Damian Lillard on Super Teams: 'I Might Have Too Much Pride for That'

Damian Lillard says he embraces the underdog role, and the challenge that comes with taking "a monster down."

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Since Kevin Durant's decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors, essentially forming a super team with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, there have been a wide array of responses from NBA players, past and present. LeBron James said the move was "great for our league." Durant's good friend, DeAndre Jordan, sent him a text message immediately after hearing the news, which read, "Whatever makes you happy." However, NBA greats, like Tracy McGrady, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, and Charles Barkley have been critical of the formulation of super teams. Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard finds himself in that latter group. 

In an interview on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Lillard struck down the notion that he would ever join a super team in the future. "I wouldn't do it. That's just not who I am," Lillard said. "I might have too much pride for that. Or, be too much of a competitor where I couldn't bring myself to do it." Dame also sees the positives in being an underdog, or the David to the super team's Goliath, adding, "It also makes it more it more fun. You get to take a monster down, and that's always fun." 

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Lillard has always embraced the underdog role. Last year, Dame saw LaMarcus Aldridge leave to eventually sign with the San Antonio Spurs, Wesley Matthews explore the free agent market, and ink a deal with the Dallas Mavericks, and Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez (briefly) take their talents to the New York Knicks.

Given all the roster turnover happening right before his eyes, Lillard could've easily played out his rookie contract, and sign elsewhere, but he signed a new five-year deal instead. Dame took on the formidable challenge with an entirely new cast of teammates, leading the Trail Blazers to a 44-38 record, and a fifth-place finish in the Western Conference last season. 

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