It may be in Damian Lillard’s best interests to select the Miami Heat over the Boston Celtics.
Celtics fans are salivating at the prospect of a possible union, with Lillard and the Celtics apparently showing mutual interest. But Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor reminded everyone on Saturday why Boston may not be the greatest fit for Lillard.
“I think there has to be some appeal for Dame in Boston because you don’t have to be ‘the guy’ when you get back (from injury),” O’Connor remarked while appearing as a guest on CLNS Media’s Garden Report program.
“You have Jayson Tatum. You have Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard. You can relax and load manage while recuperating from your Achilles injury. There’s probably no greater situation from that perspective.”
O’Connor also mentioned potential drawbacks to Lillard joining the Celtics.
“But if you’re Damian Lillard, do you want to go to a team where you might be the backup point guard?” O’Connor said.
“It’s Derrick White and these guys… why not go to a team where you’re going to be the starter and get opportunities to go back and be Damian Lillard again?” And so I believe a team like the Miami Heat provides it to him more than Boston does.”
O’Connor’s reasoning implies that two Eastern Conference opponents may engage in a lucrative arms race for Lillard’s services. However, if Boston’s crowded guard depth chart is the primary obstacle for Lillard, the Celtics have little choice except to move on from White or Pritchard, which would be imprudent.
Lillard’s main decision may ultimately come down to whether he prefers more touches or a better chance of competing.
Miami is no slouch, but it’s difficult to imagine them being in a better position to compete in 2026-2027 than the Celtics core.
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