Damian Lillard returns to Portland with 'a lot of love' for the Trail Blazers

In Portland, Damian Lillard, who averages 25.1 points, has maintained an average of at least 24 points in each of the past 8 seasons.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Damian Lillard said his return to Portland for the first time since leaving the Trail Blazers after 11 seasons comes with “a lot of love” for both the team and the community.

The eight-time All-Star will play his first game in Portland on Wednesday night since he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason.

Lillard had no resentment towards the trade or his time in Portland, he simply desired to join a NBA title contender. Meanwhile, the Blazers were concentrating on nurturing their young talents.

“Lillard expressed his affection for the organization and his colleagues on Tuesday, stating ‘I loved the organization. I loved everyone I worked with on a daily basis. What made it difficult was that it wasn’t a broken relationship. So, returning and being here puts me in a great situation.’ He continued, ‘The initial intent of everything was to have a shot at winning it all. However, we couldn’t be at that point simultaneously. Therefore, I return with joy and excitement to be back at the Moda Center.'”

Lillard averaged 32.2 points with the Blazers last season and averaged at least 24 in each of the previous eight seasons. He became just the seventh player in NBA history to score more than 70 points in a game when he finished with 71 against the Houston Rockets last February.

Portland, during Lillard’s tenure, managed to secure victory in only four playoff series, reaching the Western Conference Finals a single time. Last season, the team had a disappointing 33-49 record, marking the second year in a row they failed to make it close to the playoff picture.

Since losing their star point guard, the Blazers have been struggling to adapt. They are currently ranking second-to-last in the Western Conference with a 14-33 record.

Blazers’ coach, Chauncey Billups confessed that seeing Lillard in a different jersey would feel a bit odd. However, he expressed happiness for his friend and showed complete comprehension of his decision to move on.

“Given our current circumstances, you wouldn’t want to see him in a situation where we’re struggling, and he’s pushing himself to the limit, scoring in the 30s and 40s, and we’re barely managing to win,” said Billups. “It was a difficult situation for him to be in. However, he never voiced any grievances. He’s a true warrior. He consistently gave his all at work. I greatly admire that about him.”

Lillard is averaging 25.1 points and 6.8 assists with his new team, which is in flux. Milwaukee announced Friday night they had hired Doc Rivers to take over for Adrian Griffin, who was fired earlier in the week after only 43 games.

Despite the Bucks having one of the best league records at 32-15, Griffin was dismissed. This was due to concerns over the team’s declining defensive rating.

The Bucks arrived in Portland for Wednesday’s game (10 ET, ESPN) on Monday night, and on Tuesday Lillard was honored at the North American headquarters for Adidas. Lillard has a sponsorship deal and a signature shoe with the company.

“He expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Moda Center, a place where he had played numerous games and even recognized fans by their faces from the court. He was excited to see their familiar faces again, and to be back in the familiar building. He referred to it as ‘coming back home’, and was eager to play the game freely.”