Lillard The Leader
The bulk of the Blazers' young bench for the 2013-14 season has played major minutes during the NBA Summer League tournament. But even more revealing than the action on the court has been the star who reported to Vegas to take a seat on the sideline.
Want proof that after unanimously winning the Rookie of the Year award that Damian Lillard has changed? Look no further than his actions during the Blazers' two opening games in Summer League.
Lillard has changed — for the better.
"I want to establish myself as a leader," Lillard said, explaining his presence at Summer League.
Lillard sat on the Blazers bench, in the first chair between the coaching staff and his teammates. At times, he stood around the perimeter of the huddle, listening to every word. During substitutions, Lillard often greeted the player coming off the floor and offered a few words.
Though Lillard did not play in the games, he decided that a trip to Vegas would be the first step in growing into a leader on the team for next season.
"Last year, I was a rookie, and I wasn't afraid to do it, but I felt like it needed time," Lillard said. "And now this summer, I feel like we've got Meyers, Will, Vic, Joel and CJ who are all on the team and they're playing here, so I'm young just like them. I didn't have a reason not to be here.
"It starts right now."
The sight of dressed-down NBA superstars watching games inside the two arenas was more common than tourists snapping photos in front of the Fountains at Bellagio. But while these young standouts like Washington's Brad Beal and John Wall attended as courtside observers, Lillard remained involved and active with the team. His team.
With reports still surfacing that LaMarcus Aldridge wants to be traded, the Blazers could belong to Lillard quicker than expected.
