?I Represent All Those Things?: Damian Lillard Explains Why Portland GM Would Find It Hard to Let Him Go

Damian Lillard is undoubtedly one of the greatest point guards ever. The six-time All-Star has been with the Trail Blazers since they drafted him in 2012. He has helped the team to make the playoffs in each of the past six seasons and has led them to the Western Conference Finals twice. His contribution to the franchise is unparalleled. It would be something that they will try to make up for some time now that Dame has officially asked for a trade request.

He stayed committed to the team for more than a decade. As the new season is heading up, he openly talked about his career, values, and why he believes the Portland management would find it hard to let him go.

Dame represents all the things that a team expects?

In his 11 seasons career, he has averaged over 25 points per game. Just last season, he achieved a career-high 32.2 points per game. In a candid podcast, Lillard reflected on his journey in the NBA and what he represents as a player.

Lillard says that when a team drafts a player, they are not just selecting a talent but also looking for a set of values and aspirations. Looking ahead, the team envisions the player performing at an All-Star level, winning games, and maintaining a positive influence on the team. Lillard confidently asserts that he embodies all these qualities.

In his own words, he says, ?When you draft somebody, I feel like you are representing something. If you look at 10 years after you are going to draft somebody. You are like, what do we want from this guy? We want him to perform at an all-star level, we want him to win, we want no headaches, we want a good person. We want people to enjoy coming to work with him?. He boldly declares, ?I represent all those things?.

Blazers would find it hard to let him go

Lillard?s boldness and fearlessness have been key aspects of his game. He is known for stepping up in crucial moments. He acknowledges that ?I am bold when the time comes when somebody gotta step up. I won?t be worried about what somebody is gonna say and the outcome if it goes bad or whatever. Like they know I don?t care.? He believes he had a clean career and that they should reciprocate the respect he has earned. He added, ?When you look at what you want your draft pick to look like at this stage after you have picked them up. I feel like I represent that, so if anything I should be able to get that respect in return if ever it was something that I asked?.

READ MORE:Heat Bound Damian Lillard Takes a Subtle Jab at James Harden for His NBA Past: ?It Ain?t a Part of Who I Am?

Despite his commitment to the team, the organization has

failed to build a championship team around him. In fact, team GM Joe Cronin has admitted that ?I do feel like I failed Dame?. Cronin expressed patience for Lillard?s trade talks and stated that the organization will do what?s best for the team. As of now, Dame is likely to play the first few games with the Blazers, before the most anticipated trade finally happens and he finds a new home.

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