[KingPapasParticipant]

No one would have thought after LaMarcus Aldridge left that Portland would be competing for a playoff spot.

If there was no Stephen Curry, Daminan Lillard 3 point shooting would be appreciated on an historical level more. Since curry is re-writing the record books no one shines light on Lillard.

– He has been snubbed the past 2 all star games(made last years as injury replacement)
– Cut early in the process for Team USA last year before.

I think he is better then Kyrie Irving at this point. Where does he rank among point guards in the league???

[HazelParticipant]

I would pick

1) Curry

2) Lilliard

3) Wall

4) Westbrook

I like skill over athleticism, but would take both.  I like passing as much as shooting, and Curry is elite at both.  Lilliard is able to make teammates better to a greater degree than Wall and Westbrook, and that is the biggest thing.  Sometimes we think of passing as the only way to do that, but the psycological aspect is a big deal.  Lilliard really gives teammates confidence just like Curry and Duncan (the all-time greatest at this.).  

Another way to make teammates better that we have just started to realize is by being acurate well beyond the three point line.  Both Lillard and Curry are just as dangerous from 30 ft as 24 feet.  That extra six feet you have to guard them creates monster passing, driving and cutting lanes and spreads the floor because of their "gravity".  

Those things are why I belive McCollum has improved his numbers more than any player in recent memory over one season.  It is also why guys like Crabbe, Aminu, Leonard, Plumblee, Vonleh, and Harkless are so effective when they weren’t in the past.  

Truth be told, though, I think that I would put McCollum in my top ten as well.  

I don’t mention Paul, because I just can’t stand how his game is so focused on foiling the refs and drawing fouls.  They are actually thinking about putting in a rule change so he can’t back into trailing players to draw a foul.  Plus I don’t think he would be fun to play with.  Too in-your-face all the time.  All that ends up wearing on teammates and then when playoffs roll around, you aren’t getting the type of teamwork the Warriors, Spurs, and Blazers have.  

No Kyrie for similar reasons to Paul plus he can’t stay healthy.  Both a little too ball dominant for my liking in today’s game. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[HazelParticipant]

I would pick

1) Curry

2) Lilliard

3) Wall

4) Westbrook

I like skill over athleticism, but would take both.  I like passing as much as shooting, and Curry is elite at both.  Lilliard is able to make teammates better to a greater degree than Wall and Westbrook, and that is the biggest thing.  Sometimes we think of passing as the only way to do that, but the psycological aspect is a big deal.  Lilliard really gives teammates confidence just like Curry and Duncan (the all-time greatest at this.).  

Another way to make teammates better that we have just started to realize is by being acurate well beyond the three point line.  Both Lillard and Curry are just as dangerous from 30 ft as 24 feet.  That extra six feet you have to guard them creates monster passing, driving and cutting lanes and spreads the floor because of their "gravity".  

Those things are why I belive McCollum has improved his numbers more than any player in recent memory over one season.  It is also why guys like Crabbe, Aminu, Leonard, Plumblee, Vonleh, and Harkless are so effective when they weren’t in the past.  

Truth be told, though, I think that I would put McCollum in my top ten as well.  

I don’t mention Paul, because I just can’t stand how his game is so focused on foiling the refs and drawing fouls.  They are actually thinking about putting in a rule change so he can’t back into trailing players to draw a foul.  Plus I don’t think he would be fun to play with.  Too in-your-face all the time.  All that ends up wearing on teammates and then when playoffs roll around, you aren’t getting the type of teamwork the Warriors, Spurs, and Blazers have.  

No Kyrie for similar reasons to Paul plus he can’t stay healthy.  Both a little too ball dominant for my liking in today’s game. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[JDB12Participant]

 You’re really going to put Lillard and Wall ahead of Westbrook? That’s the life decision you’re making right now? Bold. Both are great players, but still… Bold.

[JDB12Participant]

 You’re really going to put Lillard and Wall ahead of Westbrook? That’s the life decision you’re making right now? Bold. Both are great players, but still… Bold.

[HazelParticipant]

If I am picking teams yes.  

Westbrook is arguably better today I know, but I don’t think his game will age as well.  If I am picking a player for the next three years only.  I would put Westbrook above those guys.  They are younger though  and shooting and passing ages better than rim wrecking.  

