Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard has accomplished a lot in his seven-year NBA career. He won Rookie of the Year in 2013, is a four-time All-Star, and is a three-time All-NBA team member. Lillard has also made the playoffs for all but his rookie season.
Still, despite all of his accolades thus far, Lillard said in an extensive interview with Paul Flannery of SB Nation that becoming a father is the best thing that has ever happened to him:
“It’s been great, man. The best thing that ever happened and I’ve had a lot of great things happen in my life. But that’s the best thing that ever happened.”
Lillard's first son, Damian Jr., was born in March of last year. Ever since then, Lillard's life has changed.
He also said in the interview that becoming a father has completely changed his outlook on life, adding that there is a lot more to life than just the awards, success, and money he gains from playing basketball.
Nevertheless, this momentous occasion seems to have translated into his basketball life. Lillard also spoke about his commitment to the Blazers and how happy he is with his situation in Portland, despite having consecutive disappointing playoff runs over the past few years.
This season seems to be a deja vu campaign for Portland. Lillard is having another magnificent campaign, leading the team with averages of 25.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. The Blazers currently sport a 38-24 record, which is tied for third in the Western Conference, and they may be well on their way to another 50-win season.
However, Portland has already proven it can hang around with the best of them in the regular season. The true litmus test will once again be in the playoffs, where a first-round series win, at the very least, is expected.
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