Just how good is Damian Lillard?! I'm sure most of us know the back story of how he lived in a tough neighborhood, went to a minor college, was knocked for being too one dimensional, etc, etc. but let's put a order of evolution of Dame's game. When Dame came into the league, he was considered a good shooter that lacked defense and didn't have an inside game. Now he has become a star that plays above average defense and is equally deadly from the inside as he is from outside. The scary good part about Dame is that he hasn't even reached his peak right now. Imagine how good he will be in 2 more years?! The slump he had mid season was a perfect storm because his game evolved to get into the paint and score, which leads to easier buckets for teammates. His court vision has become almost perfect, knowing when to pass it out to wide open options on either side of the court. If you've observed other stat related evolutions, please put them down. This kid is something special! We are so lucky to have him!
Going full Mags here... my theory is that Dame didn't actually even go into a slump! Teams are focusing their defensive schemes around him to try and keep the ball out of his hands. Dame has elevated his game to where that's not working anymore and the NBA is going to have to find a new weapon to try and beat him. Whoever said he'd peaked in college because he wasn't that athletic didn't take into account Dame is one of the smartest basketball players in the NBA. He just gets better with every challenge, we are really so lucky!!!
Uh, the dude was definitely in a shooting slump for a long portion of the current season. And he plays average defense. Not above average. Other star PG's can routinely score on Dame. However, he has evolved his drive and finish, his defense from his previous years, and his drive n dish. Needs to work on mid-range step back, jab step jumper, and cross-over jumper. And yes we are damn lucky to have him here!
Dame is actually playing above average defense; his DRtg is 103, which is 2.5 points below the league average of 105.5. Dame's defense is average on the Blazers, who have the 5th best DRtg in the league. Given how bad his defense used to be? To improve that much and keep his offense up as well is impressive as hell.
I say this half joking and half knowing that he absolutely could do it but I would like to see Lillard add that mid range jumper Chris Paul has mastered and the runner or floater the Tony Parker has. He really could become the most complete PG in the league if he puts his mind to it
He tossed in one of those floaters yesterday, so you know he's working on his mid-range game. The way that he's improved his ability to get to the basket and finish this season over his first two years shows me that there's little if anything Lillard can't do when he puts his mind to it. And I love the fact that he really works to establish his teammates first before looking for his own shot. Add me to the camp that says we're damned lucky to have him in a Blazers uniform.
What impresses me is how he finishes at the rim now. I remember last year how we would often cringe when he took it to the rack, waiting for the blocked shot or forced shot. Not now. No way now. Very impressive.
Last night was a clinic on finishing at the rim. I had stiffies all throughout the game. (check the game thread. hahaha.)
Anyone else notice that guy in the upper right corner of Wookee's signature is looking like he's about to eat Felton like Felton eats a donut?
Nah! Good SGs shoot way better. http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thompkl01.htm http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/matthwe02.html Damian has chucked up more long shots that either of these guys, just trailing in the make department by 40 some. So he has room to improve his assists a bunch when he realizes he plays with better shooter than self. The real trouble is, a good defensive coach knows exactly how to reduce his effectiveness along with the Blazers' offensive flow. Damian's stats point the way. http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lillada01.html
