Despite the large number of speculations during the offseason that Damian Lillard could request a transfer to the board of the Portland Trail Blazers, the point guard has not changed his air and took advantage of the celebration of the Media Day to ensure you remain committed to the franchise.
Lillard said he wanted to see signs from headquarters confirming that they are serious about building a team capable of fighting for the ring. And while the Oregon franchise didn’t star in any major fuss or operation over the summer, the player expressed some excitement about the moves made.
“Obviously at the end of last season I wanted to see our squad improve. I wanted us to have a better chance to win, “said the point guard, according to the media. The Athletic. “We talked throughout the summer about what the project looked like and how we could take steps to take us in that direction.”
The Blazers used the offseason to add players from medianías that give a greater balance to the team, mainly defense. Thus, the hiring of Tony Snell, Ben McLemore and Cody Zeller was closed, in addition to acquiring Larry Nance Jr. through a transfer.
“We’ve done some things that I like,” added Lillard. I didn’t expect us to go looking for Kevin Durant. But I think the conversations we have had confirm that we are trying to move in the right direction to give our team a shot at a title. That is why I have faith: we have made real progress and that is everyone’s intention. “
For long weeks there was a feeling that the Blazers would try to close a bigger trade for CJ McCollum or Jusuf Nurkic to satisfy the point guard. However, Lillard emphasized that he did not want the team to undertake a major move for the sake of change and that he is satisfied that the organization has taken smaller steps.
As for that persistent commercial speculation surrounding Lillard, the general manager Neil Olshey told the press that the Blazers will only release their top star if requested, but that is certainly not the case today. «I think you know that we have exhausted all opportunities to improve the roster through exchanges and free agency, “said the executive. “And he also knows that we will continue to work on it during this first part of the season and until the transfer deadline, as we always do.”
(Cover photo by Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
