Latest news with #JoeCronin
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Injured Damian Lillard is grateful to be 'back home' with the Trail Blazers
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — It hit Damian Lillard as he drove home with his kids after signing a contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was coming home. Lillard's three children, Damian Jr., 7, and twins Kalii and Kali, 4, accompanied him to sign his three-year, $42 million deal with the Blazers over the weekend. The contract includes a no-trade clause and he can opt out after two seasons. 'Just knowing that I'm going to be back home for all parts of my life, with my kids, playing for the Trail Blazers, driving on the same streets that I've driven on pretty much my entire adulthood, my whole family being here, my mom, my brother, my sisters, all my friends around the city of Portland,' he said. 'All of those things count. I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon.' Lillard made his fist public comments about the deal at a news conference on Monday night with Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and general manager Joe Cronin. Lillard played for Portland for his first 11 NBA seasons before he was traded, at his request, to the Milwaukee Bucks before the start of the 2023-24 season. A nine-time All-Star, the 35-year-old Lillard is beloved in Portland, known for pointing to his wrist to signify 'Dame Time' after making big shots. But he's not going to be be back on the court at the Moda Center any time soon. Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon during a first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers and required surgery that will likely sideline him for the 2025-26 season. The Bucks waived him earlier this month and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract over five years. 'I told him that this year he's going to be the highest-paid assistant coach in league history because I'll be putting in the work every day,' Billups said. Lillard didn't rule out the possibility of coming back this season, but Cronin said the team would wait 'as long as it takes.' 'My prideful self would be thinking differently, but I think with age, you get wiser,' Lillard said. 'Like Joe said, it's going to be ultimately what's best, I think, to take the as much time as possible to make sure that I'm right, that's what I'll do.' Lillard ranked 10th in the league in scoring (24.9) and assists (7.1) this past season while earning his ninth All-Star selection. But he was limited to 58 games by deep vein thrombosis. He averaged a career-high 32.2 points his final season in Portland. That season, he became just the seventh player in NBA history to score more than 70 points in a game when he finished with 71 against the Houston Rockets. Portland won only four playoff series during Lillard's tenure, getting to the Western Conference finals once. Lillard always insisted there are no hard feelings over his separation with the Blazers. He wanted to try and chase a championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, while Portland was focused on developing young players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Lillard, who has a signature shoe deal with Adidas, hinted during an event at the company's North American headquarters in 2024 that he might be willing to return to the Trail Blazers. He never imagined that an injury would speed up the timeline. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 draft by Portland, Lillard holds franchise records for points (19,376) and 3-pointers (2,387). He had five games of 60 or more points with Portland. For his career, Lillard has averaged 25.1 points and 6.7 assists. He was the 2013 Rookie of the Year and was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary team in 2021. He won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Lillard said his kids finally understood the significance of his homecoming during that drive home over the weekend. 'I got to a red light, and I just turned around and my daughter was looking at me and I told her,' Lillard said. 'And she was like, 'Wait, so, like, we don't have to get on an airplane to Milwaukee no more?'' ___ AP NBA:
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Damian Lillard returns to Portland, eyes fresh start back ‘home' after Bucks exit
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. Advertisement 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.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Injured Damian Lillard is grateful to be 'back home' with the Trail Blazers
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — It hit Damian Lillard as he drove home with his kids after signing a contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was coming home. Lillard's three children, Damian Jr., 7, and twins Kalii and Kali, 4, accompanied him to sign his three-year, $42 million deal with the Blazers over the weekend. The contract includes a no-trade clause and he can opt out after two seasons. 'Just knowing that I'm going to be back home for all parts of my life, with my kids, playing for the Trail Blazers, driving on the same streets that I've driven on pretty much my entire adulthood, my whole family being here, my mom, my brother, my sisters, all my friends around the city of Portland,' he said. 'All of those things count. I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon.' Lillard made his fist public comments about the deal at a news conference on Monday night with Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and general manager Joe Cronin. Lillard played for Portland for his first 11 NBA seasons before he was traded, at his request, to the Milwaukee Bucks before the start of the 2023-24 season. A nine-time All-Star, the 35-year-old Lillard is beloved in Portland, known for pointing to his wrist to signify 'Dame Time' after making big shots. But he's not going to be be back on the court at the Moda Center any time soon. Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon during a first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers and required surgery that will likely sideline him for the 2025-26 season. The Bucks waived him earlier this month and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract over five years. 'I told him that this year he's going to be the highest-paid assistant coach in league history because I'll be putting in the work every day,' Billups said. Lillard didn't rule out the possibility of coming back this season, but Cronin said the team would wait 'as long as it takes.' 