Damian Lillard Says Gregg Popovich ‘Played a Big Role’ in Tokyo Olympics Decision

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard revealed Friday that the chance to play for Gregg Popovich contributed to his decision to represent Team USA at the upcoming Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Lillard said: "Pop being the coach of the national team played a big role in my decision to commit. I have a lot of respect for Pop as a coach and as a person. I look forward to playing for him, taking in his basketball knowledge and seeing what our team can do."

Popovich, who is the longtime coach of the San Antonio Spurs, took over as head coach of Team USA after the 2016 Olympics, replacing Mike Krzyzewski.

The 72-year-old Popovich is one of the most successful head coaches in NBA history with five championships and three Coach of the Year awards, but an Olympic gold medal is one of the major accomplishments that has eluded him.

With Lillard on board, there is no question that Popovich's chances of leading Team USA to a gold medal improved.

Lillard, 30, is one of the most dynamic offensive players in basketball, coming off a season in which he averaged 28.8 points, 7.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 4.1 three-pointers made per game en route to his sixth All-Star nod.

He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team, marking the fourth straight year Lillard made the second team or better.

Lillard's commitment to Team USA is significant since three top-flight players have already opted out. Los Angeles Lakers teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as well as Miami Heat guard Jimmy Butler have removed themselves from consideration.

Barring something unforeseen, Lillard is a lock to make the team and play in the Olympics for the first time in his career.

In addition to Popovich's presence, Lillard said watching the 2008 United States men's basketball team win gold in Beijing inspired him to take part this year:

"I remember watching the Redeem Team and it looked so fun. So many stars on one team being able to just play together unselfishly and have fun. That team connected basketball with the best players in the world. It just looked like a great time and they looked so free of their normal responsibility on their NBA teams. I became very interested in USAB because of that. It means a lot to add this to experience and represent my family and country on a major stage that I have not been on."

Aside from Lillard being in and the likes of James, Davis and Butler being out, the makeup of Team USA for the Tokyo Games is essentially a mystery.

Some of the big-name players who are part of the pool and could be selected for the team are Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns guards Devin Booker and Chris Paul, and the Brooklyn Nets' trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.

Lillard and his teammates will look to lead the United States to its fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal later this summer in Tokyo.