Damian Lillard, also known as Damian Lillard Sr., is an American pro basketball player who currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. He plays college basketball for the Weber State Wildcats and received recognition as a third-team All-American in 2012.
Bio/Wiki
Age-33 years
Height-1.88 m
Weight-88 kg
Born-15 July 1990
Birthplace-Oakland, California, United States
Spouse-Kay’la Hanson (m. 2021)
Profession-American basketball player
Nationality-American
Current teams-Portland Trail Blazers (#0 / Point guard), United States
NBA Draft- 2012 (Round: 1 / Pick: 6)
Parents
Born on July 15, 1990, in Oakland, California, Damian Lillard is the child of Houston Lillard Sr. and Gina Johnson. He has a sibling named Houston Lillard and a sister by the name of Lanae Lillard.
Wife
The couple spent a significant amount of time together before finally getting married in September 2021. As for Hanson, she was born on November 8, 1991, in Las Vegas. She attended Legacy State High School and pursued a pre-medical education at Weber State. After completing her undergraduate studies at Weber State in 2014, she obtained a nursing degree from Nightingale College in Salt Lake City. Currently, she wears multiple hats as a celebrity, entrepreneur, and owner of a beauty salon.
Despite her busy schedule, Hanson still dedicates some of her time to her healthcare profession. She has worked as a registered nurse at a healthcare facility for six years.
In addition to her nursing career, she also owns a cosmetic nail business called DIPPED and operates another venture named KASICS. Moreover, she is working towards earning a doctorate in the nurse practitioner program at the University of Portland.
Children
They have three kids: their eldest is named Damian Jr., and they are parents to a daughter named Kali and a son named Kalii.
Career
Lillard’s journey in basketball began at Arroyo High School in San Lorenzo, California. As a freshman, standing at just 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters), he made it to the varsity starting lineup. However, when his coach didn’t return to the team, he decided to transfer schools. For his sophomore year, he moved to St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, California, which was the same school that produced former NBA point guard Jason Kidd. But he switched schools again due to limited playing time and ended up at Oakland High School, where he played under coach Orlando Watkins.
During his time at Oakland High School, Lillard showcased his talent, earning First Team All-League honors in his junior and senior years. In his junior year, he averaged an impressive 19.4 points per game. As a senior, he upped his game, averaging 22.4 points and 5.2 assists per game while leading the Oakland Wildcats to a 23–9 record.
After high school, Lillard went on to play college basketball for Weber State. In his freshman year, he averaged 11.5 points per game, earning him the title of Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year and a spot on the first-team All-Big Sky. His sophomore year was even more impressive, with a scoring average of 19.9 points per game, leading the Wildcats to the conference championship. By the end of that season, Lillard was named Big Sky Player of the Year and received honorable mention All-American recognition from the Associated Press.
In the 2010–11 season, Lillard was the top scorer in the Big Sky, averaging 19.7 points per game. Unfortunately, his season was cut short after ten games due to a foot injury, leading to a medical redshirt.
Lillard’s professional journey began when he was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He made a remarkable NBA debut, recording 23 points and 11 assists in the season opener, joining the ranks of Oscar Robertson and Allen Iverson as the only players to achieve at least 20 points and 10 assists in their NBA debuts.
Throughout his NBA career, Lillard continued to shine, achieving numerous milestones, including being named an NBA All-Star and signing a significant contract extension with the Trail Blazers. He consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess and became known for his clutch performances, hitting game-winning shots and scoring high point totals in various games.
On September 27, 2023, Lillard was involved in a trade that sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three-team deal, marking a significant chapter in his NBA journey. The trade also involved several other players and draft picks changing hands between the Blazers, Bucks, and Phoenix Suns.
Achievements/Awards
NBA Achievements:
- 7× NBA All-Star (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023)
- All-NBA First Team (2018)
- 4× All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021)
- 2× All-NBA Third Team (2014, 2023)
- NBA Player of the Seeding Games (2020)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (2013)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013)
- NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2023)
- Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2019)
- NBA Teammate of the Year (2021)
- NBA Rising Star (2012, 2013)
- 2× NBA Skills Challenge champion (2013, 2014)
- First NBA player ever to participate in 5 events in All-Star Weekend (2014: Rising Stars Challenge, Dunk Contest, 3-point Contest, Skills Challenge winner, All-Star Game)
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021)
College Accomplishments:
- AP third-team All-American (2012)
- NABC third-team All-American (2012)
- 2× Big Sky Conference Player of the Year (2010, 2012)
- 3× First-team All-Big Sky (2009, 2010, 2012)
- 2× Big Sky All-Tournament Team (2010, 2012)
- Big Sky Freshman of the Year (2009)
- 1 jersey retired by Weber State
Net Worth 2023
In 2023, Damian Lillard’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, a fitting figure for someone of his prominence. It’s no surprise that Lillard had the means to acquire a $2.8 million home in Oregon, although he might consider listing it for sale following the recent trade.
Damian Lillard, reportedly traded to Milwaukee Bucks
On Wednesday, the Portland Trail Blazers made a big trade, sending Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks to team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo. This trade involved three teams, including the Phoenix Suns.
In exchange for Lillard, Portland is getting Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee’s 2029 first-round draft pick (which is not protected), and the rights to swap with Milwaukee in 2028 and 2030. Meanwhile, the Suns will be receiving Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson as part of the deal.
It’s worth noting that the Blazers are planning to talk to competitive teams about trading Jrue Holiday, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This trade comes after Lillard requested a trade back in July, and the Blazers took their time in negotiations.
After 11 seasons with the Blazers, where he made seven All-Star and All-NBA teams and led them to the playoffs eight times, including a Western Conference finals appearance in 2018-19, Damian Lillard is leaving Portland. He holds the franchise records for points and 3-pointers made, and ranks second in assists.
Lillard expressed his excitement for the next phase of his career.
Last season, Lillard, had a remarkable year, averaging 32.2 points and 7.3 assists. However, he played in only 58 games and missed the last month of the season. One of the highlights of his season was on February 26 when he scored an impressive 71 points against the Houston Rockets.
“Today is an exciting day for Milwaukee,” Bucks president Peter Feigin and general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. “When you have the rare opportunity to pair one of the premier NBA players with a highly versatile roster that has lofty goals, you go for it. And we’re thrilled to welcome seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard to the Bucks.”
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