'My prideful self would be thinking differently, but I think with age, you get wiser,' Lillard said. 'Like Joe said, it's going to be ultimately what's best, I think, to take the as much time as possible to make sure that I'm right, that's what I'll do.' Lillard ranked 10th in the league in scoring (24.9) and assists (7.1) this past season while earning his ninth All-Star selection. But he was limited to 58 games by deep vein thrombosis. He averaged a career-high 32.2 points his final season in Portland. That season, he became just the seventh player in NBA history to score more than 70 points in a game when he finished with 71 against the Houston Rockets. Portland won only four playoff series during Lillard's tenure, getting to the Western Conference finals once. Lillard always insisted there are no hard feelings over his separation with the Blazers. He wanted to try and chase a championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, while Portland was focused on developing young players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Lillard, who has a signature shoe deal with Adidas, hinted during an event at the company's North American headquarters in 2024 that he might be willing to return to the Trail Blazers. He never imagined that an injury would speed up the timeline. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 draft by Portland, Lillard holds franchise records for points (19,376) and 3-pointers (2,387). He had five games of 60 or more points with Portland. For his career, Lillard has averaged 25.1 points and 6.7 assists. He was the 2013 Rookie of the Year and was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary team in 2021. He won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Lillard said his kids finally understood the significance of his homecoming during that drive home over the weekend. 'I got to a red light, and I just turned around and my daughter was looking at me and I told her,' Lillard said. 'And she was like, 'Wait, so, like, we don't have to get on an airplane to Milwaukee no more?'' ___ AP NBA:
Hypebeast
7 days ago
- Sport
- Hypebeast
Damian Lillard Returns to Portland Trail Blazers on Three-Year Deal to Finish What He Started
Summary After his high-profile trade to theMilwaukee Bucks,Damian Lillardis officially returning to thePortland Trail Blazers, signing a three-year, $42 million USD deal that includes a player option in the 2027–28 season and a no-trade clause. While the contract is a significant pay cut from his previous max deal with the Bucks – which earned him over $60 million USD annually, the move feels far more personal than financial — a return to the franchise where he built his legacy. Lillard previously spoke out in September 2023 after being traded to the Bucks, sharing a message on hisInstagramstating, 'I do believe a day will come where I put a Blazers uniform on again, and hopefully by then, I'll be forgiven for breaking your hearts along with my own.' At 35, theNBAstar is now entering this next chapter recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon, suffered during Milwaukee's first-round playoff series in April 2025. He's expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season. Still, Portland sees value in what he brings off the court just as much as on it. His leadership, connection with the fanbase, and mentorship to the team's young core offer an intangible impact that extends beyond the scoreboard. Talks between Lillard and the Blazers front office reportedly took place over several months, with General Manager Joe Cronin and Head Coach Chauncey Billups pushing to make the reunion happen. The goal was clear: bring Dame home and give him the chance to retire in Rip City — the place where he became the franchise's all-time leading scorer and the teams defining voice. Meanwhile, the Bucks' decision to waive and stretch Lillard's contract earlier this month opened up cap space for new signings, includingMyles Turner, Cole Anthony, and Gary Harris. While the Damian Lillard andGiannis Antetokounmpopairing didn't deliver the championship many hoped for, both players have publicly expressed mutual respect, ending their brief run on good terms.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blazers GM reacts to ‘Chinese Jokic' comp for shocking pick
The post Blazers GM reacts to 'Chinese Jokic' comp for shocking pick appeared first on ClutchPoints. The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is in the books, and the most surprising selection of the night belonged to the Portland Trail Blazers. With the No. 16 overall pick, the Trail Blazers selected Chinese center Yang Hansen, despite the fact he was not expected to get picked until the second round of the draft. After the first round concluded, general manager Joe Cronin weighed in on a unique comparison Hansen was receiving. Advertisement Hansen spent the past two seasons playing for the Qingdao Guoxin Aquatic Products in the Chinese Basketball Association. In his most recent campaign, he averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and three assists per game while shooting 58.6% from the field. With his game closely mirroring that of Denver Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokic, several folks began to label Hansen 'Chinese Jokic.' While Cronin is a big fan of Hansen, he wasn't ready to go that far just yet. 'Nobody's Jokic. That's a tough one. But as far as his ability to pass the ball, there aren't many at his size that can do it like he does,' Cronin said per Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report. Joe Cronin, Trail Blazers hoping Yang Hansen pans out after surprise selection © Brad Penner-Imagn Images Hansen certainly has upside, but many folks were stunned to see Portland select him this early in the draft. Whenever you are drawing comparisons to Jokic, though, that's usually a good sign. Cronin doesn't want to put that sort of pressure on his new center, though, especially considering he's already going to have more eyes on him than usual considering the circumstances surrounding his selection. Advertisement As of right now, the Trail Blazers do not have another pick in the 2025 draft, although that could change if they were to make a trade at some point on Thursday. Assuming they don't, though, the front office will turn their attention towards free agency, where they will look to build up their team in hopes of taking a big step forward next season. Related: Jake Fischer reveals 'Chinese Jokic' comp from Nuggets for surprise Blazers pick Related: Blazers stun NBA world with 7-foot-1 Chinese star after trade
