Damian Lillard Urges Portland Trail Blazers To Target Veteran Help In Offseason


Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard, the franchise cornerstone of the Portland Trail Blazers, has expressed a desire for the team to target veteran help this offseason instead of focusing on young talent through the draft.

This comes after the team failed to qualify for the play-in tournament for the second straight year, with Lillard stating that he wants a chance to go for it.

While the team has a 10.5% chance of landing French phenom Victor Wembanyama with the fifth-best odds in next month's draft lottery, Lillard has made it clear that anything else won't be enough for him.

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard

According to The Athletic's Jason Quick, the Blazers will likely try to trade their first-round pick unless they get the No. 1 selection in the draft.

Lillard's friendship with Jerami Grant played a role in the team's decision to trade for him last summer, and Lillard has indicated that he's talked to other players who have expressed a desire to join the Blazers.

However, he acknowledges that making that a reality is a completely separate thing.

General manager Joe Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups share Lillard's sentiments, with Cronin stating that the team has a "target group" of players it will look to acquire.

The Blazers were among the teams that pursued the Raptors' OG Anunoby before the trade deadline, and they may also have strong interest in the Nets' Mikal Bridges and the Celtics' Jaylen Brown, although they may be beyond the team's reach.

Lillard, who is coming off his best scoring season at 32.2 PPG, is not issuing an ultimatum as he did two years ago.

He remains committed to staying in Portland, and now has the security of an extension that runs through the 2026/27 season.

He plans to work with Cronin and Billups on moves that will hopefully turn the Blazers into contenders.

Cronin has expressed optimism about their shared goals, but acknowledges that it may not be easy to accomplish.


You May Like

Comments

Post a Comment

Trending Now

CM Punk Shocks Wrestling World With WWE Return at Survivor Series

Image
Photo: Instagram/CM Punk In a surprising turn of events, CM Punk has made a stunning return to WWE after a nine-year hiatus, marking a significant moment in his storied career.  Punk's comeback unfolded at Survivor Series in Chicago, his hometown, leaving fans in awe and speculation rife about his future in the company. Punk's wrestling journey began in 2005 with WWE, where he quickly rose through the ranks, capturing multiple championships and accolades during his six-year tenure. Photo: Instagram/CM Punk The Chicago-native reached the pinnacle of his career in 2011 with an unforgettable victory over John Cena at Money in the Bank for the WWE title. In 2014, Punk departed from WWE, citing burnout and health concerns. He then ventured into UFC, followed by a stint as a contributor on WWE Backstage in 2019. Punk's return to the squared circle occurred in 2021 when he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW), achieving success but not without controversy. NEVER. SAY. NEVER. @CMPunk
Read More

Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban To Sell Majority Stake To Billionaire Miriam Adelson, Retaining Control of Team

Image
Photo: Instagram/Mark Cuban Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is reportedly selling a majority stake in the franchise to billionaire Miriam Adelson, the largest shareholder of Las Vegas Sands.  Despite the sale, Cuban is set to maintain control of the team, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Shams Charania. Miriam Adelson, known for her vast wealth and recent stock sale of approximately $2 billion in Las Vegas Sands, is entering the world of professional sports by acquiring a significant share of the Mavericks. Photo: Instagram/Mark Cuban The deal values the team at $3.5 billion, slightly below Forbes' recent valuation of $4.5 billion, ranking them as the seventh-most valuable NBA franchise. Cuban's strategic move aligns with his ambition to relocate the Mavericks to a new arena, ideally situated within a resort and casino.  This plan may involve a partnership with Las Vegas Sands, the world's largest casino company. However, the challenge lies in Texas' current
Read More

Harping On Harper Hempel: The Viral Video And The Truth Behind Jamal Murray's Girlfriend

Image
Photo: Instagram/Harper Hempel Harper Hempel gained significant attention alongside her boyfriend, Jamal Murray , in 2020 when a viral video featuring the couple emerged. Known for his exceptional skills, Murray is regarded as one of the most talented players in the NBA. Before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets , the Canadian athlete showcased his abilities during his tenure with the Kentucky Wildcats . At 25 years old, Murray has continued to impress for the Nuggets since being selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. With each passing season, he has demonstrated remarkable improvement and played a key role in the team's success. Photo: Instagram/Jamal Murray and Harper Hempel Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions on player movement, Murray's performance shone brightly, leading the Nuggets to the finals of the Western Conference. This marked Denver's first appearance in the conference finals since 2009,
Read More

Randy Orton's Explosive Return Steals The Show at Survivor Series War Games

Image
Photo: Instagram/Randy Orton In a jaw-dropping 30-second twist during the War Games main event at Survivor Series in Chicago, Randy Orton made a triumphant return, leading his team to a spectacular victory.  The Allstate Arena echoed with dueling chants for CM Punk , Randy Orton, and even Seth Rollins' anthem, creating an electric atmosphere. The highly anticipated matchup featured The Judgment Day & Drew McIntyre facing off against Rollins, Cody Rhodes , Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and the surprise entrant, Randy Orton. Photo: Instagram/Randy Orton The crowd was treated to a compelling match, building anticipation for Orton's eventual entrance. When Randy Orton finally joined the fray, the arena erupted as he unleashed his signature moves, including clotheslines, the powerslam, and the iconic draping DDT.  THE VIPER IS BACK! @RandyOrton has arrived at #SurvivorSeries ! pic.twitter.com/AHsnL0Tg1X — WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2023   The moment was a cathartic release for the fans as
Read More

