Nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard entered the NBA at a time when the impact of social media and highlight reels was on the rise. Given how these highlights have helped make (and break) the reputations of several players, Lillard recently noted how the growing influence of social media has been a factor in making it to the league.
While making an appearance on “Sideline With Andy Katz“, Lillard specifically addressed how a player doesn’t have to be from a major college to carve a path to the NBA anymore.
“I don’t think even think that’s a thing anymore,” Lillard said about having to go to Duke or North Carolina to get noticed. “I was sixth overall 13 years ago. So the way that social media has grown, and the way mid-majors have kind of blossomed, you’re starting to see a lot of mid-major players become the stars in the NBA.”
Lillard used the examples of Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State) and Stephen Curry (Davidson), among many others, who rose to stardom despite not coming from a major program.
“It wasn’t very common. They would find these guys, but I think it’s even more common now,” Lillard continued. “Just because of social media and the ability to track everything. It’s a way to see and find these guys. It’s as easy as it’s ever been. And to my point earlier, it’s as easy as it’s ever been to make it… And because of that, it’s harder for guys to stay.”
The star’s statement about social media also resonates with Adam Silver’s recent comments about how the NBA is a “highlight sport”.
Although the NBA commissioner merely intended to address an issue and develop a strategy to draw audiences back to watching live games, Silver’s observations offer a perspective on how players today are scouted using similar digital methods.
The nine-time All-Star emphasized that the reason players make it to the league can be credited to social media. While it may be easy to get noticed, it is evident that not everyone possesses the necessary mentality or skill set to carve out a career for themselves in the NBA.
Lillard’s comments provide a keen insight into the obstacles players have to face while attempting to carve out a place for themselves in the league. High school and collegiate stars turn into role players in the blink of an eye, and in due time, even find themselves out of the league.
In this regard, the Portland Trail Blazers guard has managed to sustain an impressive professional career. Even with major injuries sidelining him, Lillard has cultivated a reputation, ensuring that he will be a valuable roster piece once he makes a full recovery.
