From listening to fans spit rhymes with his #4BarFriday contest to letting them customize his shoes for Trail Blazers games via social media, it's hard to argue there's a more accessible superstar in the NBA than Portland's own Damian Lillard.

But where did Lillard learn the value and impact of being so accessible? For that, go back almost 12 years to when Steve Francis -- like Lillard now -- was one of the top point guards in the league.

Visiting Lillard's hometown of Oakland for a game against the Golden State Warriors, Francis did something that left a lasting impression on a young Lillard. During pre-game warmups, Francis let an onlooking Lillard come down to the court to fire off a three-pointer.

Though Lillard admits he airballed the shot, the moment is something he'll never forget -- even now as a two-time All-Star -- as fans look up to the 25-year-old as a role model.

The Trail Blazers point guard recalled the moment with "Stevie Franchise" and its lasting impact on him personally to Mashable's Sam Laird:

"I know how big of a deal that was to me. So I can only imagine what that kind of thing can do for a kid now because they're able to pay much more attention to us and connect with us way more today through social media."

Read more about Lillard's love for fans in Rip City and around the world on Mashable.