Westbrook is AMAZING with the ball in his hands.  If anyone else has the ball, he becomes a poor floor spacer at 29% 3pt %

Also, Lilliard plays off the ball a fair amount with McCollum  and opens up the floor for him.  At 37% 3pt % and having made more threes than anyone in the history of the NBA over the first three years of their career, he is the closest thing to Curry there is.  He can effect the game just as much standing near half court as he can with the ball in his hands, just like Curry.  That matters on a team.  That is why OKC sort of feels like Westbrook playing like a man possessed and everyone else trying to fit around him.    If Westbrook gives the ball to Durant, his man sags to the free-throw line.  Not Curry or Lilliard, their man has heels on the three point line.  

So if I am picking teams, I can do more with that skillset for my team and for longer.  That’s all. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[lalailaParticipant]

 shooting and PASSING ages better yeah??

 

Do you realize Westbrook averages over 10assists  and only gets better and better with this skill?

Rebounding, Strength are also things that wont be gone after 30 birthday. He will be alright

 

 

 

[lalailaParticipant]

 shooting and PASSING ages better yeah??

 

Do you realize Westbrook averages over 10assists  and only gets better and better with this skill?

Rebounding, Strength are also things that wont be gone after 30 birthday. He will be alright

 

 

 

[HazelParticipant]

If I am picking teams yes.  

Westbrook is arguably better today I know, but I don’t think his game will age as well.  If I am picking a player for the next three years only.  I would put Westbrook above those guys.  They are younger though  and shooting and passing ages better than rim wrecking.  

Westbrook is AMAZING with the ball in his hands.  If anyone else has the ball, he becomes a poor floor spacer at 29% 3pt %

Also, Lilliard plays off the ball a fair amount with McCollum  and opens up the floor for him.  At 37% 3pt % and having made more threes than anyone in the history of the NBA over the first three years of their career, he is the closest thing to Curry there is.  He can effect the game just as much standing near half court as he can with the ball in his hands, just like Curry.  That matters on a team.  That is why OKC sort of feels like Westbrook playing like a man possessed and everyone else trying to fit around him.    If Westbrook gives the ball to Durant, his man sags to the free-throw line.  Not Curry or Lilliard, their man has heels on the three point line.  

So if I am picking teams, I can do more with that skillset for my team and for longer.  That’s all. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[Winning_TimeParticipant]

 You know the mans gotta be underrated when a thread about how underrated he is spells his name wrong twice lol

[Winning_TimeParticipant]

 You know the mans gotta be underrated when a thread about how underrated he is spells his name wrong twice lol

[TheGuyParticipant]

 Yes better than Kyrie, this season Lillard has shown he can lead his team as a lone all-star to the playoffs. Kyrie never came close to doing that before LeBron (granted Kyrie was still young and the Cavs were awful, but he didn’t make his teammates better). Plus Damian is a true leader, he really energizes his team with how intense he plays. However, Lillard still ranks behind Curry, Paul and Westbrook for me, but he’s right there with them. He and John Wall are about equal to me, but I’ll take Lillard and his superior shooting and scoring. Obviously his game is remarkable but I’ve been really amazed by the way he’s galvanized his team, he might not be quite the assist man like some other PGs but his leadership gets his team to play better.

[TheGuyParticipant]

 Yes better than Kyrie, this season Lillard has shown he can lead his team as a lone all-star to the playoffs. Kyrie never came close to doing that before LeBron (granted Kyrie was still young and the Cavs were awful, but he didn’t make his teammates better). Plus Damian is a true leader, he really energizes his team with how intense he plays. However, Lillard still ranks behind Curry, Paul and Westbrook for me, but he’s right there with them. He and John Wall are about equal to me, but I’ll take Lillard and his superior shooting and scoring. Obviously his game is remarkable but I’ve been really amazed by the way he’s galvanized his team, he might not be quite the assist man like some other PGs but his leadership gets his team to play better.

[ballislyfe25Participant]

In terms of raw skill and ability, Lillard and Kyrie are close but when it comes to IQ and feel for the game/making the right play, Lillard is a clear step above Kyrie. 

It feels weird to knock Kyrie’s game because he is so talented for a young player and could have easily changed the outcome of the 2015 Finals, but I’d take Big Game Dame.

[ballislyfe25Participant]

In terms of raw skill and ability, Lillard and Kyrie are close but when it comes to IQ and feel for the game/making the right play, Lillard is a clear step above Kyrie. 

It feels weird to knock Kyrie’s game because he is so talented for a young player and could have easily changed the outcome of the 2015 Finals, but I’d take Big Game Dame.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Curry is in a class by himself this season and Westbrook is the clear-cut number 2. After that, I think it’s open to debate between Paul, lillard and wall. I still think Paul gets a slight nod over the other 2 because he’s more solid defensively but you could make the argument for lillard the way he’s carried Portland this season.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Curry is in a class by himself this season and Westbrook is the clear-cut number 2. After that, I think it’s open to debate between Paul, lillard and wall. I still think Paul gets a slight nod over the other 2 because he’s more solid defensively but you could make the argument for lillard the way he’s carried Portland this season.

