We will probably not watch Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard again this NBA season.
Lillard had to undergo surgery due to a long-term abdominal injury.
For the first time since the operation on January 13, he gave a statement to the US media.
“If we’re going to play for the pick in the draft, then there’s no point in playing. I’m not capable of that. If we’re going to rebuild, then I’m not going to play,” Lillard said.
The Trail Blazers are playing badly this season, they will be without Lillard until the end of March, and they most likely plan not to fight for the playoff spot, but to “tank” this season and thus try to get the best possible position in the NBA lottery draft.
“My goal is to win the title. I have to be in the best shape and I will not rush into recovery,” said Lillard, and most likely hinted that the season is over for him.
Portland Trail Blazers have a score of 19-26 and they rank 10th in the West division.
Damian Lillard trade rumors
Lillard’s name was in trade rumors before the season began. The team most often connected to him was the Philadelphia 76ers and possible trade for Ben Simmons, but I don’t see that happening any time soon. There was also a rumor for a possible trade to Loa Angeles Lakers but Trail Blazers president of basketball operations Neil Olshey said they are unwilling to talk about the trade.
Damian Lillard stats, contract
- PPG 24.0
- RPG 4.1
- APG 7.3
- PIE 12.6
- HEIGHT 6’2″ (1.88m)
- WEIGHT 195lb (88kg)
- COUNTRY USA
- LAST ATTENDED Weber State
- AGE 31 years
- BIRTHDATE July 15, 1990
- DRAFT 2012 R1 Pick 6
- EXPERIENCE 9 Years
- POSTION Point guard
- CURRENT NBA TEAM Portland Trail Blazers
- SALARY $39,344,900 (2021/22)
- CONTRACT 4 yr(s) / $176,265,152
source: NBA
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