“I’m done w folks”- Damian Lillard calls out critics displaying hardcore pre-draft workout

Damian Lillard’s 2023-24 season began and ended with tough challenges along the way. After 11 years with the Portland Trail Blazers, he reportedly asked to be traded to the Miami Heat. The Blazers, however, wouldn’t oblige and instead, sent him to Milwaukee.

As Giannis Antetokounmpo’s sidekick, “Dame Time” struggled to adjust. He had some games where he looked like his old self but for most of the season, the transition was quite a task for him. Lillard later added that it was his off-court issues that “drained” him and implied that it was those concerns that caused him to struggle.

With his offseason in full swing, Damian Lillard found time to take a shot at his critics via an Instagram story. He had a long message dedicated to his detractors:

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“Amazing how so many ppl talk s**t but be punks in y’all everyday life. N***as that fold twice a week when s**t go wrong tryna critique sumn… I’m really from sumn different and that’s why most don’t understand … most don’t do they homework …I’m really done with folks.”

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Damian Lillard hits back at critics while showing his pre-draft workout in 2012. [photo: Lillard IG]

The clip Damian Lillard showed was his pre-draft workout in 2012. Some doubted if the former Weber State star’s lack of elite athleticism and size would cause him to fall outside of the top 10 in the draft. Portland ended up picking him at No. 6 and won the Rookie of the Year award over Anthony Davis, the top pick in the draft.

Lillard’s story seems to be all about overcoming challenges despite the criticism of people who don’t know the real story. He said as much during his exit interview after the Milwaukee Bucks were booted out of the playoffs. “Dame Time” said that he put his head down and hunkered down to work despite all the negative narratives surrounding him.

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Critics aren’t going to back off from Damian Lillard next season

After another first-round exit in the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks will be an interesting team to watch next season. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton and a handful of reserves will be back. They will also have a full training camp with Doc Rivers who took over from Adrian Griffin midway through the season.

Lillard’s nasty divorce isn’t going away anytime soon. He implied how that affected him last season so it remains to be seen if the same goes for him during the 2024-25 campaign. Many will continue to monitor how he develops his two-man game with Antetokounmpo, the team’s two-time MVP.

If Damian Lillard struggles or even if he just gets injured, the critics will likely come down on him in full force. “Dame Time” will be 34 years old and his $48.7 million salary will be a huge talking point if he comes up short for any reason.

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Lillard’s detractors aren’t going away. He just has to continue shutting down the noise and do his best to perform for the Bucks. The usually quiet star will live with the results of his work ethic, dedication, skills and professionalism.

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