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The 2019 NBA Playoffs are still a month away, but ESPN columnist Zach Lowe says Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard looks more than ready today. Lowe feted Lillard in his weekly “10 Things I Like (and Don’t Like) About the NBA” column today.
Lowe’s praise centers around a video of Lillard confounding the Oklahoma City Thunder defense. Lowe cites Lillard’s evolution as a ball handler and scorer.
He has logged between 35.4 and 36.6 minutes per game for six seasons running. Every damn year, he averages around 26 points and seven assists on 37 percent-ish shooting from deep. He does not have down years.
He gets a little craftier with the ball every season -- more patient reading defenses, and smarter manipulating them.
After breaking down the video a little and bringing up Lillard’s prowess in the pick and roll, Lowe drops the hammer:
The playoffs will test him again. Right now, Lillard looks ready.
The column also examines the scoring greatness of Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, the traditional look of the Milwaukee Bucks offense, and the smarts of Spurs point guard Derrick White.