Who said you can’t go home?
Of course not Damian Lillard.
The former Trail Blazers star returned to Portland for the first time since being traded to the Bucks in the offseason.
Before Wednesday’s 119-116 loss, Lillard acknowledged that it would be an emotional night to return to the place he called home for the first part of his career, but hinted he might return there someday. did.
“The way I feel about Portland…because of the time I spent here. In my mind, I always felt like my career might end there.” ESPN reported Lillard’s remarks..
Lillard, who spent 11 seasons in the Rose City after being selected No. 6 overall by the Blazers in 2012, was greeted with a standing ovation from fans when he was introduced as part of the Bucks’ starting lineup Wednesday night. .
The point guard scored 19,376 points during his time with the Trail Blazers, making him the team’s all-time leading scorer and a seven-time NBA All-Star.
He had 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds in Wednesday’s loss, and added a memorable dunk late in the fourth quarter as the Bucks attempted a comeback.
“My relationship with the city, the fans here and the organization will never end,” Lillard said. According to The Athletic. “I don’t look at this as a closure, I just know this doesn’t happen very often. To be able to come to this city as a draft pick and accomplish so much. , having a good relationship with the fans, having a good relationship with the organization, and experiencing a lot of success. …That’s going to be a big part of my legacy and what I’ve accomplished as a man and as an athlete. Let’s go.”
While Lillard emphasized his commitment to the Bucks, he also left the door open to the possibility of returning to the team that drafted him before his career is over.
“Right now, I’m just in a space like this is where I’m at. I’m in Milwaukee. I wanted a chance to compete and I think our team has a lot going on this year and for years to come. I have a chance to compete and I’m just living in it. But if I get traded, I’m sure there will be a day in my life when I put on a Trail Blazer uniform again before I’m done.”
Lillard told reporters before the game that he walked almost instinctively to his home locker room Wednesday, marking the first time he had entered the Modo Center visitor’s room.
Wednesday was the second time Lillard faced his old team, the first being the Bucks and Trail Blazers in Milwaukee in November.
Lillard scored 31 points in the Bucks’ 108-102 win.
