Damian Lillard, the 27-year-old Portland Trailblazer, is one of the more talented players in the NBA. A 37 percent three-point shooter this year, with the ability to go on game-sealing scoring runs, Lillard is often overlooked as someone who is among the league’s elite.
The point guard from Weber State sat down for an interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, where he let it be known that there isn’t any separation between him and the other elite guards in the NBA.
“I’m as good as any point guard in this league; simple as that,” Lillard told Nichols. “There’s nothing that any point guard in this league can do that I can’t.”
Lillard was considered a major All-Star Game snub in 2016 and 2017, prompting teammates and even Lillard himself to voice their displeasure with being left off those rosters.
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard and reigning League MVP, Russell Westbrook, while campaigning for Thunder teammate Paul George to make the All-Star team, made remarks to reporters that included a shot at Lillard “complaining” about not being named an All-Star in seasons past.
Lillard later said that he was disappointed in Westbrook for his comments. This year, Lillard made the All-Star team as a reserve.
The Trailblazers are seventh in the Western Conference and the playoff race for the second consecutive season. The Portland roster, outside of Lillard, shooting guard C.J. McCollum, and center Jusef Nurkic, has a shortage of the talent necessary to compete with the top of the West for a chance to compete for a championship.
The roster structure and the future path of the team prompted Lillard to request a sit down with team owner Paul Allen to discuss plans for the Trailblazers moving forward.
This season, Lillard is averaging 26.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds this season. Lillard had a game this year against the Sacramento Kings that saw him score a season-high 50 points in under 30 minutes of court time.
