- The Blazers allegedly asked Lillard to sit out for a higher draft pick
- Portland drafted Scoot Henderson but failed to secure a veteran for Lillard
- Lillard’s dissatisfaction led to his blockbuster move to the Bucks
The strategic maneuvering of NBA franchises to position themselves better for the NBA draft is not unheard of, but when it involves a superstar player like Damian Lillard, eyebrows are inevitably raised. Reports have surfaced suggesting that the Portland Trail Blazers, keen on acquiring a top draft pick, asked their franchise player, Lillard, to sit out the final ten games of the 2022-23 season. This information comes via Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, who cited sources claiming the Blazers believed a higher draft pick would enhance their odds of trading for a seasoned veteran player.
For a team that spent most of the season vying for a playoff or play-in spot, such a move can be perceived as both a strategic play and a slight to their star. The team’s request was wrapped in the guise of a ‘calf injury’, which Lillard reportedly cited as the reason for his absence.
B/R Sources: Inside the messy divorce between Damian Lillard and Portland Trail Blazers: “How this summer played out behind the scenes definitely left a sour taste in my mouth.” https://t.co/7R7pfanZPj
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 28, 2023
The outcome? The Blazers secured the No. 2 overall pick and chose Scoot Henderson from the G League Ignite. What stands out, however, is the underlying promise purportedly made to Lillard: the acquisition of a veteran star using their high draft pick. A promise that, it seems, was unfulfilled. As a result Lillard forced his way out of the Blazers as he secured a monster move to the Bucks.
If the report is accurate, it not only reveals the lengths teams might go for strategic advantages but also highlights the complex dynamics between star players and franchise management.
Blazers May Be Fined For Making Damian Lillard Sit
The NBA has always maintained a strong stance against teams compromising the integrity of the game, and recent revelations surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard could potentially lead to severe repercussions for the franchise. According to a report by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Blazers allegedly asked Damian Lillard to feign an injury – cited as a ‘calf injury’ – to sit out the last ten games of the 2022-23 season. The objective was transparent: to improve the team’s draft lottery odds, with the ultimate goal of leveraging that pick for a veteran player.
Tanking, or the deliberate act of losing games to obtain a more favorable draft position, is not new in the NBA. However, the league has strict rules against intentionally undermining the competitive nature of the sport. If substantiated, this act by the Blazers not only questions the integrity of their management but also puts them in direct violation of league rules.
The league’s response will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and other franchises. Any investigation and subsequent penalties will serve as a precedent for how the NBA handles similar transgressions in the future. Given the gravity of the allegation, the Blazers may find themselves facing hefty fines if not more severe disciplinary actions.
Blazers Did Damian Lillard Dirty
In an era where NBA superstars are perpetually on the move, seeking championships and joining forces with other elites, Damian Lillard stood out as a beacon of loyalty. For 11 long years, Lillard remained the heart and soul of the Portland Trail Blazers, repeatedly expressing his dedication to the city and the team. Despite this, the Blazers consistently failed to surround him with the level of talent that could elevate the team to genuine title contenders.
Lillard’s commitment was epitomized last season when he agreed to sit out the final ten games, aiding the Blazers in securing a higher draft pick. All he asked for in return was some significant help on the roster, a fellow star to shoulder the burden of championship aspirations. But the franchise’s subsequent moves fell short of these expectations.
When Lillard finally, and understandably, requested a trade, he had a specific destination in mind: the Miami Heat. His preference was clear, both privately and through public statements. Yet, in what felt like a final slight, the Blazers sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks. While this may have been a smart organizational move, it felt tone-deaf to the desires of their long-serving superstar. For a player who gave so much to the franchise, the Blazers’ decision seemed like a stark lack of reciprocation.
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