With their season almost over, the Portland Trail Blazers could be making a decision for their future.
The organization is reportedly considering sitting out superstar Damian Lillard for the remainder of the season while he heals from a calf injury.
The Blazers are 3½ games away from a play-in tournament berth with nine games to go. It would take almost a miracle to get inside.
Lillard missed Friday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.
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Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers drives against the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at the Moda Center on February 26, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
The 32-year-old is having the best season of his career, averaging 32.2 points on 46.3% shooting, both career highs.
But Portland hasn’t been able to take the next step. Lillard has delivered some memorable playoff moments with a pair of buzzer-beaters advancing his team to the next round, but the Blazers won a total of four playoff series during Lillard’s 10 seasons leading up to 2022-23, coming to the Western Conference finals in 2019. .
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard drives to the basket in front of Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann during the first half of a game in Portland, Oregon on October 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)
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Lillard has stayed loyal to the team that drafted him with the sixth overall pick in 2012 rather than looking for a team built for consistent, deep playoff runs.
But he is not getting any younger.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) prepares to pass the ball in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on January 17, 2023. (Ron Chenoy/USA Today Sports)
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Lillard recently signed an extension that would keep him in Portland through the 2027 season.