LILLARD TIME? CHECK THE CLOCK

Lillard time happens when you join Wilt Chamberlain as the only other NBA player to log three sixty point games in one season.

It’s happened enough for Kobe Bryant competitiveness comparisons.

And he’s the best thing to happen to the Portland Trail Blazers in every way. Is that saying too much? Not for Blazer fans.

The NBA restart is a challenge for NBA players and NBA fans. Lillard said it best when he questioned whether to go into the bubble and play of they didn’t have a chance of making the playoffs.

Those were the words of a leader, not some guy who shows up to look good, to check a box. Lillard time is about cranking up the effort to win. And he made sure his teammates got the message.

Lillard Time Message Didn’t Start Last Night

Damian Lillard is the face of the Portland Trail Blazers. And what a face. He keeps himself in check with a stoic expression no matter the moment.

Game winner? Same face. Missed last shot? Same face.

No matter the highs and lows of the game, Lillard is a constant. He’s the foundation the Blazers are built on.

From the current evidence, Portland decided a guard can lead. After skipping on Michael Jordan because of what? That a good big man is always preferable to good smaller man?

Besides, in those days Portland already had Clyde Drexler and Jim Paxon. They didn’t need another one. But the Blazers seemed to learn something about drafting bigs.

From Mychal Thompson (father of Klay), to Sam Bowie, to Greg Oden, the experts noticed a trend of broken legs.

Between Clyde and LaMarcus Aldridge, they noticed a trend where their good players ran back to Texas where they came from. Aldridge was the worst offender for talking like he was ready to stay a Blazer for the duration. Remind me about the trade value he brought?

Lillard Roots Stay Strong

Watching Lillard operate on the court is watching a master at his craft. The Blazer organization loves him and so do the players. That’s a combination lost in most sports.

What happens off the court is pure joy, if you like trash talking millionaires getting schooled. In this, Lillard is an accomplished instructor.

Paul George took a shot after Lillard missed a game winner against the Clippers.

“And you getting sent home this year. Respect,” George said.

Lillard responded with, “Keep switching teams… running from the grind. You boys is chumps.”

The key phrase is ‘running from the grind.’ Lillard embraces the grind because of the relationship he’s built with the team and the city. He wants the success he’s chasing as a professional athlete to happen in Portland, not some stop along the way.

How many teams did Barkley play for? How many for Pippen? Whether it’s chasing the chance for a title, or the big payday, Lillard wants it to happen here. He is being a steward of the process, not a cut and run opportunist.

In a state like Oregon where natural resources have attracted out of state companies, Lillard feels like a homegrown original. The face he shows in victory and defeat is the face of sticking with the grind.

He makes teammates better, has earned their trust, and speaks with an authority voice. During this covid season he’s upped his game on and off the court.

This is not a huge revelation, but Damian Lillard will be the greatest Blazer of all time. He’s rewriting the record book, looks to keep his commitment to the team and city, and stands up when it’s easier to sit.

Watch him in the presser after the Dallas win. He takes time to put on a mask, then shows why he’s held in such high regard. He’s running on Lillard time.