NBA: The Big Question Facing Every Team In 2015-16

Portland Trail Blazers

Is Lillard As Good As We Think He Is?

Don’t get me wrong, Damian Lillard is already one of the best point guards in the league. He has excellent handles, he’s a constant threat to pull up and drain a three-pointer, and he’s coming off a season in which he averaged 21.0 points, 6.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game — all career highs.

But Lillard’s athleticism, hot streaks and clutch tendencies have somehow overshadowed some glaring flaws, including inefficient shooting and defense that would make matadors blush. Last season, Lillard shot a career-worst 34.3 percent from downtown and a career-best 43.4 percent from the floor. Isn’t it worrisome that through three years in the league, 43.4 percent is his career high for field goal percentage?

With four of five starters gone for the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard will need to step up as a leader for a team deprived of talent and focused on youth. He could very well lead the league in shot attempts (and maybe even scoring) with all the offensive responsibility on his shoulders, but with defenses keying in on him every night, can he work on his biggest flaws at the same time?

Next: Sacramento Kings