I have always been a fan of Damian Lillard. His loyalty to a single organization is admirable in an age where star players are changing teams every two or three years. But Lillard has been acting like a diva recently when it comes to returning to basketball. In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Lillard has said that unless the Blazers have a chance at the playoffs, then he will sit on the bench.
“If we come back and they’re just like, ‘We’re adding a few games to finish the regular season,’ and they’re throwing us out there for meaningless games and we don’t have a true opportunity to get into the playoffs, I’m going to be with my team because I’m a part of the team. But I’m not going to be participating. I’m telling you that right now. And you can put that in there.”
Lillard is discussing one of the many possible routes the NBA could take to return. One of those options was to play a few games to finish the season, get players back into somewhat of a groove, then start the playoffs. Currently, the Portland is 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the 8th seed for the Western Conference. Depending on the number of games and the schedule of said games, it is possible that the Grizzlies could hold on to their playoff spot and the Blazers fall short. This route gives players an opportunity to play more and earn some of their money back, rather than immediately starting the playoffs and letting lottery team players stay at home.
I’m sorry Lillard, but if you wanted to make the playoffs you should have worried about that during the regular season before the rona break. Teams usually in that 7 or 8 spot are not the greatest of teams, but they found ways to win through injuries or just not having that great of a roster. It’s also selfish because you would gladly collect a paycheck but willingly not do what you are paid to do. Why even show up to the arena at all then? Why not work on your next album or something? Other teams have injuries too Dame but they found a way to get in and you did not. See you next year.
