Widely viewed as the dream trade return in any potential Ben Simmons deal, the Portland star found some rare support from Philly fans while making a trip to the free-throw line early in the first quarter.
NBA League Pass: Sign up to unlock live out-of-market games (7-day free trial)
“We want Lillard! We want Lillard!,” the crowd chanted just minutes into the game.
Lillard became a topic of trade rumors during the offseason, though the six-time All-Star has maintained his longtime public stance that he wants to stay with the Portland franchise in pursuit of a long-awaited championship.
MORE: Will Lillard stay with the Trail Blazers? What the Portland star has said on trade rumors
Lillard recently doubled down on his loyalty to the franchise during a freestyle on “Bars On I-95.”
Lillard is off to an unusually cool start to the 2021-22 season, averaging just 18.3 points per game on 34 percent shooting from the field and 23 percent from 3-point land. It’s only been six games, but the scoring average and struggles with efficiency would be career lows for the 31-year-old in his tenth season.
Philadelphia is off to a 4-2 start despite Simmons’ continued absence from the lineup.
