Portland Trail Blazers’ superstar Damian Lillard has been shut down for the remainder of the 2022-23 NBA season, following the team’s disappointing performance. Lillard, who is widely regarded as one of the best point guards and scorers of this generation, has been a constant presence for the Trail Blazers for over a decade now. Despite his outstanding performances, the team has failed to reach the NBA Finals or win any major championship.
Lillard’s suspension for the rest of the campaign was decided upon in response to the Trail Blazers’ ongoing struggles this year. As of right now, the team has a record of 23-46 and is the 13th seed in the Western Conference. Despite Lillard’s great season average of 32.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 7.3 APG, the team has found it difficult to match up with the top teams in the NBA.
The decision to shut down Lillard is not surprising, given that the Trail Blazers are officially out of playoff contention this season. While Lillard has been a constant presence for the team, it is clear that the team needs to make significant changes to compete at the highest level.
Future of Damian Lillard with the Trail Blazers uncertain
Lillard’s loyalty to the Trail Blazers has been a constant topic of discussion in recent years, with many fans applauding him for staying with the team throughout his career. However, his lack of success with the team has led many to question whether he should consider moving on.
NBA analyst Shams Charania hinted at the possibility of him leaving the team after this season. “You have to wonder if he’s going to play another game for the Portland Trail Blazers,” he said. “I expect there to be real conversations this off-season.”
Following the news of Lillard’s shutdown for the season, NBA fans have begun to speculate about his future with the Trail Blazers. Most fans believe that Lillard should leave the team this summer and seek a fresh start elsewhere, where he could have a better chance of winning a championship.
Lillard has been a cornerstone of the Trail Blazers’ offense for years, making him an attractive addition to any team looking to bolster their roster. However, it remains to be seen whether Lillard will request a trade or remain loyal to the team that drafted him in 2012.
In case you missed it:
![Phil Mickelson [Image Credit: Sports Business Journal]](https://firstsportz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Untitled-design-12-9-120x86.png)
