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Bucks' Lillard Honored for Longtime Community Service in Portland

Damian Lillard, who spent 11 seasons in Portland before the 2023 trade to the Milwaukee Bucks, on Sept. 13 received the first Bill Walton Community Impact Award from the Maurice Lucas Foundation.

Cody Smith

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shows his love for Portland fans during introductions before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shows his love for Portland fans during introductions before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

MILWAUKEE — Damian Lillard, the longtime Trail Blazers superstar and current Milwaukee Bucks point guard, returned to the Pacific Northwest on Sept. 13 to be honored for his contributions in the Portland community.

The first Bill Walton Community Impact Award, named after the Trail Blazers' championship hero and NBA Hall of Famer, recognized Lillard's service work during his 11 seasons in Portland.

“To receive an award like this in honor of the late, great Bill Walton, I don’t take it lightly,” Lillard said during the 14th annual foundation celebration ceremony at the Hyatt Regency. “It’s a huge honor for me. And as somebody who doesn’t live in my success, I’m always moving on to the next thing, it’s much appreciated to acknowledge my work in the community because it’s not always a camera there to see. It’s not always people there to confirm it.”

Lillard remains involved in several community outreach initiatives, particularly the RESPECT program and The Lillard Foundation. He's also been a global ambassador for Special Olympics since 2013, hosting basketball camps and fundraising events.

Lillard's longtime tenure with the Blazers ended last summer when the Bucks traded a haul of picks and players to acquire the superstar talent.

Lillard's generosity now extends beyond Portland to Milwaukee. In December, Lillard spent time with the children of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, surprising them with Adidas shoes, a gift card to Kohl's, and tickets to a game against the Indiana Pacers.

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Cody Smith

CODY SMITH

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