Ever since the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the 2024-25 playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, they’ve become one of the NBA’s most talked-about franchises.
First came the speculation that Giannis Antetokounmpo might be eyeing a new home, then the shockwave that Milwaukee waived and stretched Damian Lillard’s contract to clear space for Pacers big man Myles Turner.
Now, Lillard is back in the headlines with an emphatic message to his former teammate, Jabari Walker.
How Damian Lillard’s Three-Word Message Captured the Basketball World’s Attention
On July 3, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Walker had agreed to a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Just days later, Walker took to Instagram to officially bid farewell to the Portland Trail Blazers, the team he had called home for the past three seasons.
Walker’s post included a touching message to the Blazers organization and fans, thanking them all, along with a series of photos from memorable moments during his stay in Portland.
“Thank you for three of the most meaningful years of my life,” Walker wrote. “You. all took a chance on a young kid from Inglewood, California, and gave me an opportunity to live out a dream that I’ve held since I picked up a basketball. To the front office, the coaches, the staff, my teammates, thank you for embracing me from the very beginning and helping me grow as a professional during my time here.
“And to RIP CITY, man, thank you!” wrote Walker as the caption of the post. “Y’all have showed me nothing but love since I got here. I’ll never forget the energy, the memories, and what it meant to wear Portland across my chest. Now it’s on to the next chapter… PHILLY, WHAT UP! I’m here, I’m hungry, and I’m ready to get to work. Let’s get it @sixers.”
Among those images was one with Lillard standing beside him, a clear nod to the bond they shared during their time as teammates. The veteran guard didn’t let that post go unnoticed. He reshared the photo on his Instagram Story with a powerful three-word message that instantly caught attention: “Keep goin Bari.”
The simple but meaningful words spoke volumes about the respect Lillard has for Walker’s journey. The two players shared the court for 36 games during their time together in Portland, building a connection that clearly extends beyond basketball.
Why Walker’s Development Makes Him a Perfect Fit for Philadelphia’s Championship Push
Walker, the 57th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, quietly developed into a solid rotation piece in Portland. In 188 career games with the Blazers, he averaged 6.2 points and 4.5 rebounds while playing 16.3 minutes per night.
His progression became more evident last season when he posted 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 12.5 minutes while shooting a career-best 38.9% from beyond the arc.
That three-point shooting improvement is exactly what makes Walker attractive to contending teams. His ability to stretch the floor while maintaining his rebounding instincts gives coaches flexibility in lineups. The 76ers saw that potential and moved quickly to secure his services on a two-way deal.
Walker’s mix of hustle, rebounding, and improving perimeter shooting gives Philadelphia a versatile frontcourt option. His ability to play both power forward and small-ball center could prove valuable, especially alongside a dominant big like Joel Embiid.
When Embiid needs rest or the team wants to go smaller, Walker can slide into that center role without losing too much defensively.
The timing works perfectly for both sides. Philadelphia needs depth after a disappointing playoff exit, while Walker gets a chance to prove himself on a team with championship aspirations. His work ethic and steady improvement in Portland suggest he’s ready for a bigger role.
As for Lillard, the veteran guard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds this past season before suffering a left Achilles injury in Game 4 of the Bucks-Pacers series.
This angle of a lonely Damian Lillard personally having a moment, mentally digesting his suspected Achilles tear, is devastating 💔
Lillard just returned from a blood clot injury.
Get well soon, Dame! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/fXkfQZdrsd
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) April 28, 2025
Since being waived, Lillard has drawn interest across the league, with recent reports indicating mutual interest between him and the Boston Celtics, fueled by his friendship with Jayson Tatum.
“Lillard has some interest in the Celtics, in part because of the close friendship he’s built with star forward Jayson Tatum,” wrote Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe in his report.
The veteran guard’s next destination remains uncertain, but his support for former teammates like Walker shows the leadership qualities that make him attractive to contending teams.
As Walker begins this new chapter with the 76ers, he carries with him not only the skills he developed in Portland but also the wisdom and support from respected veterans like Lillard. That three-word message might seem simple, but it represents the kind of mentorship that can make all the difference in a young player’s career.