The Portland Trail Blazers have had a rough time these past couple of weeks. And if somebody would have said that Damian Lillard would be the reason for it before the 2021-22 NBA campaign began, nobody would have believed it. But here we are. The beast that we’re so used to seeing drop 30+ points night in and out, is averaging a career-low since his 2014-15 season and has been shooting surprisingly low from the three-point line.

This has naturally led to the Blazers’ suffering as well. They have dropped nine out of the last 10 games, which has landed them at the eleventh spot in the Western Conference with a meager 12-18 record. However, his drop in efficiency can be attributed towards the abdominal pain that he has been complaining about for years. In fact, it was the reason behind his absence for six consecutive games.

However, his comeback was nothing to be proud of either. As we all know, in times like these, trade rumors start making rounds faster than the air we breathe. So, naturally, Damian Lillard also became a part of the rumors, as if the organization was looking to revamp. But it looks like only the latter part of the statement had some truth to it.

“I talked to an executive this week who told me every single Portland Trail Blazers is available with the exception of Damian (Lillard),” claimed ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. This has certainly clarified all the doubts that everyone was having.

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Will Damian Lillard make an incredible comeback?

The 31-year-old point guard has been consistently pushed to switch to a team that will improve his chances at an NBA title. There isn’t anyone who doesn’t believe he deserves a championship in his resume.

However, his loyalty has been with the Blazers and has never wavered once. So, it’s only fitting that the organization does the same for him during his rough time. But looking at his last performance against the Charlotte Hornets, fans were thrilled to see the Dame that they’ve been missing out on since so many games.

His whopping 43-point performance propelled the team towards a 125-116 victory and was another step towards improving their record. It’s still not too late. If Lillard gets his act together and gathers momentum, there is no reason to doubt that he can at least seal a playoff berth.

Now that it is clear the Blazers have no interest in parting ways with their superstar, other possible trades to help him can be focused on. Who do you think Portland should look at?

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