averaging 29.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game 45.1% shooting.
And while it sucks he didn’t get the honor of being named an All-Star starter, Dame has much bigger things to worry about this season — like the future of his team, who are hoping for a long playoff run.
