Damian Lillard name-dropped Immanuel Quickley in new rap album

When he’s not drilling walk-off, series-winning three-pointers, or pretending that he’s content with mediocrity in Portland, NBA All-Star Damian Lillard moonlights as a rap artist. We use the term “rap artist” lightly, though — mainly because of bars like the one we’re about talk about.

Lillard — whose rap name is Dame D.O.L.L.A. — released his fifth studio album titled Don D.O.L.L.A. on Thursday. In the 15-song tracklist, there’s a song called “My Daddy’s Son” where the 33-year-old point guard name-drops someone that the Big Blue Nation is quite familiar with: former Kentucky shooting guard turned budding New York Knicks star, Immanuel Quickley.

You can check out the IQ-laced bar below.

I should start selling a manual
I’m like Kyrie with the handle
Gucci from head to the sandals
$51 Million, that’s annual
Get to it quickly, Immanuel
I’m too real to be canceled

My Daddy’s Son (Don D.O.L.L.A.)

Damian Lillard shoutout out Immanuel Quickley in his new album, “Don D.O.L.L.A”:

“Gucci from head to the sandals, $51 Million, that’s annual, get to it quickly, Immanuel, I’m too real to be cancelled.”

Real recognize real! 🎤🔥@IQ_GodSon / @Dame_Lillard pic.twitter.com/1sGmDhv8rw

— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) August 18, 2023

We could discuss for hours whether or not that bar is hot garbage (it is), but I’m going to use this moment as an excuse to hype up Quickley instead.

This wasn’t a random name-drop, as far as I can tell. Lillard and Quickley appear to have at least some sort of relationship together. When Quickley was in contention for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award down the stretch of the 2022-23 season, Lillard actually sent out a tweet in support of Quickley taking home the honor. Ultimately, Quickley finished second behind Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon, but it’s always cool to see someone as talented as Lillard recognizing the up-and-coming talent.

After spending two seasons at Kentucky and winning SEC Player of the Year as a sophomore, Quickley is about to enter his fourth season in the NBA — all with the New York Knicks. It was a slight shock when the 24-year-old sharpshooter heard his name called in the first round of the 2020 Draft, but he’s been exceeding expectations ever since.

Quickley has improved in all three seasons as a pro so far, highlighted by a career campaign in ’22-23. Appearing in 81 games for the Knicks this past season (21 as a starter), the Maryland native averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 28.9 minutes per game on shooting splits of 44.8/37.0/81.9. He was even better as a starter, too.

The next question surrounding the former Wildcat is whether or not the Knicks will elect to pay him a massive bag or trade him.

As of this summer, Quickley is eligible to sign a long-term extension with the Knicks. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has previously reported that IQ could garner a deal consisting of $20 million per season. Others have mentioned that Quickley and his circle believe the figure could reach as high as $25-27 million per season. Considering there are updated rules in the NBA’s new CBA that look to curb big-spending franchises, that $5-7 million difference could be the reason New York elects to ship him elsewhere.

Regardless, Quickley is in line for a giant payday. Expect an even better season from him in 2023-24 as he looks to lock in a multi-year deal.