Dame was/is the greatest Blazer ever. How many players made their home here in the offseason? Brought their families here? Invested in the community? Volunteered, not just showed up for a press event, in the community? Reached out and mentored younger local athletes? But also he blew away the perception that players on this small market team can't get national recognition and endorsements. Lillard created a national brand name here in Portland, something no other player could do. (Remember the old, "players can't get national endorsement deals in Portland?" SAT OUT TO HELP THE TEAM AT THE HEIGHT OF ONE OF HIS BEST SEASONS EVER! Played for years with an injury that GPII couldn't play 5 minutes with. Lillard proudly represented our team, city, and state to a national audience. All he asked for was a chip and a chair (poker term for a chance) the team decided to not play in the game. Dame, thank you! You did more for this team and community than we even knew a player could. Go get your ring and then please, come back home to Portland.
Sorry for the new thread, don't have the time to read all the posts and threads. Right now I'm writing this in the coastal town of Campeche. It's beautiful, founded in 1540. Yesterday we explored the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam. Internet is a bit wonky here, I'll try to post a couple of pictures.
Excuses, excuses. Drama queen. You don't need to apologize to make a new thread on this topic. Everything you said was true, I'm just preparing for another Clyde. I pray that's not the case. If he does come back here, either to live or just acknowledge he was a Blazer, I will venerate him.
