I see some grousing about this so I want to know who thinks which way on the whole Lillard Leader thing.
Booooooo.... Absolutely a good leader. Because he has forced some shots his leadership is questioned? I think the guy sealed the coffin on this thread when he got all thew newcomers together early? That is rare leadership right there. We should trade him... We cant win with him as a leader...
Darth: Good Sith or Bad Jedi? Wasn't that grousing by one person, in the game thread? I guess we will find out!
I think he has been ordained the leader by Blazer brass. I think he considers himself a leader and so far, he's showing to the world he's a leader. He's far from perfect but at least he's taking it seriously. It's his team. Period. I get frustrated when he jacks up a quick...and deep...three. But, as far as I'm concerned, that's his prerogative. I've never met or heard of a good leader that didn't make a boneheaded move or three. Good leaders learn from failure. He's never missed a game in his career. He plays with pain...including the current torn finger nail. He respects the game and works extremely hard at his skills. He's a good teammate who doesn't piss those mates off by trying to bend them to his will by being an asshole, ala Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Dame's the most well known and marketable Blazer (outside the state) and since Clyde Drexler. He has a great deal of respect around the league from players and management alike. He keeps his nose clean and reps the city, the fans and the game exceedingly well. And he's proven that basketball players (especially young black players from tough backgrounds) can have other options and opportunities outside the game if they choose to apply themselves. He regularly gives of himself to the communities of Portland, Oakland and Ogden. He plays on a team of young newbies of indeterminate talent and even more indeterminate confidence. If he doesn't step up and lead the way, who does? The man has the heart of a lion. And how much more proof and how many examples does a reasonable person need anyway. The guy is a leader. The guy is THE leader. All you doubters and haters need to get over it. Time to move on...
This has obviously stemmed from my comments in the game thread. I absolutely question Dames 'Leadrship' in the example he sets in taking poor, forced shots. Not his overall Leadership. Just because I question one aspect of his game, and identify it as detrimental to the team, does not mean I think he is terrible in all other facets of his game, or is a terrible leader. He is a positive influence in all other facets of his role within this organization, therefore I voted 'Good Leader'.
I know I'm going to get slammed, but people say Hitler was a great leader. Doesn't make it right, doesn't make it good, but some people have leadership qualities that the mass of followers will follow, better or worse.
Maybe do some commercials like Penny Hardaway. Instead of 'Little Penny' - 'Little Hitler'. Hitler getting on the good foot. . .
Dame does take bad shots from time to time. I kind of called him on it in a game early in the season. He didn't take many shots I would consider questionable the next few games, and with most scorers, you have to expect some now or then. I think Lillard is a young guy who still is learning. But he seems to be getting better. He's looking to involve his teammates more most games. I think the fact that he set an example with agreeing to the contract and then bringing all the guys together clinches it for me that he's a good leader. A good leader doesn't have to be a perfect player.
This thread stems from Will using the word "leader" once while criticizing Lillard's long missed shots. See this thread, posts 289 to 300. http://www.sportstwo.com/posts/3761430/
What is the definition of "to question leadership?" No one questions that Lillard's the point guard. A point guard can't help but lead, since he distributes the ball. His teammates run around sneaking peaks at him in case he tosses it their way. Even if he's a drunkard after the game, how can a point guard not lead on the court? Besides, the real leader is the Coach. The player leader is play-acting at leading, while simply backing up the coach. Assistant coaches do the same, and no one calls any of them the leader. So no one questions whether any team's point guard is play-acting at being the team's leader.
Dude is deadly from deep. He shoots when he has space. Im pretty sure thats what coach wants. He cant make them all. Get the fuck over it.
"Leadership" in in any sport is about holding yourself accountable and elevating the play of your teammates. Does Damian do this? I guess so? But honestly I don't really know since I'm not privy to the inner workings of the locker room. All we get to see is that he is shouldering an enormous offensive burden this year without LaMarcus and he seems to be doing a balancing act trying to find the sweet spot between being too selfish and not selfish enough, but no matter what he does this is not a very talented team. If you judge his "leadership" by the wins and losses column or some questionable shot selection at times you are going to be disappointed, but if this team shows a lot of fight and grit throughout the season, even in the face of mounting losses and disappointment, then you'll have a pretty good barometer for what kind of a leader he is.