[Lebron’s HairlineParticipant]

 Let’s give credit to McCollum too. He’s helped a lot with his tremendous improvement this season

[Lebron’s HairlineParticipant]

 Let’s give credit to McCollum too. He’s helped a lot with his tremendous improvement this season

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Underrated by whos standards ? he is on a lot of commercials, has a signature sure that kids actually buy. Max salary and shoots anytime he wants, I think that fans knows his worth. I just think personally that his mouth got him in trouble and people want him to kiss azz something that hes not going to do .

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Underrated by whos standards ? he is on a lot of commercials, has a signature sure that kids actually buy. Max salary and shoots anytime he wants, I think that fans knows his worth. I just think personally that his mouth got him in trouble and people want him to kiss azz something that hes not going to do .

[Kokayne_DawkinzParticipant]

 10 years ago guys like Brandon Knight, Mike Conley, and Jrue Holiday would be perineal all stars at a time where guys like Mike James , Rafer Alston and Derrick Fisher were starters. We are in a golden era of point guards someone is bound to get overlooked 

[Kokayne_DawkinzParticipant]

 10 years ago guys like Brandon Knight, Mike Conley, and Jrue Holiday would be perineal all stars at a time where guys like Mike James , Rafer Alston and Derrick Fisher were starters. We are in a golden era of point guards someone is bound to get overlooked 

[DanielcmccartyParticipant]

 Westbrook is the best two way point guard overall. Best defender of any of the point guards listed. 

[DanielcmccartyParticipant]

 Westbrook is the best two way point guard overall. Best defender of any of the point guards listed. 

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 I see him around top 6 behind guys like Curry, Westbrook, Paul, Lowry, Wall then Lillard. The top3 PG’s happens to be in the west so it is really easy for him to get snubbed and be overlooked. Unless something happens to one of those guards, I can see him being snubbed over and over again, which is sad because he is freaking talented.

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 I see him around top 6 behind guys like Curry, Westbrook, Paul, Lowry, Wall then Lillard. The top3 PG’s happens to be in the west so it is really easy for him to get snubbed and be overlooked. Unless something happens to one of those guards, I can see him being snubbed over and over again, which is sad because he is freaking talented.

[DanielcmccartyParticipant]

You would take Lowry over Wall and Lillard? 

[DanielcmccartyParticipant]

You would take Lowry over Wall and Lillard? 

[oogellsParticipant]

 Lillard at least trys on defense now, but he still gets fukin toasted on the pick n roll. There is hope as Steph Curry has improved his d from Lillard like levels to at least competent now against top guards. For Portland to make the next step they are going to need rim protection, which is while it was so crazy for them to chase after Greg Monroe. Theres a chance Myers Leonard becomes that guy, but I certainly wouldn’t want to pay his free agent salary to find out.

[oogellsParticipant]

 Lillard at least trys on defense now, but he still gets fukin toasted on the pick n roll. There is hope as Steph Curry has improved his d from Lillard like levels to at least competent now against top guards. For Portland to make the next step they are going to need rim protection, which is while it was so crazy for them to chase after Greg Monroe. Theres a chance Myers Leonard becomes that guy, but I certainly wouldn’t want to pay his free agent salary to find out.

[CynthiaParticipant]

To call Lillard underrated is very subjective. Why? Because among people like us, people who are more along the lines of super fans, we all know him quite well and most of us would put him around the top 5 of point guards and possibly around the top 25 of active players in general. However, to the average casual basketball fan; most have probably never even heard of him.

He’s definitely not a household name by any means, but I think that has less to do with him being personally underrated as much as the Portland Trailblazers being unknown as a whole. I have friends who are basketball "fans" that used to think Portland & Seattle were the same team. For years Portland has been one of those middle of the road teams that have gotten lost in mediocrity, they are perhaps one of the most forgettable teams in the NBA, at least amongst the casual fans I mean. But oh well, more Lillard for us!

[CynthiaParticipant]

To call Lillard underrated is very subjective. Why? Because among people like us, people who are more along the lines of super fans, we all know him quite well and most of us would put him around the top 5 of point guards and possibly around the top 25 of active players in general. However, to the average casual basketball fan; most have probably never even heard of him.

