Damian Lillard affirmed his commitment to the Portland Trail Blazers when he signed a supermax contract worth $196 million for four years last June 2019.
However, former Phoenix Suns head coach and ex-Lillard teammate Earl Watson claimed that at least one team approached Lillard to broach the idea of a “super team.”
Since @Dame_Lillard won’t say it, I will! Before Dame’s last extension he was approached to join a super team! He immediately called me & I’m assuming it’s because he respects me! I asked him, “what do you want to do”?! Cont…
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) August 11, 2020
Watson said Lillard immediately stated his desire to remain with the Blazers and beat these potential super teams.
He didn’t waste a second before he responded, “Big EJ, I want to stay in Portland, build it with my teammates & beat every mf super team”! My response was, “Real ones do things others are afraid to endure”! Cont…
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) August 11, 2020
The former NBA coach continued by demanding the media to not hold the lack of playoff wins against Lillard, adding that he feels their criticisms push stars to join forces so they can win a championship.
So to the media, stop the bullshit analytics on why @Dame_Lillard is not a superstar in playoffs wins, point minus etc… if not you’ll drive top players to link up just to shut you up & kill the game! Dame doesn’t control FA,draft or attractiveness to the city he was drafted to!
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) August 11, 2020
Lastly, whether he does it this season or next whenever… Thank you for pissing off the wrong one! @Dame_Lillard feeds on the doubters, haters, attention seeking whatever! True Oakland & True Warrior! Portland has a Real 0ne! ✊🏾#familia
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) August 11, 2020
Of course, Earl Watson did not reveal the team that approached Damian Lillard. However, it would not be a surprise if either of the L.A. “super teams” inquired as to Lillard's interest in heading to the City of Angels.
Regardless, it has been hard for the media to dismiss Lillard's superstardom since the NBA restart began nearly two weeks ago.
Lillard has been a supernova in Orlando. The former Rookie of the Year got off to a bit of a slow start in the first few games, but he has since exploded for the Blazers. Dame torched the Denver Nuggets for 45 points and 12 assists while shooting 11-for-18 from beyond the arc. Three days later, he dropped 51 on the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Oakland native currently boasts averages of 29.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.0 assists while shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Portland's offensive rating is eight points better with Lillard on the floor, and he has consistently responded to criticism with a big game.
Lillard's heroics have the Blazers in playoff contention, and they might even be a trendy upset pick after having the last few months to get fully healthy.
Follow Us
Subscribe