The NBA offseason is a time when rumors swirl and news of a free agent signing or a trade could virtually be seconds away. One consistent topic of discussion dating back several years pertains to Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard and whether or not he will be moved. Lillard has reiterated his loyalty to the Trail Blazers organization and the city of Portland on numerous occasions; however, back-to-back seasons without a playoff berth could have him second guessing his future with the team.
The seven-time All-Star selection and member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team is considered by many fans and analysts to be one of the greatest shooters to have ever played a game. As a result, where he ultimately lands is of great intrigue to many people invested in the basketball landscape. The fact that there is consistent discussion about it, however, can be perturbing to some who are sick of the noise and ready to receive an answer regarding the ultimate outcome.
“Enough of Damian Lillard – will you please?,” Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo said during his “What Are You Mad About?” segment on ESPN’s First Take. “Oh my gosh – and this is for [Brian Windhorst], I don’t need that report every five minutes for crying out loud. Miami; the Nets; does he stay in Portland?”
Various reports suggested that Lillard would choose his course of action by evaluating what Portland chose to do with the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft. Rather than trading the pick for proven, veteran talent, the team selected guard Sterling “Scoot” Henderson. Even if the Trail Blazers’ plan is to develop Henderson alongside Lillard, the conversation will ostensibly continue throughout the offseason, with commentators such as Stephen A. Smith begging he be moved. The conversation is something in which Russo wants no part, as he would rather hear about news of transactions or free agent acquisitions than bouts of speculation.
“A lot of guys have ended up on bad teams and they’re Hall of Famers,” Russo remarked. “Have you heard of Oscar Robertson? He played on the Cincinnati Royals forever. We’ll live if Lillard has to stay in Portland; it’s not the end of the world. The NBA’s not going to cease.”
Russo is hoping the Lillard saga comes to an end relatively soon and chided the “Worldwide Leader” for the seemingly interminable amount of time it is devoting to the story.
“Next week, get it over with!,” Russo exclaimed. “I don’t want to read another story; another podcast – listen to another GM or another ESPN reporter breaking down where Lillard’s going to play next year. Move on!”
The aforementioned Smith and host Molly Qerim have been absent from the show throughout the week, leading Russo to appear with Christine Williamson, Dominique Foxworth and Freddie Coleman. Everyone on the set can understand his frustration – even though Russo considers Bill Walton to be the best Trail Blazers player of all team since he won a championship – and can only wonder what will happen if procrastination and/or delay of a definitive continues.
“I hear you because we’re waiting for a decision from Damian Lillard when it already seems he’s made his decision that he wants to stay in Portland,” Coleman said. “I will say this – if we’re having this discussion 365 days from now, if you thought he was mad today, wait until a year from now.”
