Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard says he feels honored to be included in the league’s Top 75 players of all time.
Lillard told the Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress his inclusion on the list of the league’s best players over the past 75 years was a special honor.
“It’s special because out of all the people on there, I think I’m the shortest tenured in the league and the youngest. That’s a great honor. There are so many people that probably could have, and should have been on there before me, but they chose me and I’m thankful for that.”
The 31-year-old said he hadn’t initially realized the league was putting together an official list, adjudicated by a panel of current NBA players, NBA legends, coaches, general managers, WNBA legends, broadcasters and sportswriters.
“I still didn’t know it was a real thing. That they were coming together and putting the real list together.”
Portland coach Chauncey Billups, who played with and against a number of the players on the list, praised Lillard on the accomplishment.
“Just think about that. He’s clearly one of the youngest guys on that list. And to be still in his prime, he’s still got years left of being in his prime. He’s not at the end of his prime, he’s in the middle of it. So, to be named one of the best 75 players in history is incredible. So, It’s well-deserved, obviously, and I’m glad that I’m able to coach a guy like that.”
The six-time All Star has just started his 10th season, putting up career numbers of 24.6 points on 37 percent three point shooting, 6.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals.
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