yahoo
During a recent conversation, Damian Lillard was asked about the extent of his interaction with Scoot Henderson during the summer when both were with the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard acknowledged that he was still around the facility and frequently crossed paths with Henderson in the gym. "I would see him in the gym. I was working out early and he would come in and we had our interactions," Lillard said.
Lillard made it clear that he has always been a fan of Henderson's game. "I always liked Scoot Henderson. I always liked Scoot and even at that time I made it clear, I never had an issue with the team as far as us not being capable," he explained. He further emphasized that while he understood the team wasn't in a win-now mode, he still believed in the roster's talent. "I was just like, I know we are not going for it all right now, but I still thought the team was talented, I liked the team."
Despite knowing his time in Portland was coming to an end, Lillard described the interactions as casual. "But we had some interactions. Obviously I knew I wasn't going to be there, so I wouldn't say it was anything major," he noted. Even after leaving, Lillard has continued to offer support to Henderson when facing the Blazers. "But even when we played the Blazers, I would get in his ear a little bit and try to share some encouragement," he added.
Key Analysis
Lillard's comments shed light on his relationship with the young guard and reinforce that his trade request stemmed from a desire to compete for championships, not from any dissatisfaction with the team's talent. His willingness to mentor Henderson, even from afar, speaks to his respect for the rookie's potential and his character.
Originally reported by yahoo.