NBAPhiladelphia 76ers

Chauncey Billups responds to 76ers fans “We want Lillard” chants

PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Chauncey Billups and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers look on during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Moda Center on October 20, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The 76ers faithful made their feelings about Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard clear. During Philadelphia’s 113-103 home victory over Portland last night, the fans in attendance took their shot. As Lillard set to shoot a pair of free throws, you can hear them chanting “We Want Lillard” while the all-star went about himself. After the game, Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups spoke about the 76ers fans chant, taking a light-hearted approach.

�I wasn�t surprised at all. When they were saying we want Lillard I was saying we do too. I understand it and I get it. Philly got a great fan base. They hold no punches, man. I�ve always appreciated that about this city.�

Chauncey Billups

Over the Summer, many rumors swirled about that connected Damian Lillard to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Ben Simmons drama that overtook most of the NBA offseason supercharged the rumors that the teams could have made a deal. Unfortunately for Sixers fans, they’ll have to wait a while longer. Lillard, though admittedly flattered by the fans, reasserted his loyalty to Portland after the game.

The trials of Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers

The rumors behind Damian Lillard leaving Portland didn’t pop up out of thin air. As the Trail Blazers ended another season in disappointment, their resident superstar echoed some frustrations after the fact. Portland lost in the Western Conference quarterfinals to an injured Nuggets team in six games. This result came despite Lillard posting gaudy numbers throughout the series.

The organization understood that changes needed to be made but had little leeway to make much difference. A drastic move to remake the core could have made things worse. They ultimately made minor adjustments to the roster and took a calculated risk by hiring highly touted coaching prospect Chauncey Billups.

With all this in mind, people around the situation understand that the Trail Blazers have a lot of pressure weighing on them. They cannot afford to bow out early on in the playoffs. Doing so again will likely raise the odds of Lillard seeking championship glory elsewhere.

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