Damian Lillard gives Trailblazers ULTIMATUM as superstar’s future in Portland remains uncertain
Damian Lillard speaks to Stephen A. Smith and talks about his expectations from the Portland Trailblazers organisation
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Damian Lillard uncertain about future in Portland (via NBACentral)
The Portland Trailblazers endured a second disappointing NBA season on the trot, finishing with a 33-49 record and missing the playoffs for the second year running. With a talented roster led by the sharpshooting guard Damian Lillard, failing to clinch a spot in the postseason was disappointing. The Trailblazers will have to tighten some screws during the upcoming offseason or risk losing their franchise cornerstone.
Lillard spoke to Stephen A. Smith about his tenure at Portland. The guard has been one of the most loyal players in the league. When asked how long his patience would last, Lillard, unlike in the past, did not allude to his unflinching loyalty. He spoke about how the organization needs to roll up its sleeves and start playing competitive basketball.
“They know how important it is to be on a competitive team. On a level where we can make a run in the playoffs. That just has to happen,” Lillard told Smith. The guard was clear on what needed to change in Portland. Smith then asked if this was his way of putting the management on a clock, which Lillard denied. He explained that while he doesn’t mean to put the organization on a clock, the necessary changes need to be made quickly.
“If we can’t do something significant like that, then we won’t have a chance to compete on that level. Then not only will I have the decision to make, but I think the organization will too,” he said. It was a clear indication of what might happen if it gets too late for the Trailblazers to be a formidable side. Possibly, a tough conversation for both ends, regarding his future with the franchise.
Related: Damian Lillard FIRES WARNING to Trail Blazers and drops hint about future in Portland
Damian Lillard growing impatient and restless in Portland
Following the Portland Trailblazers’ elimination from playoff contention, Lillard expressed his disappointment in the media. He has been vocal about his desire for the Trailblazers to be a legitimate competitor and is putting pressure on the team’s front office to make moves. Even though the Trailblazers had been a force to reckon with in the years before, their perennial playoff team status has been relegated to a potential rebuild. This raises a critical question: Is it time for the Portland Trailblazers to trade Lillard and commit to a full rebuild?
When asked during the Trailblazers’ end-of-season media availability press conference, Damian Lillard spoke his mind on building a young roster. “I don’t have much of an appetite for building with guys 2 and 3 years away and not really go after it.” He emphasized the need to start taking the competitive spirit seriously even then. “I feel how I feel about Chauncey, I feel how I feel about Joe. The optimism is there but it’s time to get the work done.”
With Lillard speaking about his unwillingness to wait another 2-3 years for a young roster to become competitive, many have wondered if the guard’s patience has started to wear thin. In which case, how likely is he to ask for a trade? The Blazers front-runner has publicly denied trade rumors many times in the past. However, with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat constantly rumored to be pursuing him, it will be interesting to see whether he is tempted to shift.
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Jay Lokegaonkar
(46 Articles Published)