Among the All-Stars most often mentioned in transfer rumors, this summer, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal should, barring an unlikely disaster, start the new year under the colors of the Blazers and Wizards. Both drafted in 2012, this will be their 10th season in Portland and Washington.
Like Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal have actually only experienced one franchise since joining the league. The only difference: unlike the leader of the Warriors and the strong-winger of the Bucks, the leader of the Blazers and the back of the Wizards have never been titled or, at least, reached the Finals.
At 31 and 28 respectively, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal find themselves at a pivotal point in their careers, however, as the Blazers and Wizards are certainly not among the credible contenders for the next Larry O’Brien trophy.
Hence this burning question, as the 2021/22 campaign approaches: will the two All-Stars be exchanged during the season?
Too “old-school” mentality?
Shrewd observer of the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal has in any case a strong opinion on the subject, and in particular on the situation of Damian Lillard, who has just reiterated his attachment to “Rip City” on Instagram. And the words of the “Shaq” could perfectly apply to Bradley Beal.
« He’s a guy with an old-school mentality, but playing in a new-school era », Thus delivers the MVP 2000, concerning the player of Portland. ” The elders would say, ‘I’m not going to team up with you, but I’m going to beat you instead.’ Today’s guys would say, ‘Let’s team up and make it easier.’ It is therefore a difficult decision for him to make. »
But Shaquille O’Neal is convinced that a firm and complicated decision by Damian Lillard will impose itself at this stage of his career …
« He wants to stay in Portland and win there, but he might have to change his mind … “, Warns the former pivot of the Magic, the Lakers or the Heat. ” If everyone [forme une superteam], that will only move him further away from the title … Now, should he join a contender, if he wishes to increase his chances of the title? I would say he should, yes. I don’t really like those who do it, but that’s how it is … »
In this scenario, then it is useful to recall the recent statements of the leader of the franchise from Oregon: “ And what a moment [de la demande de transfert] happens, it will be because I decided it was the right time. Not because people who think I should do it made me do it. »
Will loyalty reach its limits?
In the era of “superteams”, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal are therefore an anomaly, they who strive to stay with the Blazers and Wizards, despite failures and difficulty. Even if it means sacrificing the best years of their career, for the benefit of loyalty. And it is not surprising to find that they are both members of the Top 5 most loyal players in the league, along with Udonis Haslem, Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
« This is the path we have chosen, this is the path we have decided to take. This is what makes sense to us and I think we are the same on this point “, Recognized” Lady “, in March.
Close off the floors, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal are thus on the same wavelength and understand each other better than anyone, for the moment focusing on their personal well-being and loyalty to the race for the ring. But, in case of new ups and downs, they could well be tempted to request their transfer, after having already been announced on the departure, in recent weeks.
In which case, could a change of air not allow the two All-Stars to take a step forward? Both collectively, obviously, and individually? In the image, finally, of what Kevin Durant confided about his passages from the Thunder to the Warriors, then from the Warriors to the Nets.
« I needed to be in another environment to see how far I could go », Explained on this subject the winger of Brooklyn, a few weeks ago.
Beauty feeds on difficulty
In fact, it is at the very least difficult to dispute the decision of Kevin Durant, who became two-time NBA champion and two-time MVP of the Finals, after leaving OKC. In addition to never having been so strong individually, despite the weight of years or an Achilles tendon injury. Same thing, proportionately, for LeBron James, passed from Cleveland to Miami to better “grow”, before returning to the Cavaliers.
But the opposite examples also exist, like Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki, Stephen Curry or, more recently, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who managed to triumph with their frankness of always, at the cost of long years of sacrifices, disappointments and bad results. Making the coronation even tastier.
« It’s easy to go somewhere and win a title with someone else. It’s easy. I could have joined a ‘superteam’, brought my money and won a title… But I did it, in the most difficult way. I fucking did it! “, Rejoiced for example the” Greek Freak “, after his victory with the Bucks, against the Suns.
« I will appreciate more to win a title here knowing that we have overcome some difficulties “, Stressed Bradley Beal in March. ” I don’t mean to say that a title won elsewhere doesn’t count, because a title remains a title, but if I do it here, I will feel all the weight and the moral behind it. That would make it more important, considering how far we have come with the guys to win the trophy. »
It remains to be seen whether the leaders of Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal will ultimately be able to offer a sufficiently competitive team to their key players, or whether the latter will be forced to look elsewhere to, one day, aim for more than a simple first round of playoffs.
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