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Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard makes ESPN’s ‘World Fame 100’ list again

By Matt George Moore

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 18: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers sits on the bench during a time out from the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 18, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 124-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 18: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers sits on the bench during a time out from the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 18, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 124-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers all-everything guard Damian Lillard makes ESPN’s “World Fame 100” list for the third year in a row.

ESPN has compiled a list of the world’s most famous athletes three years in a row. And each time the same three players top the list:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, soccer);

2. LeBron James (United States, basketball);

3. Lionel Messi (Argentina, soccer).

But another player, nearer and dearer to Rip City’s heart, has also made the list each year — albeit a bit further down than the three athletic titans listed above: the Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard.

This year, Dame is listed at No. 51 — up 10 spots from last year.

World Fame 100

ESPN first published its “World Fame 100” list in 2016. The sports and entertainment behemoth says it compiles its list by starting with “600 of the biggest names in sports, drawn from 68 countries,” although there doesn’t appear to be any explanation for how they came up with the initial 600 athletes. (Office poll?)

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“ESPN’s Sports Analytics Group,” the explanation continues, “then ranked them based on a proprietary formula that took into account three fame factors.”

First: a “search score” measuring “how often a name is searched, using Cristiano Ronaldo’s score of 100 as a baseline.” Second: endorsement dollars. And lastly: social media followers.

Damian Lillard

Lillard’s highest ranking on the “World Fame 100” came in 2016, the first year ESPN published its list, when he was No. 45. (He ranked ahead of other NBA players, such as James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Jeremy Lin.)

Lillard’s entry that year throws a little shade on Portland’s infamously unlucky draft history: “A Trail Blazers draft pick who — unlike Greg Oden, Sam Bowie and others — has actually exceeded projections for his career.”

Lillard dropped to No. 61 on last year’s list, but Dame D.O.L.L.A. did get a little recognition for his musical prowess.

“Like many athletes before him,” his 2017 entry reads,” Lillard has ventured into the music world. Unlike with most of those before him, his work has actually received positive reviews.”

2018

This year, Lillard moves back up the rankings to No. 51 — just ahead of Chris Paul and just behind a badminton player.

According to ESPN, Lillard has $14 million in endorsements and a social media following of 4.2 million. Sales of his jersey are in the Top 15 for the second straight season, and ESPN writes that his “global profile … extends far beyond Portland’s small market.”

Next: Best of the Season, Part XI: Blazers stop Jazz win streak

From the entry: “After Lillard earned a third All-Star Game appearance, led the Portland Trail Blazers to a fifth straight playoff appearance and released his second studio rap album (this one featuring Lil Wayne), it’s safe to say his brand is stronger than ever.”

Not bad for a relatively unheralded athlete from Oakland and Weber State University.

Good on ya, Dame.

Rip City is certainly pleased that D.O.L.L.A wears the letter “O” and represents Portland and the Trail Blazers out there in the wider world of sports.