2022 Pacific Northwest Sports Top 10: Number 2 – Damian Lillard
In our ongoing Pacific Northwest Sports Top 10 series, we move on to Number 2, Damian Lillard.
Damian Lillard was drafted out of Weber State with the sixth pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Nobody could have predicted Lillards’ impact on the franchise. Lillard would go on to win the Rookie of the year while eventually making six All-Star and All-NBA teams.
In October 2021, we saw Lillard make the list as one of the top 75 NBA players. Damian has made the playoffs in every season aside from his rookie season and recent injury-plagued season. As a result, he has become the most decorated and famous Blazer since Clyde Drexler. In addition, Lillard has gained a reputation as possibly the most clutch player in the NBA with two walk-off series-winning shots.
Other influences in the Community
Dame released his first Rap album, “The Letter O” on October 21st, 2016. Upon its release, Lillard would take the reigns as the NBA’s most well-known crossover rap artist. Since his debut, Dame has put out four rap albums, with three of them reaching the top 20 on the U.S. Indie charts.
2021 would see Lillard also try acting, starring as an evil version of himself in “Space Jam: A New Legacy.”
As if Damian Lillard’s name wasn’t already synonymous with the Northwest, Lillard also became co-owner of a car dealership in Mcminnville, Oregon. “Damian Lillard Toyota” officially opened in October 2020.
In July, Damian Lillard runs a summer basketball camp in Beaverton, Oregon. He also runs a charity known as “The Lillard Foundation.” The foundation is a youth-based organization dedicated to developing and improving opportunities for athletes, students, and in-crisis teens.
Why Lillard makes the list
Lillard stands alone as the best and most popular player on the only professional sports team in Oregon.
An NBA Championship might be the only thing keeping Dame from becoming the most prominent sports star to EVER come from the state of Oregon. With that comes much influence in the region, along with historical recognition.
Don’t forget to check on the rest of our Pacific Northwest Sports Top 10.