Damian Lillard is a symbol of a fantastic role model in the NBA. While many fans may criticize him for not leaving the Portland Trail Blazers and going to a team that can build a winner around him, his loyalty to the franchise is unlike the modern trend in the NBA.
A lot can be learned about Dame’s character through his career-long stint in Portland and how he is going to go out with a new core this season. But what motivates the once unheralded Weber State prospect? Many people tend to pedestalize the struggle of an NBA player and how players are under immense pressure to deliver in the big moments.
For Dame, the least amount of pressure is on the basketball court. This is not a statement to emphasize what a cold-blooded player he is, but to emphasize that playing basketball is a privilege and there are people under real-life pressure. He made an iconic quote about the same to Nubyjas Wilborn in 2017.
This Damian Lillard quote from 2017 still hits 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 💯 pic.twitter.com/W2nf5n1jbf
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 21, 2022
“Pressure, nah. Fam, this is just playing ball. Pressure is the homeless man, who doesn’t know where his next meal is coming from. Pressure is the single mom, who is trying to scuffle and pay her rent. We get paid a lot of money to play a game. Don’t get me wrong — there are challenges. But to call it pressure is almost an insult to regular people.” (h/t Sporting News)
That is an incredibly heavy statement that puts into perspective how fans and media tend to over-emphasize the importance of the NBA and the pressure of playing in the NBA. While it is challenging to be in those situations, it is nothing compared to the real-life struggles millions around the world go through every day.
Players being aware of their privilege is great to see. Quotes like this send positive messages to the ones that follow the sport. Lillard sets himself apart from others with perspectives like this and serves as a great role model to everyone.
