Damian Lillard will have to play the waiting game
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski expects Damian Lillard to be present for the start of the Portland Trail Blazers training camp. Lillard handed in a trade request shortly after draft night on June 22. The star guard wants to contend for an NBA championship and he isn't convinced he can do that with the Trail Blazers.
"This is an organization that is fully prepared, and I think Damian Lillard perhaps is also prepared for the possibility, that this training camp may start with him in camp," Wojnarowski said. "And then if you're the Blazers you wait and see what happens in the first 20, 25 games of the season to see what direction teams go in."
Lillard's comments regarding joining the Miami Heat may have done more damage than good. Other teams around the NBA are likely cautious about trading for a star who could quickly become disgruntled. However, things in the NBA change quickly.
As the new season starts and teams begin to realize where they stand in the league's hierarchy, decisions will be made. That's when interest in Lillard could begin to ramp up. Teams that believe they're one star away from contending will be willing to roll the dice on Lillard. So will teams who are looking to appease a disgruntled star.
Lillard's talent is unquestioned. Until this summer, so was his loyalty. However, Lillard shouldn't be punished for wanting a chance to win. The seven-time All-Star has stayed in Portland far longer than most players would, and now, at age 33, he wants to chase trophies.
A trade is just a matter of time. Unfortunately, it's a longer time than Lillard probably envisioned, and now, he will need to show his professionalism by suiting up for the Trail Blazers.
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