Lillard, DeRozan release similar tweets on ‘Last Home Stand’ cancellation

MANILA, Philippines – Two of the NBA guests who were expected to play in the exhibition match between Gilas-Pilipinas and NBA stars for PLDT Home’s ‘Last Home Stand’ have tweeted nearly identical statements explaining their side on the event’s disappointing cancellation.

On Thursday morning (PH time), July 24, Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors All-Stars Damian Lillard and Demar DeRozan sent out identical statements about how much they were looking forward to helping PLDT boss Manny V. Pangilinan and the rest of the events crew to raise funds for those victimized by Typhoon Yolanda.

Furthermore, both stars also said that they look forward to returning to Manila “next year” and participating in clinics, appearances, and a possible game against members of Gilas.

…I was really looking forward to working with and playing vs Gilas to help them get ready for the World Cup…

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 24, 2014

…I was really looking forward to working with and playing vs Gilas to help them to get ready for the World Cup…

— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) July 24, 2014

Lillard and DeRozan were two of the NBA stars in Manila a few days ago who were scheduled to participate against players of Gilas Pilpinas, but the game was cancelled at the last minute because the agency in charge of the event was unable to secure permission from the NBA to let its players play.

The league threatened to sanction the NBA players with fines and suspensions if they were to continue with the game, according to multiple reports. 

Though the actions of Lillard and DeRozan were well-intended, some have been critical of the similarity of both players’ statements, presuming that what was tweeted was prepared by Aaron Goodwin, who happens to be the agent of both Lillard and DeRozan. 

Goodwin, a 20-year sports agent veteran and the CEO of Goodwin Sports Management, also represents Houston Rockets rookie Nick Johnson, another NBA guest that was expected to participate in Manila but did not even make the trip.

Hey guys, I was really looking forward to working with and playing vs Gilas and to help them to get ready for the World Cup

— Nick Johnson (@iRocket3) July 24, 2014

Johnson also took to Twitter about the same time Lillard and DeRozan did, saying nearly the same idea though with the use of different terms. – Rappler.com

See related stories: 

• Exhibition game between Gilas, NBA All-Stars cancelled
• Events for Day 2 of ‘Last Home Stand’ cancelled
• MVP, PLDT take responsibility for Last Home Stand disaster
• NBA: Last Home Stand organizers ‘did not take required steps’
• How to claim ‘Last Home Stand’ refunds

Read more stories on the Last Home Stand issue here.