Damian Lillard Is The Best Trailblazer Ever, Says Damon Stoudamire

Despite Damian Lillard’s best efforts in the Trailblazers’ first-round playoff matchup against the Denver Nuggets.

They were eliminated in the first round for the fourth time in five seasons. Lillard and the Blazers blew a double-digit lead in the second half of game six. The Nuggets would go on to beat Portland 126-115. The game six second half collapse for the Blazers comes on the heel of Damian Lillard dropping 55 point masterpiece, but it will be overlooked by a 147-140 Nuggets victory.

After the Trailblazers were eliminated fans and the mainstream media have created the narrative that Lillard should think about leaving.

Earlier this week, I spoke with former Blazer Damon Stoudamire and asked him did he think it is time for Lillard to ask for a trade.

“I’m the biggest Damian Lillard fan, and I think that if they are not going to get him any help. He gotta bounce, but you know I’ll say this, I think Damian Lillard the best Trailblazer ever, personally. I do, and I grew up in Portland, and that is just what I think. At this point, if he wants to stay in Portland, and nothing is guaranteed because you can get traded, and you aren’t going to win,” said Stoudamire on Clubhouse in Courtside With Dukes.

“If he stays in Portland, he needs to find a way get trenched up in the front office and try to get ownership in the team when he is done playing. I would like to see the Blazers do right by him in one way or another. I would also like to see him stay, but I don’t see how they can get better.”

On Wednesday evening, Lillard was on Instagram Live on CHECKBALL SPORTS TALK with Mistah Fab and reiterated that he had no intention of leaving Portland.

Mistah Fab asked Lillard is his heart still invested in Portland?

“You know where my heart is. I don’t have nothing else to say about that,” said Lillard.

Damian Lillard received praise from ESPN’s analyst Jalen Rose for not wanting to leave a small market to chance a championship.

“I like that Dame stayed with the Portland Trail Blazers. Put your anchor down, like those guys have done. It’s not stopping you in endorsements. Who gets more commercials than Dame? Does anyone get more commercials than Dame? It ain’t because he is in a large market. It’s because he’s a great player,” said Rose.

Lillard finished the season with 28.8 points. 4.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game in 67 games of play.