Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had
Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)
Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now
I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.
Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.
Not a very long list. I’d say this doesn’t bode well..
Damian Lillard games played over the last 4 seasons:
2019 season: 66 games
2020 season: 67 games
2021 season: 29 games
2022 season: 58 games
Seems like the wheels are already starting to fall off. If he was 30 instead of turning 33 next month, I’d consider it. Pass for me.
Sure his games need to be managed, but he just had the highest TS% of his career at 64.5% while taking BY FAR the most 3 pointers AND FT's in his career. He also blew past his career high in ppg while still being above his career averages for rpg and apg. In other words, he just had the best season of his career. Yeah, he might miss a few more games than Brown, but Brown hasn't exactly been a picture of health either (in 19 and 20 Lillard played more games than Brown in each season and Brown only had 9 more games than Lillard did this year). Of course the difference is, Lillard impacts his team on the scoreboard far more than Brown does (this year Lillard's on/off differential per 100 possessions was +12.8, while Brown was -3.8 ). Lillard has in fact never had a negative differential in the regular season, while Brown has been negative 4 of his 7 seasons.
So in sum, Lillard is significantly better and more impactful than Brown and for a team that is close to the title (i.e. Finals last year, Conf. Finals this year), even a slight improvement could be the difference between winning and losing a title. And I contend Lillard is a lot more than just a slight improvement.
I don’t think anyone is arguing that Damian Lillard (when able to play) is currently a better talent than Jaylen Brown. Again, My concern is his age, durability and having a very limited window to contend with him on the team. Dame is also going to be making on average $60M/year while in his mid to late 30’s, so if the wheels do fall off when he’s say 34/35, the C’s will be completely handcuffed. I’m not opposed to moving Brown, but I’d rather bring in Beal who is 29(soon to to be 30) or KAT who is 27 (will be turning 28 later this year).
No concern with Brown’s durability nor impending $60m salary?
Brown will be 26 when next season starts. Dame will be 33.
Doesn’t really address my question. Brown is significantly worse and has durability concerns too.
I would be more confident in a 26 year olds body holding up vs a 33 year old.
Okay. So you’d be comfortable with the talent disparity at the same wage?
Dame more than likely will not be worth his contract after two more seasons. JB will be in his prime throughout the entirety of his. So a likely 2 year window to contend vs a 5+ year window. That’s an easy decision to make. Who do you think will be a better overall player in 2 years… JB at 28 years old or Dame at 35?
Yeah, i'm not trading prime Jaylen years for an undersized point guard in his 30's...
something interesting brought up on toucher and rich this morning i think summed it up. the Celtics don't have a "talent" problem. They have a mental problem. On paper this is one of the most talented teams in the league top to bottom. They just don't play like it consistently. Historically in the NBA guys haven't won until they reach 27-28. Lebron, Curry, Jordan, Giannis (was just shy of 27), Pierce/KG were even older. look at Jocic is 28 and his knock until this year was he couldnt carry his team in the playoffs
I think because of all the "success" we have had the past few years we lose sight of that fact that they still "technically" are young players who are not yet in their prime. And how quickly the narrative can change in the NBA. I remember when Lebron was viewed as a "choker" who couldn't get it done or get past the Celtics. Then he ended up in the finals almost every year. Heck thats the narrative Jocic carried until this year.
Its why as unpopular as it may be to some on this board who want widespread changes that I think Brad is comfortable riding with this group for another couple years at least. id rather him be wrong than trade Brown away and he hits his prime and goes to another level with another team while we are stuck with Lillard on the decline on a big contract we cant get out of...