Damian Lillard Claims a Spot on the MVP Radar

In seven full seasons in the NBA, Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has been a model of consistency. Averaging over 20 points per game every season after his rookie year, Lillard is the catalyst for a Blazers team that has made six-consecutive playoff berths.

Lillard routinely ranks within the top-ten of NBA MVP vote-getters, but he has never eclipsed a player like Russell Westbrook or Stephen Curry to make the end-of-season shortlist.

NBA.com’s Sekou Smith provided an updated look at this year’s MVP race and placed Lillard on a list of five players that could claim a spot in the discussion.

Lillard’s sixth-place finish in 2018-19 did justice to the Western Conference finals run he took the Blazers on. This may just be the beginning of the prime of “Dame Dolla’s” career. While many superstars have no hesitation about seeking the most desirable destination to play in, Lillard’s devotion to Portland’s quest will only enhance his case. Lillard is one of the best point guards in the league and if the Blazers challenge for a top seed in the West, he’ll stay in the top of the MVP chase, too.

Lillard joins Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, and Jimmy Butler on a list that includes four players from the stacked Northwest Division.

The Blazers star point guard is off to a strong start this season. Through two games, Lillard is averaging 33.5 points and 6.5 assists.

You can read Smith’s full post by clicking here.