He’s definitely not a household name by any means, but I think that has less to do with him being personally underrated as much as the Portland Trailblazers being unknown as a whole. I have friends who are basketball "fans" that used to think Portland & Seattle were the same team. For years Portland has been one of those middle of the road teams that have gotten lost in mediocrity, they are perhaps one of the most forgettable teams in the NBA, at least amongst the casual fans I mean. But oh well, more Lillard for us!

[Da1potParticipant]

 He is rated fairly…. He is averaging stats similar to what Gilbert Arenas had when he was a all-star starter for the East. Westbrook and Curry have both taken it to another level this season by improving their efficiency even greater with Westbrook rising up to 46% fgp and Curry being over 50%. Lillard is only shooting 42% from the field right now with only 7 assists. He attempts over 8 threes per game at only a 37% clip. Not the worst, but probably too much for any player that is not Curry or Klay Thompson. He is a better scorer than John Wall and Chris Paul (19ppg apiece), but both are better defenders and distributors by a longshot.

Lillard should stop taking so many contested threes and drive and dish more to improve his efficiency. He shoots 86% from the line but only goes 5 times a game.

Also, lets not forget about Isaiah Thomas! He’s in the mix now too!!!

It may be a point guard’s league, but for the first time in 30 years, there are 3 players in the top ten for assists that aren’t even point guards- James Harden, Lebron James and Draymond Green.

 

 

 

[Da1potParticipant]

 He is rated fairly…. He is averaging stats similar to what Gilbert Arenas had when he was a all-star starter for the East. Westbrook and Curry have both taken it to another level this season by improving their efficiency even greater with Westbrook rising up to 46% fgp and Curry being over 50%. Lillard is only shooting 42% from the field right now with only 7 assists. He attempts over 8 threes per game at only a 37% clip. Not the worst, but probably too much for any player that is not Curry or Klay Thompson. He is a better scorer than John Wall and Chris Paul (19ppg apiece), but both are better defenders and distributors by a longshot.

Lillard should stop taking so many contested threes and drive and dish more to improve his efficiency. He shoots 86% from the line but only goes 5 times a game.

Also, lets not forget about Isaiah Thomas! He’s in the mix now too!!!

It may be a point guard’s league, but for the first time in 30 years, there are 3 players in the top ten for assists that aren’t even point guards- James Harden, Lebron James and Draymond Green.

 

 

 

[mamadouParticipant]

Damine isn’t under rated, he’s an all star caliber talent since day 1, then he wins games or he don’t, Curry, westB and Paul are on his way, Thompson, Harden as guards, Paul is the lone thirty of the bunch.

Daminan wasn’t even an all star snub, easy to say it now, when they won 11 of their last 12 games, when he’s averaging 30 and 8 but at some points they were 11-20, 15-24, probably 7 games under 0,500 when the coaches made the reserves selection, he was competing with the nuggets and kings at that time, he wasn’t overachieving…

What’s the surprise with Lillard averaging 20 FGA and 25 pts per game with that roster ?,  when his 3 frontcourt starters are averaging 23 pts…less than Aldridge last season.

He was a legit 20+ pts scorer in a 50+ wins team with a 45+ pts frontcourt.

He’s a legit 25+ pts scorer when McCollum is his side kick.

Perennial top 15, 10, 5 scorer, all star caliber, all star, not all nba though.

Kyrie minus the flu game is averaging 26,4 pts 5,7 assists 53+% FG in his last 10, pretty much his old self, he’s still 23 but yeah he’s not a true PG…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

[mamadouParticipant]

Damine isn’t under rated, he’s an all star caliber talent since day 1, then he wins games or he don’t, Curry, westB and Paul are on his way, Thompson, Harden as guards, Paul is the lone thirty of the bunch.

Daminan wasn’t even an all star snub, easy to say it now, when they won 11 of their last 12 games, when he’s averaging 30 and 8 but at some points they were 11-20, 15-24, probably 7 games under 0,500 when the coaches made the reserves selection, he was competing with the nuggets and kings at that time, he wasn’t overachieving…

What’s the surprise with Lillard averaging 20 FGA and 25 pts per game with that roster ?,  when his 3 frontcourt starters are averaging 23 pts…less than Aldridge last season.

He was a legit 20+ pts scorer in a 50+ wins team with a 45+ pts frontcourt.

He’s a legit 25+ pts scorer when McCollum is his side kick.

Perennial top 15, 10, 5 scorer, all star caliber, all star, not all nba though.

Kyrie minus the flu game is averaging 26,4 pts 5,7 assists 53+% FG in his last 10, pretty much his old self, he’s still 23 but yeah he’s not a true PG…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

[CasualCelt]

 most overrated defender.

 

 

[CasualCelt]

 most overrated defender.

 

 

[Author]

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