Thousands of Trail Blazers fans packed Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square on a sunny Sunday afternoon to welcome franchise legend Damian Lillard back to Rip City.
“The Trail Blazers, the city of Portland, being part of this community, y’all know it means to me,” Lillard told the crowd.
“I’m extremely excited and happy to be back.”
Lillard, drafted seventh by the Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft, is returning to Portland after two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 35-year-old, seven-time All-Star signed a a three-year, $42 million deal to reunite with the franchise after suffering a torn Achilles in April.
“Just being back in this city, you know, has brought a different type of joy back to my life,” Lillard, whose family remained in Portland during his time with the Bucks, said.
“The love never changed and it’s going to continue to grow.”
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