Damian Lillard returns to Portland, eyes fresh start back ‘home' after Bucks exit

New York Times

6 days ago

PORTLAND, Ore. — Damian Lillard's role for the upcoming season is clear, according to Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups.
'He's gonna be the highest-paid assistant coach in league history,' Billups joked, 'because I'm gonna be putting him to work every day.'
Monday marked the return of Portland's favorite son, as Lillard met with the media to discuss an earlier-than-anticipated homecoming. Last week, the nine-time All-Star signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Blazers two years after requesting a trade following 11 seasons as the face of the franchise.
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Lillard, the sixth pick of the 2012 draft who had long promised to stay loyal to Portland and not leave to chase a championship in a bigger market, sat alongside Billups and general manager Joe Cronin and talked about his decision to return to the Rose City.
'It never felt right, not being home,' Lillard said, as a screen with the words 'THESE ROOTS RUN DEEP' shone to his right. 'When I have to make a decision, a lot of thought goes into it. This decision wasn't hard at all.'
For all the fanfare with Lillard returning, there is also the stark reality that he will likely miss next season while rehabbing a torn Achilles. It was that injury that prompted the Milwaukee Bucks to waive Lillard, a stunning move that NBA insiders later clarified actually gave him leverage, allowing him to sign wherever he wanted.
It turned out that place was back home, close to his three children — Dame Jr., 7, and 4-year-old twins Kali and Kalii. Lillard spoke candidly the last few years about the challenges of being 2,000 miles away from his children.
And yet, he stressed Monday that this was as much a basketball decision as a family one. He has watched Portland the last two years, often wondering 'how do I fit in?' He is convinced that Portland is poised to compete for a title with a young core.