Damian Lillard wants to join Miami Heat after being with the Portland Trail Blazers for 11 seasons. Gary Payton, who is the coach in the Big 3 circuit, has supported Lillard’s journey with Miami Heat.
Gary Payton Backs Damian Lillard Amidst Relocation to Miami
Gary Payton is often compared with the veteran player Damian Lillard as both have had a similar journey throughout their careers. Gary has spent 12 NBA Seasons with one team, that is Seattle SuperSonics, while Lillard has also spent a total of 11 NBA Seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. Now, Lillard wants to relocate, and Gary has come out with his support.
Gary is supporting Lillard as he faced a similar situation when he wanted to relocate. Gary wanted to compete for the championship while the team was heading in another direction. Then, Gary decided to leave Sonics as he didn’t report to the training camp, which is why Sonics traded him to Milwaukee Bucks.
Similar is the case with Damian Lillard as he is trusted with his team focusing on younger players instead of getting immediate success.
Gary Payton’s Championship Advice: Lillard Should Join Miami Heat
Gary Payton joined the Miami Heat when he was 37 years old, while Lillard is 33 on the team. Gary won his only championship with the Heat when he was a 9-time All-Star. In comparison, Lillar is a 7-time All-Star.
Even though both players have different play styles, both players appreciate and respect each other. Payton was more of a defensive player, while Lillard was a high-scoring player.
Gary said:
“Everybody should chase a championship.”
“Why are we playing basketball? That is the whole object of playing basketball. If you want to go somewhere else if you’ve got a chance to win a championship, go there. And that’s what I saw when I came to Miami. So I came here, look what happened.”
Payton has been backing Lillard’s pursuit of the championship and his decision to join the Miami Heat, a team determined to secure victory in the upcoming season.
In short, the story of Damian Lillard seeking an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat while the end of his career is near. And as Gary Payton had a similar journey in 2006, he is supporting Lillard. Both players understand the importance of the title and how to move in the right direction to achieve their goals.
