Lillard awaits word on US team berth

MANILA, Philippines – In good position to make the USA team in this year’s Olympics, Portland star Damian Lillard said he has yet to give a possible stint in Rio a serious thought at this point.

“I haven’t thought about it yet,” Lillard said during yesterday’s press conference for his “Take on Summer” Tour for adidas.

Lillard’s shot at the US Olympic basketball team recently improved following the decision of fellow guards Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and John Wall to withdraw due to various reasons.

“I see all of these guys dropping out and I don’t know who most likely will be the next guys up. I’m not sure, I haven’t really thought about it yet,” said the 25-year-old Lillard, who was previously cut from the final roster in the Fiba World Cup in 2014.

As for the prospects of the Blazers next season, Lillard expressed high hopes for a possible title shot.

“This past season, we grew a lot,” he said of the previous campaign, where the Blazers had an unprecedented second-round playoff run, upsetting the fourth-ranked Clippers before bowing to holder Golden State Warriors in five games. 

“I saw my team get better, and we got to the playoffs and we got past the Clippers. And the way we challenged Golden State in the second round, we gained a lot of confidence,” he said.

“Everybody has to come back as an improved player. We’re not a surprise anymore, so coming into the next season, they’re gonna expect something of us,” he added.

Asked about which player in the free agency he wishes to be with at Portland, Lillard didn’t think long:  “Kevin Durant.”

The 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star also gave his take on the NBA Finals Game Five, which saw Cleveland beat the Warriors, 112-97, to force Game Six in Ohio.

“I think Cleveland came out and did what they had to do,” he said, adding the twin 41-point explosions of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving also proved pivotal. “Anytime you get that type of performance from LeBron and Kyrie, I think nine out of 10 (times), Cleveland’s gonna win.”

He also said the absence of the suspended Draymond Green didn’t help GSW’s cause. “Golden State, without Green, they’re not the same team and Cleveland took advantage of that.”

Aside from joining meet and greet events and basketball demonstration, Lillard led the reintroduction of Dame’s signature PDX Carpet edition. The latest D Lillard 2 features white and gray Primeknit threads, red accents and all-white bootie construction paired with matching Oak Print lace locks, heel counter and midsole. The silhouette is designed with light teal hits on the laces, mesh panels and heel tab that pay homage to Portland International Airport’s iconic carpet print displayed on the iced outsole.