Kofi Inkoom
The Portland Trail Blazers are really feeling Damian Lillard’s absence. They sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade involving the Phoenix Suns.
In exchange, they received Jrue Holiday [who was later traded to the Celtics] and Deandre Ayton, along with other assets.
When Lillard came back to play at the Moda Center after the trade on Wednesday night, the Blazers put together a tribute video for him. It highlighted some of his greatest moments in Portland.
Humility. Impact. Respect.
Thank you for all you’ve done, Dame. pic.twitter.com/mgblGTF7XO
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 1, 2024
Lillard asked to be traded during the summer. He had been an important player for the Blazers since they drafted him in 2012.
Damian Lillard when asked about his current relationship with Joe Cronin since his trade to the Milwaukee Bucks in the summer : pic.twitter.com/tncdYpbSrv
— NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) February 1, 2024
During his time with the team, he made seven All-Star appearances, received seven All-NBA selections, and won the Rookie of the Year award in 2012-2013.
Throughout his 11 years with the Blazers, he also averaged 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.
Right now, Damian Lillard is scoring an average of 25.1 points, grabbing 4.3 rebounds, and dishing out 6.8 assists per game while shooting 42.2% from the field with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Even though he’s not playing for the Blazers anymore, he’s said it’s likely for him to come back to the Moda Center in the future and wear the Blazers thread once more.