I'v never seen a #1 pick treated as badly as Oden by the refs. He was given ticky tack fouls left and right, something you expect from a rookie but the #1 pick usually gets some leeway.
I've never seen a rookie period treated as badly by the refs as Oden. Hell, even Meyers Leonard isn't as foul prone as Greg was.
I'd be happy to see Lillard focus on the offensive side of the ball, running an offense, scoring, etc. this season, then work on defense over the summer. With GP preferably.
Two things: Oden wasn't very fluid in his movements and tried to play defense. Secondly, Leonard is so far out of position most of the time, he's not even in a good position to foul.
After Friday's games, it looks like Lillard has moved up to #10 in scoring in the NBA at 20.17 per game. LaMarcus drops to #14 at 19.67 per game. Nicolas tied with Jamal Crawford at #15 with 19.17 per game.
Oden and Durant weren't rookies in the same season. Oden's rookie year was during KD's second year. It was Greg's fault. He was clumsy. Is Lillard in contention for an All Star berth now?
Talked to Billy Bayno tonight and he said they LOVE Dame! Said the kid just has it! Can't teach what he does!
gonna be tough if Lin is voted in - bumps everyone back a spot. probably 5 guards on team - paul, kobe, harden, westbrook, lin. would also have to beat out dragic who is playing well.
Interesting comparison. Although TP could score, I think Damian has more potential to be the focal point of the offense. Porter had such a great supporting cast he never had to be 'the man'. Hopefully after Damian brings the Blazers to the finals a couple of times like Porter did, then we can draw more comparisons.
[video=youtube;SgxlfpUKHEk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SgxlfpUKHEk[/video]
Those highlights are just crazy. A complete game. Outside, inside, mid-range.... he was scoring from all over. He looked so confident. This kid is going to be a star. No doubt about it.
I said it in the game thread, but I love that he has (rightfully so) confidence in his 3-ball, but when that's taken away he can slither into the paint for an assortment of mid-range jumpers. That's going to open up so much pretty soon, as defenders on the block learn that they have to come out on him, which will open up Leonard/LMA/Hickson for easy dunks and layins.
If it's not Lillards team by the trade deadline (if it isn't already), it will be his by next season.
Not to be a big poopy head, but when you're "guarded" by Luke Ridnour, and the double team (if it comes) is Kevin Love, you BETTER score.