Did you get a chance to see East vs West freestyle slam dunk contest in 2014? If yes, you would remember how even the commentators had raised doubts over the capabilities of Damian Lillard to bury one. However, Dame proved them wrong in a matter of minutes.

Damian Lillard with his 6’2” anatomy is shorter than most of his counterparts. Nevertheless, he never let that become a hindrance in his play. In fact, from what we could see in the Orlando Bubble, he has turned his weakness into a strength. His hesitation dribble is one weapon that gets him past the best of the defenders. Moreover, the fact that two teams were literally hunting for him last season makes a strong case for the man’s caliber.

Damian Lillard and his rise to power

The Athletic reporter had the opportunity to go watch a young Damian Lillard working out and practicing back in 2012. This was the same year when the man was drafted sixth overall at 22. The Blazers were smart enough to scout him and keep him in the squad for all these years.

The journalist heaped praise on Lillard’s bubble performance. He also threw light on the times when Dame was on the radar of so many other franchises who wanted him in trade last year. He wrote, “In this age of superstar power plays and relocations, his choice to remain loyal to the Trail Blazers is as much of an outlier as there is in the league. And make no mistake, there have been chances for him to head for the exits along the way.”

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“A source with knowledge of Lillard’s situation said there was Lakers interest in a superstar pairing with Lillard and LeBron James before the Davis deal went down in June 2019. What’s more, the source said there was a Brooklyn Nets scenario that never evolved which could have paired Kevin Durant with Lillard last summer if only he’d shown any interest (this was before Kyrie Irving’s inclusion had truly crystallized).”

These deals could not take shape because Lillard was not considering a move. In fact, Big Game Dame signed a supermax extension of four years with his side. The deal gave him $196 million. 

Why is the Blazers’ star so much in demand?

The draft market is hot. The bigger teams like Lakers and Nets will keep on trying to sign players like Lillard. Damian’s addition to any squad can be a game-changer. For Nets, they would want a super-trio to carry them forward. But Lillard’s stubborn choice to stay an anti-Super Team star is a challenge for them.

The five-time All-star has a lot to flaunt. His kitty is full of extraordinary triumphs in the last few years. His threes 30-feet away from the rim have already shocked the NBA world. His long-range shooting is often compared to Stephen Curry, but it is too soon to say who is better. Dame averaged 30 points per game in the regular season and had some memorable games as he dropped 51 and 61 points against 76ers and the Mavs.

The fight for that 8th position was very tough and it would have been impossible for the Blazers to enter the NBA Playoffs 2020 if not for this man. Just imagine what he could have done for the Brooklyn Nets if he had joined them. Let’s see if that happens in the near future.

During the round 1 series against the Lakers, he first dislocated his finger and now injured his right knee. It is probable that he might leave the bubble, but Dame surely left his prints.

Read also – “LeVert is Cold”: Damian Lillard Heaps Huge Praises on Brooklyn Nets Forward