Damian Lillard: 'I Think I Will Be' The Greatest Blazer of All Time
Damian Lillard's main goal has always been the same: He wants to bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to Portland for the first time since 1977.
But there's another objective of Lillard's legendary work ethic and unceasing commitment to leadership, too. He wants to be the greatest Trail Blazer ever, and believes he's well on his way to establishing that legacy. Will failing to win a title before his career is finished prevent him from doing so, though? Not as Lillard sees it.
After staking perhaps his most forceful MVP claim yet with 43 points and a career-high 16 assists in his team's win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, Lillard discussed what it will take to reach his ultimate individual goal.
Lillard has never made a secret of his desire to retire as the best player in Portland franchise history. That aim is the looming justification he's always used to deflect calls to join a superteam, where thinking goes that the 30-year-old would have a much better chance to win a championship during his prime.
Ever diplomatic, Lillard also championed the efforts of Bill Walton and Clyde Drexler during their iconic runs in Rip City. But he doesn't believe either Hall-of-Famer – both of whom played elsewhere after beginning their careers with the Blazers – possessed the sense of pride and loyalty to Portland that's been a hallmark of his near decade-long tenure.
"Guys that would be in that conversation, I feel like they were here, they had success and they had big moments," Lillard said. "Bill Walton won a MVP and a championship, Clyde went to the Finals twice and if it wasn't for Michael Jordan, he probably would have done the same and won a championship. But I don't think being here meant the same to them. I think the pride that I have in it and how much I want to bring a championship to this city is at the top."
Championship or not, MVP or not, Lillard's unsurpassed place in Blazers history is growing more obvious and indelible by the game. And fortunately for Portland, he seems to only be getting better.