Former Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard has approved Anfeerne Simons as his successor in leading the Blazers. Since Lillard’s departure, the team has faced rebuilding challenges that might conclude among the young Simons’ squad this season.
Despite the Blazers’ 13-24 standing at the West, Simons had a good job leading his team, averaging 18.5 points and 5.1 assists. His leadership is similar during Lillard’s stint, where he brought the team to eight playoff appearances and the conference finals during the 2018-19 season.
Simons, drafted in 2018, has experienced Damian Lillard’s plays for five seasons. The two met each other last Saturday, seeing the Blazers star narrowly win against his former captain’s Milwaukee Bucks.
Lillard candidly reacted to his former teammate’s performance. In his Instagram story, “Dame Time” shared a photo of him and Simons hugging after the game and a message, writing: “Pass it on….”
Damian Lillard left the Blazers in 2023 as a part of a massive trade that sent him to the Bucks. His departure caused a crisis within Portland, which was without a leader. Simons came to the rescue, averaging a career-high 22.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds that season.
Damian Lillard supports NBA star’s advocacy for future hoopers
Damian Lillard strongly advocates for giving youth basketball prospects the right environment to develop. This Tuesday, he shared an Instagram story featuring a quote from Luka Doncic regarding the challenges young athletes face, particularly on the expectations they should meet.
The quote, posted by an Instagram page, read:
“Kids are walking away from basketball and other sports because we’ve replaced joy with pressure. When we treat young players like pros, we lose the friendship, growth, and fun that makes sports special. This has to change,” Doncic said via A Coach’s Diary.
View this post on Instagram
Lillard supported Doncic’s advocacy, sharing the post in his story.
“Big big facts. It’s a problem,” Lillard captioned.
Damian Lillard also launched the Formula Zero advocacy in 2022, providing the same advocacy for young athletes. His contributions to children further bolster the NBA players’ focus on developing players.
Damian Lillard probable in next Bucks game against the Magic
After the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent win against the San Antonio Spurs, their stars Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Khris Middleton land on the team’s injury report in their game against the Orlando Magic.
The Bucks posted their report in their X/Twitter post. According to their team, Lillard is probable in the next game due to a left calf contusion. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo faces right patella tendinopathy, while Middleton needs to manage his bilateral ankle injury.
Injury Report – Jan. 10 at Orlando
Out:
AJ Johnson (G League)
Chris Livingston (G League)
Tyler Smith (G League)Probable:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Right Patella Tendinopathy)
Damian Lillard (Left Calf Contusion)
Khris Middleton (Bilateral Ankle Injury Management)— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 9, 2025
Damian Lillard and the Bucks must improve their performance in their upcoming match against Orlando. The team is on a two-game winning streak, and a slight ailment from their stars could change their momentum as the regular season undergoes its second half.
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