Rip City Project
Fansided

Blazers’ Damian Lillard sits down with Lamar Hurd to discuss his work in the community

Matt George Moore|
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 25: A behind the scenes photo of Damian Lillard posing for a head shot during USAB Minicamp in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Wynn Las Vegas on July 25, 2018. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 25: A behind the scenes photo of Damian Lillard posing for a head shot during USAB Minicamp in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Wynn Las Vegas on July 25, 2018. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

The good folks over at Portland Trail Blazers headquarters posted a video that highlights what Damian Lillard means to Rip City. Here are a few choice quotes.

Damian Lillard recently had a nice long sit-down interview with Blazers TV analyst Lamar Hurd. Lillard spoke during a break from his work with the kids enrolled in his basketball camp.

We’ve written at length about what Lillard means to the Blazers on the court. But his impact off the court can never be overstated.

More from Rip City Project

In a celebrity culture saturated with egotistical blowhards, it sure is swell to know our favorite basketball franchise’s leader is not only a great player and a tremendous businessman (not to mention a damn good rapper), but an all-around good dude.

Here are our favorite quotes from the interview, which you can watch in full here.

Dame Works At Camp

“It’s a full day for me. If it’s gonna be my camp, and I’m gonna have my name on it, then I want it to be done the right way. … I want to have my impact on it and really put my hands on the kids and interact with them and really help them improve.”

Dame on Dame

“The way I see myself is: I work hard. I care about my craft. I try to get better. … As a person, I’m the same person. … We all have our shortcomings and our flaws, but I work on myself as a person. Just because I’m a good basketball player doesn’t mean that I’m above anybody else.”

Dame and RESPECT

“(We’re) just trying to find those schools with low attendance, the kids coming from less fortunate situations who might have to work, so they gotta cut school. … That’s what the RESPECT campaign has been focused on — inspiring them and motivating them to do better. … Just trying to light a fire underneath them and inspire the kids to brighten up their future.”

Blazers Fans And Dame

I encourage you to listen to the full interview. There a lot more there, including Lillard’s belief that staying true to what’s right for you is the best way to go. He even mentions — almost offhandedly — that he finds himself in a similar situation with Portland. This seems especially relevant considering the recent rumors about his happiness in Rip City.

When all is said and done, I think this tweet sums up perfectly what Lillard means to kids, their parents and Blazers fans in general.