Damian Lillard has had a tremendous influence on the Trail Blazers.
His reach also extends far wider.
Professional Basketball Writers Association release:A seven-year NBA veteran, Lillard is being honored for supporting and inspiring high school students in Portland through his RESPECT program, which encourages youth to Show Up, Work Hard and Be Kind. Lillard, who has spent his entire career with the Trail Blazers since being selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, started the anti-bullying platform in 2013 after meeting with Portland school administrators to identify schools that most needed a more positive culture among students.
Lillard has partnered with three Portland high schools – Madison, Parkrose and Roosevelt – to reinforce the value of education and celebrate student achievement. He has participated in school assemblies and class discussions and has empowered teachers and counselors to reward respectful, diligent students with tickets to Trail Blazers games, RESPECT merchandise and special events with Lillard such as a private tour of the team’s practice facility. The schools have reported significant progress resulting from Lillard’s commitment, including improvements in student behavior, engagement, attendance and tardiness.
The other finalists: Hornets center Bismack Biyombo, Suns guard Devin Booker, Grizzlies guard Mike Conley and Warriors coach Steve Kerr. Determining who was most dedicated to his community is obviously difficult. All five finalists appear to be doing good in the world.
But Lillard looks like a deserving winner. He has truly made a huge impact in Portland, in many ways.