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SB Nation Profiles Lillard's Rise as Trail Blazers' Franchise Player

You've heard it all summer and throughout preseason thus far: The biggest spotlight in Rip City is on point guard Damian Lillard as he takes on the role of the Trail Blazers' franchise player following the departures of four starters from last season and a new maximum contract extension signed in July. 

But how did Lillard get to this point in just his fourth year as a pro? SB Nation's Paul Flannery goes in-depth in a profile of Lillard's rise in Portland, covering all angles from the point guard's Oakland roots to his role as a Special Olympics ambassador. 

In regard to his role leading the Trail Blazers, Lillard says it's the franchise's trust in him rather than a decision he made:

Read the entire long-form story at SB Nation.