Did Damian Lillard take the easy way out?

Damian Lillard has as soon as once more dedicated long-term to the Portland Trail Blazers, after signing a two-year, $122 million extension final week.

In a league the place superstars get lured to different groups in quest of a championship, Lillard has repeatedly proven that he is loyal to the metropolis of Portland and the Blazers franchise.

However, whether or not he has an opportunity to win a championship with Portland stays in query, and if he does not, it might affect his profession legacy. 

On Tuesday, Emmanuel Acho stated he believes that with Lillard specializing in long-term safety, he is considerably taken the easy way out.

“We all the time chastise Kevin Durant, saying he took the easy way out. Saying he joined the Golden State Warriors to win chips. But is Damian Lillard taking the easy way out? I do not anticipate the Blazers to compete for a title this 12 months, and Marcellus Wiley, my co-host, does not anticipate them to compete for a title this 12 months.

“But Damian Lillard goes to make $122 million over the subsequent two years understanding that his group shouldn’t be able to competing for a title. Knowing there are not any expectations for anybody to see the Blazers competing for a title. Damian goes to make $258 million over the subsequent 5 years, understanding that the Blazers haven’t any expectations of profitable, and he, himself, has no expectations of profitable.”

Last season, Portland completed 27-55, and Lillard — a 10-year veteran and six-time NBA All-Star — averaged 24.0 factors, 7.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds in simply 29 video games, earlier than present process belly surgical procedure in mid-January, inflicting him to overlook the the rest of the season.

Alongside Lillard subsequent season will probably be Anfernee Simons, 23, a rising star for the Blazers who averaged 17.3 factors on 40.5% capturing from 3. Portland additionally traded for Jerami Grant, who averaged 19.2 factors and 4.1 rebounds final season for the Detroit Pistons.