The Damian Lillard era in Portland is coming to an end. Whether the Trail Blazers trade Dame to the Miami Heat or elsewhere, and whether it happens during the summer, during the first half of the regular season or at the trade deadline, the end is imminent.
It’ll be difficult for many fans to step back and look at the big picture because of the love Lillard has shown to the city and the team and the way that love has been reciprocated. But it’s time for both parties to move on.
To that end, it’s an entertaining and interesting exercise to look back at why the Lillard era never produced a championship-caliber team.