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Damian Lillard has been one of the NBA’s biggest stars and most exciting players over the last decade for the Portland Trailblazers.
Unfortunately for Lillard, that hasn’t translated to a whole lot of team success.
The superstar guard had made seven NBA All-Star Game appearances in his 10 seasons. But the Blazers have only reached the Western Conference Finals once in that span, and have never gone beyond that point.
Unlike other superstar players, Lillard has been reluctant to force his way out of Portland. Instead, he’s been adamant about helping bringing a championship to the franchise that drafted him.
Now, however, the Blazers have reached a tipping point. The team won just 33 games last season after winning only 27 the year before. They hold the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports Lillard would prefer they trade the pick for an established star.
Portland may encounter problems if they hold onto the No. 3 pick since Damian Lillard reportedly opposes a youth movement there, per @WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/urvyvZsHch
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 20, 2023
However, Portland seems intent on sticking at No. 3 and picking either GLeague Ignite guard Scott Henderson or Alabama forward Brandon Miller.
The Blazers intend to hold onto the No. 3 pick and select Brandon Miller or Scoot Henderson unless they receive an incredible deal, per @DraftExpress
Portland’s goal is to remain competitive with Damian Lillard and build for the future with Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe and… pic.twitter.com/LfHuJHWbYD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 20, 2023
Now former NBA executive Bobby Marks is calling out Lillard over his indecisiveness.
“I don’t want to hear it anymore on these shows,” Marks said on the Five on the Floor podcast. “…Either the roster is good enough and you’re content or go in there and ask to be traded, like a lot of players have done. Jimmy did it, and it worked out better for him. With Lillard, if it’s not now, when is it?”
Marks makes a good point.
While it’s admirable that Lillard wants to win a championship in Portland. It’s hard to argue that your main goal is winning a championship if you stick with a franchise so far from doing so.
Maybe Portland has an ace up its sleeve that nobody knows about. But if not, it’s hard to see the Blazers being real contenders anytime soon.