There is no doubt that Portland Trail Blazers fans are going to give Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard a warm and emotional welcome on Wednesday night. The eight-time All-Star returns to his former stomping ground for the first time since his summer departure and there’s no denying that the supporters have been anticipating this moment for quite some time now.
However, the city of Portland, in partnership with Adidas, already provided Lillard with a prestigious honor even before he could step into the Moda Center for Wednesday’s game.
Portland, Adidas Honor Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard
Lillard has been one of Adidas’ biggest sponsored athletes over the past decade or so and it is only right that they honor him during this special occasion. The sportswear giant stepped it up big time, though, by deciding to name a court in their Portland headquarters after him:
Damian Lillard has arrived at the @adidas campus in Portland.
Adidas is naming its gymnasium court at their Portland campus after him today. pic.twitter.com/3o6YUD43yb
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 30, 2024
https://t.co/tAFmxNvfUf pic.twitter.com/Zp8AUt9xby
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 30, 2024
The “Always H0me” mantra fits this situation perfectly as Lillard continues to have a special connection with Portland even though he decided to move on to greener pastures this past offseason. The city and the fans feel the same way about him too, which is why Portland will always be home for the former Blazers cornerstone superstar.
Introducing the Damian Lillard Always Home Court.
For the first time ever, Adidas has named a location on its campus after an athlete. ⌚️x /// pic.twitter.com/6eaSiVJDD3
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 31, 2024
Always Home.📍PDX
In honor of @Dame_Lillard and the lasting impact he’s had on the city of Portland, the basketball court at our US headquarters will forever be known as the Always Home Court.#adidasBasketball pic.twitter.com/o1sYBYqsvF
— adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) January 31, 2024
Lillard first signed with Adidas in 2012 shortly after the Blazers drafted him as the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. He has remained loyal to the brand over the past 12 years.
Dame signed a 10-year deal with Adidas in 2014 worth $100 million, but there has been no official word on a new extension now that this current contract is about to come to an end.
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