(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Superstar Damian Lillard is in an interesting situation regarding his relationship with the Portland Trail Blazers and the team’s front office after the franchise brought in his perceived replacement in Scoot Henderson.
Lillard reportedly told the organization that he didn’t want to go through another youth movement in Portland and preferred the team trade the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, which turned out to be Henderson.
Obviously, the Blazers are headed in a direction that Lillard didn’t want to go, so everyone is waiting to see what will happen, with the expectation being that he’ll ask to be traded.
However, former NBA star Jamal Crawford believes Lillard should stay the course as he believes Henderson is the most NBA-ready rookie via The Dan Patrick Show.
“I would tell him to stay the course. Out of all the guys in the #NBADraft, I truly believe that Scoot, even though he’s young, is the most #NBA & ready
physically and mentally.”
-Jamal Crawford (@Crossover) shares the advice he’d give @Dame Lillard pic.twitter.com/suz9sajeHa
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 23, 2023
Even though Crawford has a point, the Blazers still won’t be considered much of a threat in the Western Conference without another move or two, and Lillard isn’t getting any younger.
That said, this gives Lillard the perfect opportunity to leave the team with dignity and join a contender like the Miami Heat, who have been actively trying to recruit him this summer.
The trio of Lillard, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo might be enough to take the Heat over the top in the Eastern Conference and compete for a title for the foreseeable future.
Miami also has intriguing trade assets, highlighted by Tyler Herro, who the team didn’t even need in the NBA playoffs in order to make it to the NBA Finals.
The clock is ticking, and it all leans on Lillard’s decision and the Blazers’ willingness to move him.
The post Former NBA Player Reveals The Advice He Would Give To Damian Lillard appeared first on The Cold Wire.