We're in a phase in the NBA where the players who once dominated the league are either entering the final chapters of their careers or have already chosen to retire. In their place, new superstars are emerging as the league continues to evolve and the parity era enters full swing.
Still, ignoring those aging stars would be a mistake. There's a lot to be said for experience and skill. Players such as Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James remain top-tier and will demand significant defensive attention throughout the upcoming season.
Another veteran who is looking to remind the world what they're capable of is Damian Lillard. The veteran guard is heading into the new season fresh off recovering from a torn Achilles. However, if his recent
workout videos are anything to go by, he could be preparing for a huge scoring season.
Golden State Warriors' veteran Draymond Green has already begun warning both the league and its fans to watch out for Lillard. In a clip from his "The Draymond Green Show" podcast, which has been posted to social media, Green can be see warning that Lillard is preparing for a huge season, after a clip of the veteran guard surfaced online, showing him go 1,100 of 1,168 when shooting the ball.
“Dame Lillard posted his shooting practice from over the weekend, and he made 1,100 out of 1,168 threes, which is 94% from three," Green said. "And playing with someone like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson for the bulk of my career, I can't say that I've never seen anyone hit 1,100 out of 1,168. I'm also not about to sit there and watch Steph shoot 1,100 shots. So has he done something like that? I don't know. Does it even matter? No, it does not. You know why it doesn't matter? Because this is about Damian Lillard."
Green then continued by reminding NBA fans what Lillard had to overcome last season and the elite level of player he can be when healthy.
“Coming off an Achilles surgery, don't play any basketball, don't be in front of any crowds, and go win the three-point contest; that's no easy feat," Green continued. "For a period of time, all he can do is shoot. Being a marksman that he already was, man, he's gonna have to get his legs under him for sure in coming back. But when he does, I don't think the league is ready to see the type of shooting display that Dame is about to put on when he gets back. I'm not looking forward to it either, at least not when they play us.”
Golden State will see plenty of Lillard this season, as he suits up for the guard-heavy Portland Trail Blazers. Even now, in an ever-shifting NBA landscape, Lillard has to be respected for the threat he poses. Of course, the Warriors will feel confident that they can overcome the Trail Blazers, both during the regular season and should they meet in the postseason.
Still, a motivated Lillard is an elite player, and that will be something to watch for once the new season gets underway.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors' Draymond Green Sends Warning to NBA About Damian Lillard
