Deveney: NBA Scout Says Blazers G Damian Lillard "Needs To Improve His Playmaking"

Sean Deveney of SportingNews.com has some thoughts on Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard's rookie season.

Coming into the year, it seemed that the two best rookies, in terms of immediate impact, would be big man Anthony Davis and point guard Damian Lillard. That hasn't changed.

Had Davis been healthy, and had the Hornets not had a miserable year with injuries, he might have more of a chance at Rookie of the Year, which is all but Lillard's already. But long-term, Davis is still considered the franchise player.

"I think Lillard is a very solid piece," a Western Conference scout said. "He is quick, he is confident with the ball. He needs to improve his playmaking, but he is an excellent scorer. Davis is like any big guy, he is going to need a little more time. He is already showing me he is going to be one of the best defensive big men in the league, and soon."

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter