Damian Lillard has been a star in the NBA since his rookie season back in 2012/13 but is he the best player to ever don the Portland Trail Blazers jersey?

The 32 year old has played 10 seasons in the NBA, all as a Trail Blazer. During that time he has earned six All-NBA selections and made six All-Star appearances, the only Portland Trail Blazer ever to do so. However, despite reaching the playoffs for eight straight seasons between 2014 & 2021, Lillard has only been able to lead Portland to four playoff series wins and a single Western Conference Finals appearance.

Does this lack of playoff success really hinder Dame's case for the greatest Blazer of all-time that much and make you think of another player for the honor? In reality, there are only two other players that have a genuine case, Clyde Drexler (1983-1995) & Bill Walton (1974-1979).

Drexler played 11 full seasons for Portland, earning four All-NBA selections during that time and making eight All-Star appearances. While also leading Portland to 9 playoff series wins, including two trips to the NBA Finals (1990 & 1992).

Bill Walton is almost more famous for his stint with the Boston Celtics in 1980's but despite only a short spell with the Trail Blazers, he achieved something neither Lillard or Drexler could. By leading the Blazers to their sole championship triumph in 1977 before going on to win league MVP in 1978.

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What defines greatness in the NBA. Playoff success, high scoring, the ability to do things nobody else can, consistency. All of the above? All three players mentioned achieved all of these things and more:

• Bill Walton took a Trail Blazers team that had never been to the playoffs to becoming NBA Champions.
• Clyde Drexler turned a consistent playoff team into a legit competitor.
• While Damian Lillard led a Trail Blazers team that hadn't won a playoff series in 12 seasons before his arrival to a team that won four series in six years.

As members of the Trail Blazers, Walton averaged 16.6 points, 13.5 rebounds & 2.5 blocks per game. With Drexler averaging 20.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2 steals and so far Lillard has averaged 24.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1 steal per game in Portland.

The most important thing a player can do for a franchise like the Portland Trail Blazers, one of only two major league franchises in all of Oregon (Portland Timbers, MLS), is embrace the city, embody the spirit of the fans and force the world to take notice. And that's exactly what Damian Lillard has done in Portland.

As a member of the Trail Blazers, Dame has become one of the best point guards and scorers the NBA has ever seen. While remaining loyal to Portland despite their lack of playoff success, and inability to build a roster around Lillard, capable of competing with the best.

As a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard has:

• Most 50 point games for Portland (12)
• Most 40 point games (40)
• Most 30 point games (199)
• Most 20 point games (502)
• 3rd most 10+ assist games (107).

Lillard's nickname 'Dame Time' highlights why he is the G.O.A.T Trail Blazer. Given to him because of his history of game winning moments, and making big shots in the clutch. Dame is the guy for Portland that always gives them a shot, no matter who the opponent is or how much time is left on the clock. He does things nobody else can and has already left the NBA with a career full of memories that will never be forgotten.

To put it simply, to think of Damian Lillard's career so far with the Portland Trail Blazers. Goosebumps!

Clyde 'The Glide' is one of the most underrated players of all-time and for many who watched him during his career, he is still the greatest Blazer ever but if Lillard hasn't convinced you yet, he will by the time his No.0 jersey is hanging in the rafters of the Moda Center.