NBA Launches Probe Into Josh Giddey's Alleged Inappropriate Relationship With Minor

Image
Photo: Instagram/Josh Giddey The NBA has initiated an investigation into allegations surrounding Oklahoma City Thunder's Josh Giddey, probing into a potential inappropriate relationship with a minor, as confirmed by league spokesman Mike Bass on Friday. The controversy surfaced on social media late Wednesday, prompting the league to take swift action. Despite practicing with the Thunder on Friday, both Giddey and Head Coach Mark Daigneault remained tight-lipped when questioned about the situation. Photo: Instagram/Josh Giddey Giddey stated, "I understand the question, but there's no further comment right now," while Daigneault emphasized, "Personal matter, and I have no comment on it." The 21-year-old guard, selected as the No. 6 overall pick from Australia in the 2021 NBA Draft, has been a key player for the Thunder this season.  Currently averaging 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, Giddey's performance has contributed to the Thunder&
Read More

Rookie Sensation Victor Wembanyama Makes NBA History In Spurs vs. Nuggets Clash

Image
Photo: Instagram/Victor Wembanyama In a standout performance during the Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs game, rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama etched his name in NBA history.  Despite the Spurs' 12-straight losses, Wembanyama showcased his prowess with an extraordinary stat line of 22 points, 11 rebounds, 6 steals, 4 blocks, and 2 assists. Wembanyama's remarkable feat makes him the first rookie ever to achieve such a performance in a single game. Photo: Instagram/Victor Wembanyama Even when excluding rookie status, only four other players in NBA history, including James Harden in 2019, have matched or surpassed this exceptional line.  Notably, Wembanyama accomplished this in just 24 minutes and 56 seconds of play, making him the sole player on this elite list to achieve such stats in under 30 minutes. While the Spurs aim to reverse their current standings as the worst team in the Western Conference, Wembanyama's outstanding performance signals a promising future fo
Read More

James Harden Makes NBA History With 1,011th Career Game In Nuggets-Clippers Match

Image
Photo: Instagram/James Harden In a historic move, James Harden climbed the NBA's all-time games played list during the face-off between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday evening in California.  The seasoned player's 1,011th career regular-season game ties him with Jermaine O'Neal at 137th place. As he surpassed O'Neal, Harden eyes the next milestone set by Antonio McDyess at 1,015 games. Photo: Instagram/James Harden The 2018 MVP, who was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Clippers at the season's start, showcased his versatility with averages of 14.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Currently positioned as the 11th seed in the Western Conference with a 7-8 record, the Clippers recently clinched a victory against the Dallas Mavericks with a score of 107-88.  HARD3N pic.twitter.com/88c5CIYuKR — LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 28, 2023 In 28 minutes of play, Harden contributed eight points, four rebound
Read More

Nikola Jokic's Spectacular Dunk Steals The Spotlight In Rockets-Nuggets Showdown

Image
Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic In a thrilling Wednesday evening matchup against the Houston Rockets, Nikola Jokic 's return to the starting lineup for the Denver Nuggets became the talk of the town.  Jokic, who missed Monday's victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, showcased his prowess with a jaw-dropping dunk that is now making waves on social media. The highlight-reel moment occurred in the second quarter when Jokic, assisted by Michael Porter Jr., executed a spectacular dunk over Rockets' Alperen Sengun. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Adding to the excitement, the two-time MVP also delivered an impressive eight assists in the first quarter, further solidifying his multifaceted impact on the game. Entering the matchup with impressive season averages of 28.8 points, 13.4 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.2 steals, Jokic has been a key driving force for the Nuggets.  JOKER POSTER pic.twitter.com/3TGNrV98X6 — Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 30, 2023 The team, currently hold
Read More

LeBron James Makes NBA History In Lakers-76ers Showdown

Image
Photo: Instagram/LeBron James In a monumental moment during Monday's clash, LeBron James etched his name in NBA history.  The Los Angeles Lakers, led by James, faced off against the formidable Philadelphia 76ers in Pennsylvania. At 38, in his remarkable 21st NBA season, four-time champion LeBron James surpassed all expectations by becoming the all-time leader in minutes played. Photo: Instagram/LeBron James Despite his enduring career, James continues to rank among the league's top players. Entering the game with impressive averages of 25.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest, James showcased his enduring prowess.  Shooting at an impressive 55.9% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc, he remains a force to be reckoned with. LEBRON HAS NOW PLAYED THE MOST MINUTES IN NBA HISTORY 👑 He passes Kareem for the most career minutes, including regular season and playoffs (66,298). pic.twitter.com/BT1PgAa24x — ESPN (@espn) November 28, 2023 The Laker
Read More

Buffalo Bills' NFL Linebacker Von Miller Faces Assault Charges In Alleged Domestic Violence Incident

Image
Photo: Instagram/Von Miller Buffalo Bills' linebacker Von Miller is under investigation for assault against a pregnant woman in Dallas, with an arrest warrant issued this week.  The 34-year-old faces a third-degree felony charge, carrying a potential 2 to 10 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Miller is accused of assaulting his romantic partner during a dispute over travel plans at their apartment.  The victim, who is six weeks pregnant, suffered minor injuries, including bruising and abrasions. Photo: Instagram/Von Miller The altercation involved Miller shoving her, applying pressure to her neck, and damaging her belongings, as detailed in the arrest-warrant affidavit. The Bills, informed of the incident Thursday morning, stated they are gathering information before commenting further.  Miller's attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.  The NFL star, known for his standout career with the Broncos and Rams, has won two Super Bowls and holds the record for mos
Read More