FOR Portland Trailblazers superstar guard Damien Lillard, the emergence of strong and agile point guards in the National Basketball Association (NBA) has changed the landscape of the sport previously dominated by centers.
“Today, I think that the guards are really into their games. They control everything inside the court despite those tall and talented athletes,” Lillard said on Tuesday at the start of his Summer Tour at Kerry’s Sports Gym in Taguig City.
Lillard said many young players in the smaller positions are showing toughness and leadership in the court. According to him, his fellow guards are stepping up their games to show that basketball belongs to everyone.
Along with reigning NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and former MVP Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, Lillard has blossomed into a complete player and even led his squad to the NBA playoffs this season despite the exit of four of their starters, including Lamarcus Aldridge, who went to San Antonio Spurs.
But the cerebral playmaker, who averaged 25.1 points per game, said a good work ethic is a must to be successful in any sport.
“When it comes to basketball, you should have a good working ethic. You must also be honest to yourself when it comes to weaknesses. Everyone goes through that stage, you just have to be focused everytime you’re in the court,” Lillard said.
Lillard is part of the 25-man United States national basketball pool that will compete in the Rio Olympics this August. The Portland guard admitted he’s not yet decided if he can make the final cut.
“I haven’t thought about it yet. Many players are backing out,” Lillard said referring to Curry, Rusell Westbrook and James Harden as NBA players who withdrew from consideration for the Rio Games.
Lillard is in the country for the adidas Summer Tour which also had stops in China and Taiwan.
Image credits: Alysa Salen