Damian Lillard: Because it’s different. It’s not like playing with Khris Middleton or Brook [Lopez] or Bobby [Portis]—you know, guys where it’s still all built around him. He’s never played with a player of my caliber. Even Jrue—Jrue’s a big-time guard. But Jrue’s not a seven-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Star. You know what I mean? Jrue’s great at a lot of different things. In some ways, I think his simplicity might have helped. Because Jrue didn’t care if he averaged 8 or 10 points. Jrue would get a rebound, and if Giannis is clapping for it, he just throws it ahead. Last year in Boston, Jrue was even in the dunker spot. But I’m a guy averaging 30 points a game. It’s a different ballclub. It was a big adjustment for both of us. Especially for me—going into a whole new environment, right? That was a big thing too.” -via YouTube / April 12, 2025
