Damian Lillard

On June 28, 2012, Damian Lillard was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the sixth overall pick in the NBA Draft. Coming out of Weber State University, Lillard was known for his scoring ability, averaging 24.5 points per game in his final college season. His selection by the Trail Blazers marked the beginning of a prolific professional career, as he quickly became known for his exceptional shooting range and clutch performances. Lillard's impact was immediate, and he earned the NBA Rookie of the Year title in 2013, proving his draft selection to be a significant success for the Portland franchise.

On April 15, 2013, Damian Lillard was named the NBA Rookie of the Year after a standout debut season with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was a unanimous selection for the award, joining an elite group of players who achieved the same distinction. During the 2012-2013 NBA season, Lillard averaged 19.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, establishing himself as an integral part of the Trail Blazers. His exceptional performance not only earned him the Rookie of the Year title but also set the foundation for his subsequent success in the league.

On January 7, 2014, Damian Lillard was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week, highlighting his outstanding performances on the court. During the week of December 30, 2013, to January 5, 2014, Lillard led the Trail Blazers to victories over several formidable opponents, averaging 25 points and 8 assists per game. His leadership and clutch plays during this period were crucial to the team's success. This accolade marked one of the first instances in his career where he was recognized for his excellence over a sustained period, further cementing his status as a rising star in the NBA.

In the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs, Damian Lillard made headlines with a memorable game-winning three-pointer against the Houston Rockets. On April 25, 2014, in Game 6 of the series, Lillard's shot sent the Portland Trail Blazers to the second round for the first time in 14 years. With 0.9 seconds remaining on the clock, Lillard received an inbound pass and drilled a three-pointer, winning the game 99-98. This dramatic victory highlighted Lillard's reputation as a clutch performer and became a defining moment in his early career, widely celebrated by fans and analysts alike for its significance.

On December 20, 2018, Damian Lillard scored a career-high 60 points in a single game against the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing one of the greatest offensive performances in NBA history. Despite his heroic effort, the Portland Trail Blazers suffered a narrow 119-115 loss. Lillard's performance set a franchise record for most points scored in a game by a Trail Blazers player, highlighting his elite scoring ability and establishing him further as one of the premier guards in the league. His achievement received broad acclaim as sports analysts commented on his extraordinary talent and leadership.

In the 2020 NBA bubble, Damian Lillard delivered outstanding performances, leading to his recognition as the Bubble Most Valuable Player (MVP). On August 11, 2020, the NBA announced Lillard as the Bubble MVP, owing to his impressive averages of 37.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 9.6 assists across eight games. His performances were crucial in securing the Portland Trail Blazers a spot in the play-in tournament, where his leadership and scoring were integral to the team's success. This accolade underscored his dedication and excellence during an unprecedented NBA season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On January 20, 2021, Damian Lillard was announced as a member of the 2020-21 NBA All-Star Team, marking another milestone in his illustrious career. This selection was Lillard's sixth All-Star appearance, underscoring his consistent performance as one of the league's top point guards. Throughout the season, he averaged 28.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, solidifying his reputation as a prolific scorer and playmaker. Lillard's selection reflected his ongoing impact on the game, often praised for his leadership and clutch performances in critical moments.

On May 18, 2021, Damian Lillard was honored with the 2021 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award, recognizing his exemplary leadership and camaraderie. This award is given to the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on-and-off court leadership, and commitment to team. Lillard's reputation as a dependable leader and supportive teammate was well-demonstrated throughout the season, and he was widely celebrated by his peers. The award highlighted both his character and his influence in fostering a positive team environment within the Portland Trail Blazers organization.

On July 8, 2022, Damian Lillard signed a two-year contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers reportedly worth $122 million. This extension ensured that Lillard remained the cornerstone of the Trail Blazers, as he agreed to stay through the 2026-27 NBA season. Lillard's commitment to Portland highlighted his loyalty to the franchise and his desire to continue building on his legacy with the team. The deal also made Lillard one of the highest-paid players in the league, emphasizing his value to the team both on and off the court.

In a blockbuster trade on September 27, 2023, Damian Lillard was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks. This trade was part of a three-team deal that also involved the Phoenix Suns and saw Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton moving to new teams. Lillard's move to the Bucks paired him with Giannis Antetokounmpo, sparking excitement about the team's potential in the upcoming season. The trade marked the end of Lillard's 11-year tenure with the Trail Blazers and the beginning of a new chapter in his NBA career, raising expectations for another deep playoff run.