So now that we've had a few games to look at

I have a feeling he will come down to earth a bit. Scouts will start to figure out his game.

 

Stotts' offense will help, as you already pointed out. LMA and Nic need to have big games to pad those assists on pick and roll/pick and dish plays, and Wes needs to shoot over 40% from 3. If that happens, I think 7 apg is completely realistic. The scoring may be more difficult. Even on Saturday, Lillard "only" had 12 points until he took over in OT.

 

That's a good solution, but Stotts puts Lillard in with the backups to provide the scoring and passing while the starters are getting the rest. When he is with that lineup it really is best he just shoots everytime and doesn't ever pass the ball.

 

I was also wondering why Magic Johnson had such a low assist/game number (relatively speaking), but it must have been because Norm Nixon dominated the ball until later in that season. After checking, that's exactly what happened. Nixon averaged 8 apg that season.

 

Another good point. If LMA and Nic are out, Lillard is the only other player on the roster that can either create offense out of a double-team, or in the case of Lillard with the bench, even create his own shot.

 

I hope he doesn't level out. I'm hoping he increases! Homer talking!

 

His teammates and coaches need to constantly remind him of just how important his development is. I would have everyone telling him every practice. If he can somehow get to the level of CP3; we are in very very good shape! He needs to time and focus to develop into that type of player. I am grateful everyday that Nate is out. At least we have a coach that understands that our youth needs time to develop; even if it may cost us a couple games right now.

 

It's the assists that make those numbers so rare. Rookies can put up points, that's the easier part of the equation, but to average over 8 assists per game as a rookie is unheard of simply because I think it takes a point guard a season or two to get the flow of the game. Maybe it's also something to do with his teammates learning to be ready for the passes and such.