NBA: Player Rankings – Week 8

9. Damian Lillard (PG, Portland Trail Blazers) 

Dec 21, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) dives for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Moda Center. The Blazers won the game 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Aldridge’s partner in crime, Damian Lillard, is also responsible for the Blazers fantastic run so far this season. As time goes on, people are beginning to realize that both Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers are for real. This season Lillard is averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game while posting a PER of 20.59, which ranks 7th among point guards. Along with fellow bash brother LaMarcus Aldridge, Lillard is showing that he is in no sophomore slump as he enters his second season, but is here to stay and plans on being part of the elite players group. His ability to hit clutch shots and buzzer beaters is something the Blazers surely enjoy. With the team having a history of dreadful draft choices, it looks like they got this one right in Damian Lillard.