PORTLAND – The Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard are securing what they hope will be at least a three-year reunion. Shams Charania confirmed Thursday night that Lillard will sign a three-year, $45 million contract to return home. For Dame, Portland remains, in his words, “a huge part of (his) journey.” This return opens the door for Damian Lillard to claim the title of Greatest Trail Blazer once and for all. He was always close. Now, he can lock it down.
Four Things Damian Lillard Can Do To Become The Greatest Trail Blazer Ever
Rewrite The Records
Lillard’s first 11-year stint in Portland was historic. He won Rookie of the Year. Lillard became a seven-time All-Star. He got MVP votes in five seasons. But he left because the front office never built a true contender around him. Scoot Henderson’s arrival instead of proven help ended it.
Lillard owns the franchise scoring record with 19,376 points. He holds the lead in three-pointers made and free throws made too. He ranks second in assists — just 168 behind Terry Porter — and sits third in games played.
When healthy, Dame will pass Porter quickly. That means he’ll lead Portland in points, assists, 30-point games, 40-point games, 50-point games, 60-point games, 70-point games, and three-pointers made. He’s just 624 points away from joining the 20,000 points club for a single team — will become just the 12th player to reach this milest
Deliver Legendary Moments Again
Numbers alone won’t make Damian Lillard’s claim to the title of greatest Trail Blazer undisputed. He’s given fans unforgettable memories. “That shot” over Houston in 2014 — the series winner with 0.9 seconds left. The 50-piece dagger from near half-court to knock out OKC in 2019. His next chapter needs another moment, even if the Blazers don’t sniff a title. Another playoff classic or a personal scoring explosion would add to his legend.
Strengthen The Community Ties
Lillard’s connection to Portland runs deeper than game nights. Kobe Bryant is immortal in L.A. because of impact beyond the hardwood. Dame’s “Respect The Hustle” camps, donations to schools, and constant presence prove he loves Portland back. He lives the culture. That off-court legacy is why many already see him as the greatest Blazer.
Pass The Torch Properly
Portland’s future depends on its young core. Scoot could be the next face of Rip City. Lillard’s job is to mentor him. If Dame can guide Scoot, Shaedon Sharpe, and the other rising names, he’ll leave the franchise better than he found it. That’s greatness.
Damian Lillard Has an Opportunity to Cement His Legacy as the Greatest Trail Blazer Ever
Bill Walton brought Portland its only ring in 1977. Clyde Drexler carried the Blazers to two Finals. Dame has never done that. But titles aren’t the only measure of greatness in a small market.
Production, loyalty, unforgettable moments, community love, and now mentorship — all of this can make Lillard the greatest Trail Blazer ever. He’s got three years to prove it.
