NBA Player Power Rankings: Draymond Green is Rising

NBA Player Power Rankings: Draymond Green Surging

Dec 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (left) reacts as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (right) looks on in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 6, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) brings the ball up court against the Los Angeles Clippers during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Last Rank: No. 15

Position: Point Guard

Age: 25

Slash Line: .410/.361/.884

Season Averages: 36.7 MPG, 24.2 PPG, 6.8 APG, 4.5 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 2.8 3PM

After spending seven consecutive games on the sidelines, Damian Lillard returned with high hopes. Matched up against a pair of potential contenders in the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies, Lillard looked to lead his Portland Trail Blazers to a pair of upsets.

Unfortunately, he was unable to shake off the rust he acquired while riding the pine.

Lillard is one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, and his fourth quarter heroics against the Clippers proved just that. Not only was he going toe-to-toe with Chris Paul, but he made a number of key defensive plays.

A seven-game absence and two inefficient performances simply cannot be ignored.

Lillard’s season averages speak for themselves, and that’s reason enough for him to remain on this list. When injuries cause a player to spend time away from the game, however, other players are given the opportunity to rise up the rankings.

That’s the only reason Lillard is on the outside looking in of the Top 15.

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