The only real similarity I see with Damon is the good three point shooting and that he dominated the ball a lot. Well, I guess he was something of a natural leader. A young Damon did play with Lillard-like speed. But he was a poor defender, short, and very limited athletically. I wasn't that impressed with Lillard's defense in SL, but at least he has the length and size to be a good defender, and he's definitely much more athletic. Really, Lillard reminds me of all the things that have frustrated me about Portland PG's over the past 15 years: - He's got the outside shot I wished Dre, Sergio and Strickland had - He's got the size and a few brain cells I wished Damon had - He's got the upside I wished Telfair and Jack had - He's got the ability to penetrate that I wished Greg Anthony had - He's got the ability to set up others that I wished Bayless had He reminds me of everything I've been wanting in a PG for a long time.
You listed a lot of reasons why they aren't the same, and "shoot-first" was the only similarity.. Why else would you compare them?
I like his "raw material" but I wish we could let this kid play without burdening him with 20 years of fan frustration.
I've seen a few posters use Terry Porter as an comparison, but I don't see that at all. IMO, Lillard is much more athletic, faster and quicker than TP. Terry got by more on his toughness and strength. We'll see if Lillard puts it all together to become as successful as Terry was.
I don't think he reads this board at all, so I don't see it as me "burdening" him. I'm really excited about what he can do based on the games I've seen him in. Everything I saw in SL seems like it'd easily translate to the NBA level. I admit I could be wrong, but that's true with every post on this board. If he doesn't live up to my evaluation, well, that says a lot more about me than it does him doesn't it?
I doubt he reads this message board too (or any) and I'm not criticizing you. But I am wondering how people are going to react when he goes through what are likely some major growing pains his first couple of years in the league? Don't get me wrong, I get it; the Blazers have basically been playing with ad-hoc point guards since Rod Strickland, and even he had his warts. It would be amazing if this kid turns out to be "the one" ... it's been a long time coming.
From what I understand Gilbert was crazy the day he arrived in the league. Among stories I heard were that he rode prized rookie Mike Dunleavy ragged with pranks and general harassment. I guess he developed a love of hitting MD in the face with food, especially pizza. From what I've been told his behavior split the GSW locker room On the floor he was a hell of a talent before the knee injuries. Dude could create for his jumper, but he also averaged 10 FT a game for a season. I'd love this on court comparison to hold water STOMP
Said it before and I'll say it again, CP3. Change of pace, athleticism, love the pick n roll, can finish around the room, nice jumper, sweet crossover, good vision.
Rose- 6'3" 190 lbs Westbrook- 6'3" 187 lbs Lilard- 6'3" 195 lbs Why do the first 2 seem so much bigger?
Maybe it's because we don't have any memories of Lillard on a big national stage? I remember watching Rose and Westbrook that year and how fast and physical they were in the tournament ... With Lillard most of our first looks are seeing him matched up against a bunch of grown-ass men in Summer League and almost nothing but guys with either NBA bodies or at least enough ability to get a consideration. I'm anxious to see what he looks like next to Russell Westbrook in a game this year; the comparison isn't completely fair, because RW has been in an NBA weight and conditioning program for several years while Lillard just got done at mighty Weber State, but it should be instructive.
