This season was another disappointing one for the Portland Trail Blazers, who missed out on the playoffs for a second consecutive year. Portland finished the season Sunday with an embarrassing effort against the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors absolutely dominated the Trail Blazers in all facets of the game, winning in a wild 157-101 blowout.
Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard was asked about the direction of the franchise after the game. He made it very clear that some changes need to be made, and that he doesn’t plan on waiting on players who aren’t quite ready to win.
“I don’t have much of an appetite for building guys two or three years away from really going after it,” Lillard told reporters. “I just ain’t interested if I’m being honest. This is not a secret. I want a chance to go for it, and if the route is to do that then that’s not my route.”
"I don't really have an appetite for building and guys two and three years away from really going after it… I want a chance to go for it and if the route is to do that then that's not my route."- Damian Lillard today on building a team around the draft. pic.twitter.com/r6fy32IXia
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) April 9, 2023
The Trail Blazers notably made the decision to shut down Lillard for the rest of the season back in March after falling out of the postseason race.
This upcoming NBA offseason will certainly be very telling for Lillard’s future. He has two years left on his contract, but could potentially decide that he wants to seek a trade to potentially play for a contender next year. However, he has spoken out against “ring chasing” in the past, so he may ultimately decide to stay in Portland.
At age 32, he may not have too many chances left to potentially win an NBA championship. Unfortunately for him, it doesn’t look like the Trail Blazers are anywhere close to that goal at this point.
