Damian Lillard Reflects on Blazers Career After 500th Game

Damian Lillard hit the 500-game mark in his NBA career on Wednesday night when the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Memphis Grizzlies. Lillard played a big part in that game, just like he has in almost every of the 500 games since he entered the league in 2012. The star reflected back on his Blazers career with Blazers reporter Casey Holdahl:

“I’ve always been confident, always expected a lot out of myself,” said Lillard. “Going out of college, I was just prepared for whatever. I was like, if it goes great, I’m ready for that. But if I’ve got to go to the G-League a few times, work my way into the lineup, don’t play some games, my trainers had that in my head, just be ready for whatever.”

Lillard points to his career coinciding with head coach Terry Stotts and how he’s thankful for the organization:

“Just a blessing to be able to have good enough health to be out there that many times and also to be able to do it in one uniform,” said Lillard. “I’m really thankful for the opportunity from Day One from Coach Stotts, our entire coaching staff trusting me and allowing me to accomplish a lot of the things that I’ve been able to accomplish. Just an honor to be out there in good health for this great organization.”

You can read more from Holdahl’s piece here.