Blazers Media Day wrap-up: Coaches, players comment on Lillard trade
Training camp and the 2023-24 NBA season are about to begin, but not until all 30 teams participated in their respective media days. For the Portland Trail Blazers, that meant everyone – from players to coaches to executives – got a chance to (or were forced to) answer questions about the Damian Lillard trade.
The forever Blazers icon was dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team trade that netted, in part, Deandre Ayton and Jrue Holiday. It turned out to be the trade that kept on giving as general manager Joe Cronin was able to flip Holiday for on-court assets Robert Williams III and Malcolm Brogdon, as well as two future first-round picks.
With a franchise-altering trade of those proportions, it was a given that every person at the podium would be asked about Damian Lillard in one way or another.
Portland Trail Blazers players, coaches comment on Damian Lillard at media day
The following are a few of the quotes that came out of media day concerning Lillard (per Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report) – his impact on individuals and the organization as a whole, what it will be like to see him step on an NBA floor wearing another jersey and what his absence means for the team as it retools around a young and talented roster.
Dewayne Hankins: "Damian was a franchise stalwart for 11 years, and beyond that he was an incredible person on and off the court. ... For us, it's tough. He's a legend here and will be forever. But we're excited for the new direction and the new team."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) October 2, 2023
Joe Cronin: "I want to open up thanking Damian Lillard for 11 incredible seasons with us. Obviously a Blazers legend. We're excited to see what he has in store next and we're rooting for him."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) October 2, 2023
Joe Cronin on report Damian Lillard wanted to return if not traded to the Heat: "I told him I personally thought it was a bad idea. The trade request had not been rescinded."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) October 2, 2023
Chauncey Billups: "I'm sure all our fans secondarily will be Bucks fans this year and be rooting for him, except when he plays us. Hopefully he'll have a statue out here one day."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) October 2, 2023
Jerami Grant on Damian Lillard trade: "It's a part of the business. Gotta keep moving forward regardless."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) October 2, 2023
"It's definitely a shock. It's definitely different. This is my fifth team in 10 years, so I'm accustomed to change. Joe and Jody have been doing a great job. I'm fine."
Anfernee Simons: "When someone like Dame leaves who's made a big impact on your life and your career, it's harder than any other teammate leaving. He was the last one of the group. Now we turn the page. I'm excited about this year and the opportunity I have."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) October 2, 2023
Anfernee Simons on seeing Damian Lillard in a Bucks jersey: "It didn't look right at all. But everybody has to deal with change at some point."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) October 2, 2023
And, perhaps most importantly for the franchise moving forward:
Scoot Henderson: "Just because people think I have to be the new Dame, I don't even think like that. I'm Scoot Henderson."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) October 2, 2023
Next. Ranking Damian Lillard's top 10 moments as a Blazer. dark