We’ve seen the play several times, if not more. It will likely be remembered as one of the best plays of 2014, as Damian Lillard sent the Houston Rockets packing in game 6 of the Western Conference first round. On an inbound play from half-court, Lillard peeled toward the ball and got it in his hands with 0.9 seconds left on the clock. He quickly turned and hoisted a 3-pointer than swished, giving the Blazers a 99-98 victory, and a ticket to San Antonio in the next round. Although that was his signature moment in his short career, Lillard averaged over 20 points and 5 assists in 2013, and shot just shy of 40 percent from downtown. Needless to say, the Blazers feel they have found their franchise point-guard, and showed that this past weekend by picking up the fourth-year option on Lillard's rookie contract.
In the NBA, rookie contracts start off as two-year deals after a player is drafted. After that player finishes their first season, and und up until October 31st of that year, the team can choose to re-sign him for a third season. Then, after their second season, they can choose to pick up their fourth year, and that’s where the Blazers find themselves with Lillard. He is now guaranteed to be with Portland until the completion of the 2015-2016 season, after which the NBA salary cap will be re-structured.
Lillard came out of the Big Sky conference, playing his college hoops at Weber State. Not surprisingly, he wasn’t very hyped coming into the draft, which is why some were surprised that the Blazers picked him 6th overall. However, Lillard has proven himself to be a leader and helped the team advance to the second round of the playoffs, something they hadn’t done in over a decade. Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge have become an effective 1-2 punch for Portland, and with Matthews emerging as a third scoring threat and strong role players such as Batum, Blake and Robinson, the Blazers figure to be In the mix once again in a strong Western Conference. The Blazers are certainly investing in Lillard, and barring injuries, it’s hard to imagine that he won’t be on par with point-guards such as Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul in the next two years. While the Spurs and Thunder still sit atop the conference, the Blazers could certainly be close behind in 2014 behind Lillard’s leadership and great play.
NBA VAVELTrail Blazers Pick Up 4th-Year Option On Damian Lillard
Not surprisingly, the Portland Trail Blazers will opt to purchase the fourth year of Lillard's rookie deal, keeping him with the team through the 2015-2016 season.
