Photo: Peter Baba

Though sidelined for the upcoming season, veteran guard Damian Lillard sees a powerful new role for himself in Portland – as a mentor and leader for the next generation of Trail Blazers.

“One thing that I’ve missed over the last two years playing on an older team is, I’m able to be more and give more when I have something to pour into,” Lillard said. “When I’m invested in others’ careers more.”

For Lillard, investing in others isn’t a buzzword – it’s the essence of leadership. He highlighted several young players he’s excited to help guide, including Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and Shaedon Sharpe.

“Having the opportunity to do that, especially having a young, rising point guard like Scoot that I’m gonna be playing with now, and Toumani and Deni and Shaedon, who I was with his rookie year… Being around those guys and having so much to share and being able to pour into them… that elevates me as a player and as a teammate and as a leader.”

Even off the court, Lillard’s presence could become a stabilizing force in the locker room.

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