Lillard is wayyyyyyyy better than "Billups in his third year"

It's all semantics to me. Chances are they kind of forgot that Chauncey didn't really bloom until even a couple of years after that. If you look at the spirit of the compliment (and yes it is in fact a compliment), what they were saying is that Lillard as a rookie has the poise and control of Billups after a few years in the league.

Christ some of you people kill me.

 

plus 1

 

Lillard, reminds me a little of Gary Payton, all be it Lil has a much better shot than Gary when he came into the NBA.

Lillard also reminds me somewhat of Rondo. Lillard is not as strong or big as Rondo but similar in manner.

If he continues to grow his game, he will be one of the great ones!

 

Word.

 

Billups was a great defender. Also, I seem to recall Billups playing in the post a bit - I haven't seen that from Lillard (yet). I think it'd be great if Lillard develops into a Billups-like PG. I much prefer strong, steady PGs to fast PGs who rely on athleticism - athleticism can be taken away in the blink of an eye.

 

Good post. I couldn't agree more. it will be interested to see how Rose bounces back from his injury. Regardless he will still be good, but he did rely a lot on his quickness. He may have to adapt if he lost any.

 

Yup - I'll be interested to see how he does too. I was never a fan of his - mainly because I saw him getting by on athleticism instead of skill. He'll probably still be a top 10 PG, but depending on how much athleticism he lost and how much he's able to adapt to that, he could really fall in the ranks. If he can't blow by a defender what's he going to do?

 

Frankly I think we're all trying too hard trying to come up with his nearest comp. He's not Payton, he's not necessarily Billups 2.0, he's nothing at all like Rondo, what he is however is a very smooth and savvy player, an honest to god, good NBA lead guard who still has a long ways to go before you can say he's a complete player or a fully finished product.

Enjoy the ride.

 

I like your thinking. Why does he have to be compared to anyone? I think he just plays sound fundamental basketball. He is exactly what we need for a PGOTF.

 

He's just refreshingly good. It's hard not to project and compare, but all I know is I haven't felt this good about our PG since Porter.

 

If he were just like someone before him, it would be clear and we'd be done talking about it. He's his own player, with certain traits similar to a host of others who have played the game, yet in his own unique package. That's enough for me. Honestly, there was one Payton, one Thomas, one Jerry West, one Big O, one Nash, one Stockton .... and one Damian Lillard. The book on how he stacks up career-wise has yet to be written. Like Niko said, enjoy the ride.

 

Agreed. It just looks like he's got a complete toolbox, and he's a quick learner too.

Honestly, I don't mind the Billups comparison at all. It's the demeanor and skills, but possibly a better stroke too. I'm glad his game doesn't feel like it's predicated on athleticism, because I don't want him to blow out his ACL. He's got a nice happy medium going on.

 

A shorter version of Goose Tatum.