Damian Lillard claims that NBA players are world champions. Lillard thinks that it doesn’t matter that the NBA is set in America. This is because the league has players from different countries to participate and compete. Many of which joined the FIBA World Cup.
Damian Lillard Claims NBA Playoff Winners Are World Champions
During the BACKONFIGG Podcast, the seven-time All-Star was asked his opinion on the controversial topic of NBA players being world champions or not.
Inversely, the point guard’s response is partly the opposite of Paul George’s take on the whole controversy.
He claims that the NBA champions are world champions without any doubt. While answering the question, he jumped right in without any hesitation. His answer is straight to the point and down to the facts.
“The NBA champs is world champs.”
Damian Lillard
Furthermore, he defends his statement by explaining why he thinks this. Apparently, the best in the world play in the league. There is truth to the statement, considering that many of CBS’ top 100 NBA players include players from all over the world.
There’s No Debate About World Champions
He continues his argument by saying that the best NBA team could and will beat any league or team the world throws at them.
“If you take the best team in the NBA and just send them on a tour to play in the best leagues everywhere else, they [Rival teams] getting smoked.”
Damian Lillard
Lastly, the star player ends his argument by pointing out that if you take these players off their countries’ teams, they choose to play in the league. Players come of their own accord to the USA just to play for a league as massive as the NBA.
“They come to the NBA from these countries. To me, that makes the NBA world champions.”
Damian Lillard
It’s an open-and-shut case for the Portland Trail Blazer, and he doesn’t see the need for a debate behind the controversy.
Many players strive to play in the NBA, even if it’s outside their country. That fact already shows the prestige the league has. Furthermore, these players have made a name for themselves in the league like Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic.
However, some players beg to differ. They counter the point by saying they still haven’t fought against other teams outside the NBA. This limits their games only in the USA, and that’s clearly not the world.
Do you think the NBA champions deserve the “World Champions” title?
