Damian Lillard not interested in Blazers rebuild

2023-03-22 08:11

Damian Lillard is not impressed by the idea that Blazers should start rebuilding, saying he's not interested in it at this stage of his career.

Credit: AP-Scanpix
Credit AP-Scanpix

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard is not interested in the rebuilding process, as he acknowledged during the media session.

The Blazers currently hold a 31-40 record and stand in 13th place in the Western Conference. It would be the second season in a row for the Blazers when the team doesn't make the playoffs. 

Prior to that, Portland made 8 playoffs appearances in a row, reaching the Western Conference Finals in the 2018-19 season.

3-pointers this season

37%
13,1
Points made: 13,1
Accuracy: 37,1%
Place in standings: 8
Record max: 23
Record min: 6
Most made 3FGs: Damian Lillard

"That's not what I'm interested in," Lillard said. "That's what the frustrating part of it is. Talking about what's gonna happen next season. And us 'building'. That's not what I'm here to do, especially at this stage of my career."

Lillard also said it's difficult for him to simply turn off and don't put in any effort.

"As much as it is encouraging to promote that brand of basketball that you probably wouldn't win going forward, and that's what we have to learn to make it a habit. I mean, right now, I'm not out there looking, 'Okay, we are making these plays, this is what we should start doing'.

It's hard for me to remove myself from the present as far as that and be excited about what we are doing," Lillard added.

Lillard averages 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game over 57 games this season.

Before the 2021-22 season, Lillard signed a 4-year $176.3 million contract. Last July, he already agreed to a two-year, $122 million contract extension that will tie him to the franchise through the 2026-27 season.



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