Lillard focused on 'what we can control' amid Olshey investigation
Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard says his focus remains on the court amid an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct by president of basketball operations and general manager Neil Olshey.
"The games continue. Our jobs continue. And that's all we can do," Lillard said following Saturday's 105-90 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
"That's what we can control is doing our job and being prepared, and me being here for 10 years now and being a big part of this organization and this team, it's my job to continue to do that the way that I have. And that's what I can control, and that's what I'll do."
The Blazers and owner Jody Allen announced Saturday that the team hired an outside firm to launch a "full, fair, and independent review" into allegations of improper conduct by non-player personnel at the team's practice facility.
At least one Trail Blazers employee reported misconduct allegations that prompted the investigation, multiple sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jason Quick.
Following an uncharacteristic slow start to the campaign, Lillard led all scorers with 25 points on 9-of-19 shooting in Saturday's win over the reeling Lakers. The six-time All-Star said all he can do is worry about the basketball side of things for the time being.
"I think the best way to lead is to focus on leading the team," Lillard said. "We play basketball, and my job is to be the point guard and the captain of this team. And to continue to do that."
Lillard, Blazers big man Jusuf Nurkic, and head coach Chauncey Billups were all asked about the investigation during the postgame press conference. Lillard claimed that "it was news to (him)," while Nurkic echoed those sentiments and added, "All I know is what everybody knows from the statement from the team. And I have (nothing) specific to add."
Portland hired Billups in June, and the coach received Olshey's complete support when the appointment was criticized due to a sexual assault allegation from 1997 against the former point guard. Critics widely maligned Olshey when he refused to answer questions about the accusations against Billups during a press conference in June.
"You know, it's a distraction because there's so much talk about it, obviously," Billups said Saturday. "But I can honestly say when I'm in that office, and with the guys, I don't think about that at all. Not even for a little bit. I'm focused on the game."
The Blazers hired Olshey as general manager in 2012 following his stint with the Los Angeles Clippers. Portland promoted him to president of basketball operations in 2015.