“Sometimes that passion is missing in the league” Damian Lillard takes a cheeky dig at NBA stars amid loyalty to Portland
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Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers have come to terms on a two-year, $122 million contract extension that would keep him with the team through at least 2026. Lillard, 31, is still displaying his commitment to the team that selected him in the 2012 draft, and his new contract includes a player option for the 2026–27 campaign. Lillard now has a career earnings total of $451 million, making him one of the highest earners in NBA history.
In the NBA, Damian Lillard is the definition of commitment. The six-time All-Star has played with the Portland Trail Blazers his whole career because he opposes the concept of a superteam made up of numerous potential franchise players. Many traditional NBA fans think that superteams and friendliness have taken the place of this level of competition in the NBA. Lillard said he’s more interested in sticking with the Trail Blazers in the long run than he is in winning the championship in a Twitter Q&A with fans.
Damian Lillard and his illustrious career at Portland.
The common theme in Damian Lillard‘s career is that he needs an elite player to play with him in order to win a championship. Last year, his relationship with CJ McCollum came to an end, and even a developing Anfernee Simmons can’t lift Portland over the finish line. Lillard has had several chances to leave the Trail Blazers and sign with players like LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard, but he has never abandoned the Pacific Northwest team. Players and spectators equally want players to go above and beyond the standard responsibilities in today’s championship-obsessed culture. For some players, this involves departing for more favorable circumstances and perhaps assembling a superteam.
Lillard, 31, played for Portland in just 29 games last season as a result of an abdominal injury and surgery. He is known as “Dame Time” because of his knack for hitting clutch shots. He has been selected for six NBA All-Star games, six All-NBA teams, and several times has been in the top 10 of the MVP vote. He is the first player in Trail Blazers history to be selected to both the All-NBA Team and the All-Star Game six times. Lillard was chosen to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, recognising him as one of the league’s all-time best players.
In an effort to keep the roster fresh, teams ultimately let go of seasoned veterans. Regarding the current lack of loyalty in the NBA, Dame made the decision to throw some shade at some of his fellow NBA players: “Something that’s missing in our league, the passion, the pride, not just for the name on the back but the name on the front”. It’s never been common for a player to remain in one city for a long period of time, but even players like Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett etc ultimately departed the teams on which they rose to legendary status.
Lillard’s comments on championships must excite Blazers supporters, but a lot can happen between now and then to affect Lillard’s perspective on them. It would be amazing to see him retire with the Blazers, play his entire career in Portland, and become a franchise icon, but unfortunately, it is becoming older and common. Even if he never wins a championship with Portland, his dedication will at least have resulted in financial benefits. Lillard is aware of that and even if he wishes to remain in Portland, a day may come when it is not possible.
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