Damian Lillard motivated to help Trail Blazers after Team USA cut

By Bryan Rose | Aug 24, 2014

May 2, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) walks off the court after hitting the game winning shot against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

When you attempt to represent your country, it hurts when you’re told to pack your bags and go home. But that’s exactly what happened to Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard as he was among the final group cut by Team USA as they announced their final roster.

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Unhappy with the result, Damian Lillard expressed his displeasure on social media and appears to still be heated with the decision, though that’s apparently good news for fans of the Trail Blazers.

Speaking to The Oregonian, the former Weber State guard suggested he’ll use the snubbing for more motivation moving forward.

"It’s unclear what this means for Lillard’s future with USA Basketball. But he did not rule out trying to land a roster spot on a future team — including in the 2016 Summer Olympics — saying he would “cross that bridge when it gets here.” If anything, Friday’s disappointment will serve as motivation for the Blazers’ talented point guard.“More wood on the fire,” Lillard told The Oregonian, via text message. “Not my first time being put off and probably not the last.”"

Damian Lillard obviously didn’t need any extra motivation as he’s already one of the best young players in the NBA, though it’s scary to think what he could be become if he channels his anger correctly and attempts to show Team USA what they missed out on.

For what it’s worth, Lillard says he knows he didn’t do anything not to make the team but hinted the current group is so talented, there isn’t room for everybody.