Lillard is not returning to carry every possession, answer every criticism or rescue a roster that has not given him enough help. That was too often the expectation during his first Portland run. This team now has Ja Morant, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara and other players capable of taking real responsibility. Lillard’s expected role should be to make that talent more connected, more composed and more difficult to beat when games become tight.
