Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard is renowned across the league for not only being one of the best basketball players in the league but an excellent human being off the court.

Blazers general manager Neil Olshey once spoke on how Lillard sets an example on and off the hardwood:

The Blazers obviously think the world of Lillard. This offseason, the team offered him an extension of four years and $196 million, which will make him the highest-paid player in NBA history when it kicks in.

Franchises don't offer this kind of money to a player unless they are confident that they will not only bring success to the franchise but also represent it well off the court. In seven years with Portland, Lillard has done exactly that.

Dame has been the face of the franchise ever since he was drafted number six overall in 2012. He entered the league with a chip on his shoulder, but his drive and thirst to become the best never translated to any negative occurrences on or off the court. He simply worked his tail off until he was recognized as one of the best guards in the league.

Now, Lillard has another goal in mind. Last year, the Blazers made it all the way to the Conference Finals but were swept by the Golden State Warriors.

This season, Lillard will look to take his more experienced and deeper team a step further, and make his first NBA Finals.