Blazers' Damian Lillard Has an 'Old Man' Warning Before Season Opener

Damian Lillard is fine with playing fewer minutes for the Portland Trail Blazers this season. What he doesn't want is anyone getting the wrong idea about why he's doing it.

After missing an entire season with a torn Achilles, the 36-year-old is preparing for Wednesday's opener against the Phoenix Suns with a different role, a crowded backcourt … and something to prove.

"I'm not an old man," Lillard said Monday.

Lillard explained following practice that he's comfortable with Portland managing his workload. There's plenty of basketball ahead, and after more than a decade in the league, he understands what it takes to keep his body ready.

That doesn't mean he needs to be treated like he's on his last legs.

"I have prepared, and I'm strong, and I'm willing and able to do whatever is needed," Lillard added.

His preseason numbers certainly give Portland reason for optimism.

Lillard averaged 17.3 points in 22.7 minutes across three appearances, shooting 8-of-21 from beyond the arc. He finished the exhibition schedule with 23 points in 26 minutes against Golden State, making all 13 of his free throws.

For someone who hadn't played in a year, that's a pretty encouraging start.

But the more interesting part of Lillard's comments had little to do with his scoring.

With Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson in the backcourt, Lillard isn't being asked to create everything himself anymore. He's spending more time off the ball, doing less work to generate offense and, by his own account, feeling fresher after games.

Morant can attack the basket and draw defenders, leaving Lillard with opportunities on the perimeter. Holiday offers another capable ballhandler, while Henderson gives Portland another guard who can push the pace.

Lillard can still be a focal point without having to do all the work that comes with it — a luxury he hasn't always enjoyed in Portland.

Of course, there's another side to having that many guards.

Coach Micah Nori reiterated Monday that he plans to use a 10-man rotation. Holiday likes the idea, particularly the opportunity for shorter bursts and fresher legs.

But somebody is going to have to sit.

Portland isn't the only Northwest Division team facing that kind of problem. The Utah Jazz are sorting through their own backcourt questions with Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson and Isaiah Collier.

The difference? Utah is trying to find opportunities for its young guards. Portland has established stars expecting to contribute to another playoff run.

And the defensive fit between Lillard and Morant remains a legitimate question.

The two combined for 42 points against Golden State in Friday's preseason finale. Portland still surrendered 128 points in a 10-point loss.

One exhibition isn't enough to determine how the pairing will work, but there will be nights when Nori needs more defensive size and versatility in the backcourt.

That's where Holiday's presence becomes valuable … and where the decisions could get uncomfortable.

Morant needs touches to maximize his playmaking. Henderson needs opportunities to develop. Holiday brings defensive experience, and Lillard has spent most of his career being the guy Portland turns to when it needs a basket.

Finding minutes for everyone during the first three quarters is one thing. Deciding who finishes games could be another.

It's easy to talk about preserving Lillard's legs before the season begins. A little tougher when there are three minutes left, Portland needs a bucket … and four guards have a case to be on the floor.

That's a challenge Portland has already spent much of the preseason trying to sort out.

Lillard understands that protecting his body could leave him with more to offer if Portland makes another postseason run.

He's willing to play fewer minutes. He's willing to let somebody else bring the ball up the floor. And he's willing to save a little something for when the games matter most.

But there's a difference between managing an aging superstar and asking him to accept that his best basketball is behind him.

Lillard is willing to do the former — and doesn't sound particularly interested in hearing about the latter.

After all, he's already made one thing clear ...

He's not an old man.