While the NBA world awaits phrase on a possible Damian Lillard commerce, it seems the Blazers guard is prepping for the upcoming season, whereas additionally serving to one of many nation’s high younger prospects do the identical.
Lillard, whose identify has remained linked to a possible commerce sending him to the Heat, was seen working with Kentucky prospect D.J. Wagner. The combo guard is widely-viewed as a five-star recruit within the 2023 class.
The video, posted by Kentucky author Tristan Pharis, reveals Lillard giving recommendation and displaying some methods for the Wildcats freshman.
Kentucky freshman DJ Wagner coaching with 7-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard in Portland.
(IG/Coach Ern) pic.twitter.com/qjR46pdyCR
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) September 21, 2023
The level guard prospect out of Camden, N.J., has a household historical past of former NBA gamers. His father is Dajuan Wagner, who was the No. 6 choose within the 2002 NBA draft, whereas his grandfather, Milt Wagner, was a second-round choice in 1986.
If Wagner had been to comply with in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and play within the NBA, he’d change into the first-ever third-generation NBA participant.
Meanwhile, Lillard’s future stays a bit in limbo. With NBA coaching camps set to get underway within the coming days, the back-and-forth between Portland and the Heat, his most well-liked vacation spot, has been an ongoing saga since earlier this summer time.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Lillard would solely report back to coaching camp for 2 groups this season: the Blazers or Heat, although a separate report from Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian disputes that notion.
Source: www.si.com