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As preseason basketball returns for the Portland Trail Blazers it’s easy to take a look at the big picture for the season. How will things change? What surprises are in store? Trade Deadline! That’s all well and good, but being the giant nerd that I am - I wanted to know where Damian Lillard could end up in the all time rankings for Blazers by the end of the season.
When it comes to the Blazer’s record books, it’s not hard to believe that Clyde Drexler’s name sits atop many of the categories. However, Damian Lillard is really starting to make up ground on The Glide.
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By the end of the 2018-19 season, Lillard could rank in the Top 5 in all of the following categories: minutes played, points, field goals made, three pointers made and assists. This of course, is if things go according to plan.
Lillard has had a remarkably healthy and productive career thus far, playing all 82 games his first three years in the league and missing a total of 23 games over the last three years. With this is mind it’s a bit easier to project Lillard’s output for the season.
When it comes to games played, it’s going to be a while though until Lillard catches up to Drexler. He can however crack the Top 10 if he is a bit healthier than he’s been the last few seasons.
Then there’s the Blazer’s all-time scoring list. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that a lot of folks wouldn’t know that it’s LaMarcus Aldridge that sits behind Drexler in 2nd place right now. However, if Lillard can maintain his outstanding production then he can assume the mantle of... well 2nd most productive scorer Blazer’s history.
Much like a lot of Drexler’s records, Terry Porter is way out in front on the assists leaderboard. Yet again, Lillard has the chance to put himself on the podium here if his primary playmaking duties remain unchecked. It’s certainly not impossible to see Lillard atop this leaderboard and nearly every other guard-centric category for the Blazer’s all-time annals...if he re-ups in 2020 (or sooner). The only thing he really needs is time (and of course continued good health).