Damian Lillard speaks out on fans' lack of appreciation for his shooting prowess: "People get bored with consistency"
Damian Lillard shared his reaction to not getting the credit he deserved as one of the best shooters in NBA history. Lillard is currently fourth on the all-time list for 3-pointers, just behind Steph Curry, Ray Allen and James Harden with 2,607.
In an appearance on Jeff Teague's "Club 520" podcast, Lillard opened up about his legacy as one of the greatest shooters ever. He felt that he was not getting respect given how he played in recent years.
"It's different bro. They definitely don't talk about it. They act like I don't be doing what I have been doing. This is gonna be my 13th season. ... It ain't been that many people that have been here the whole time since I've been in the league that have just been doing it over and over and over. But I think people just get bored with consistency," Lillard said.
The Milwaukee Bucks star added:
"I ain't loud, but like sh*t, I've been doing it that long and winning. It ain't like I've been doing it and I'm just playing for a team that never make the playoffs. The season before last, I averaged almost 33 a game. ... I've been over 25 (PPG) for damn near 8-9 years."
Damian Lillard is definitely one of the best shooters the game has ever seen. It's even possible that he'll end up with the second-most number of 3-pointers made when it's all said and done.
One of the reasons why some fans haven't given him his flowers is due to his success overall. Steph Curry has the records and the four NBA championships to showcase, but it's not Lillard's fault that the Portland Trail Blazers failed to build a title-winning team around him.
Now, he has a chance to chase a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, as long as Giannis Antetokounmpo stays healthy.
Damian Lillard is not worried about rough first season in Milwaukee
Damian Lillard had a rough first season with the Milwaukee Bucks due to various reasons. Lillard was not working out in training camps since he was avoiding getting any injuries following his trade request. He was not in shape to start his career in Milwaukee, which affected his numbers.
Lillard also endured a lot of minor injuries over the season as well as the playoffs. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old is not worried about struggling in his second year with the Bucks.
"I’m not a player that’s breaking down. I live a clean, good, healthy life, so I can do it. I can do the same (expletive) I did two, three years ago. I can do it right now. ... There was a lot of change, a lot of stress, you know?. I think now, having an opportunity to get myself in order and kind of start pushing forward to next season," Lillard said in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.