Lillard on Team USA minicamp: "I don't know why I would go"

Lillard on Team USA minicamp: "I don't know why I would go"

Portland Trail Blazers floor general Damian Lillard, the recent recipient of a five-year, $125-million contract extension, has apparently cooled on representing the U.S. in international competition after being left off the team's roster for the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Lillard does not intend to participate in USA Basketball's minicamp in August, mandatory for those interested in representing their country at the 2016 Olympics.

"Umm, probably not," Lillard said when asked by CBS Sports Radio's Jody MacDonald about attending the minicamp. "I did it the last few summers. Last summer I didn't make it, so I don't know why I would go. If I got cut last summer, I don't think I'm a part of it."

I've defended Lillard in the past, as I believe he's fallen victim to an all too common phenomenon: everyone says they admire a straight shooter, and praise the idea of "telling like it is" and "not being politically correct", provided they agree with the person in question. If they're on the other side of the fence, suddenly that all goes out the window.

To that end, I've disagreed with the "crybaby" accusations in the past, because again, that's something that's often said when you don't agree with someone's point of view; invalidate their point of view by suggesting they're just whining. This, however...well, it does come across as being a bit whiny. Sure, it probably stung to be cut last year, and he's absolutely entitled to assess the situation and decide that he won't participate this time around, instead focusing on his summer camp and getting ready for next season. Nothing wrong with that. But that answer definitely comes across with a pout and a grumble, a bit whiny and immature.

In that respect, he reminds me a little of Gilbert Arenas. The "chip on the shoulder" approach is kind of entertaining for a while, but at some point it gets a bit obnoxious, even egotistical.

fucking crybaby. Almost gut snubbed in the ASG and cried like LeBron. This guy needs to grow up.

Well, there's no point in wasting his time because there's going to be a lot of competition for the spots and it's been proven time and time again that he will get overlooked or will have "coach's pets" get picked over him. Might as well focus his efforts on something worthwhile like participating in the Special Olympics: https://twitter.com/nbacares/status/625306157503119360

One of the true "good guys" in the league who actually cares and puts time and effort into the things you see on the NBA Cares commercials

He does come off kinda whiny. But I think he has too much pressure on him to look perfect. Ever since his rookie year ppl have praised his maturity, character and poise. He needs a little wiggle room to show us he has flaws.

This is what happens when you start a Basketball/Rap career...

All down hill from here gangster...

Well, there's no point in wasting his time because there's going to be a lot of competition for the spots and it's been proven time and time again that he will get overlooked or will have "coach's pets" get picked over him. Might as well focus his efforts on something worthwhile like participating in the Special Olympics: https://twitter.com/nbacares/status/625306157503119360

One of the true "good guys" in the league who actually cares and puts time and effort into the things you see on the NBA Cares commercials

Absolutely. In fact, better to point that stuff out, and not bring up getting cut and whatnot.

He does come off kinda whiny. But I think he has too much pressure on him to look perfect. Ever since his rookie year ppl have praised his maturity, character and poise. He needs a little wiggle room to show us he has flaws.

I agree, and as I said, I've defended him in the past. I get the impression that he'd like to be a perennial All-Star, and represent the US, and takes pride in such honours. But he's been complaining a lot this past year or so, and some of it is starting to come off as a bit bratty. I just hope he doesn't go down the Gilbert Arenas route, where he becomes too obnoxious about every perceived snub and setback.

He has all the rights to be whinny with what happened to the Blazers' frontline...