Draymond Green discusses the evolution of Damian Lillard playing with a chip on his shoulder – NBC Sports

Rip City knows the tremendous value of Damian Lillards skillset and leadership qualities.

But now the world is going to learn more about all of Lillards characteristics.

As Lillard and Team USA gear up for this years Summer Olympics, head coach Gregg Popovich is thankful to have such a Lillard on his roster as Lillard joins the squad for the first time.

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Whenever I talked to Dame it was about letting him know that he was valued and we'd love to have him on the time. Period, Popovich said following Thursdays practice.

Coach Pop also discussed the value and importance of having two Teammates of the Year recipients in Lillard and Jrue Holiday.

We have such a short time together and somebodys got to lead. Somebody has to take on the responsibility to understand, to keep everybody focused.

Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich

Those kind of leadership skills are necessary, mandatory, Popovich added. It makes everything a lot more difficult if everybody is just looking around at everybody else and they dont know who to look to. So, guys like Jrue and Damian are very valuable in that sense.

With the videos on social media of Team USA scrimmages in Las Vegas, it seems Lillard and Warriors star Draymond Green are working well together both on and off the court.

Green, who earned a gold medal with Team USA during the 2016 Olympic Games,undoubtedlyrespects Lillards game, but from the sounds of it, he may respect the Trail Blazers point guards mind even more.

We all know that Dame has carried a huge chip on his shoulder, Green began to explain. From being a guy who was not recruited by many high-majors if maybe one or two. Going to Weber State, coming into the draft, a lot of people knowing that this guy is good, but doubting him because he went to a small school, the story goes on and on.

Green also explained the importance of the evolution of Lillard playing with a chip on his shoulder.

I think one of the great things about Dame is he still carries that chip on his should, but the way you carry a chip on your shoulder, you cant carry the same chip on your shoulder that you had as a rookie You have to learn how to wear that chip differently and one of the most powerful things about Dame has is he continues to wear that chip on his shoulder, but knows how to wear it.

Draymond Green

After leading the Blazers to a sixth place finish in the Western Conference last season with a 42-30 overall record, while averaging 28.8 points and 7.5 assists, Lillard says he had a sour taste in his mouth after an early First Round playoff exit.

As eager as Lillard is for Olympic play to tip-off, Green sounds just as excited to play alongside Dame.

Obviously one of the best shooters in our game, one of the most prolific scorers in our game, and also an incredible leader and an incredible point guard, Green said.

Hes from Oakland, and he embodies that, he carries that, he carries that toughness. And that makes all the difference when he takes the floor.

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Draymond Green discusses the evolution of Damian Lillard playing with a chip on his shoulder - NBC Sports