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NBA Player Power Rankings: The Final Push For MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) controls the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Seth Curry (30) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) controls the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Seth Curry (30) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Last Rank: No. 8

Position: Point Guard

Age: 25

Slash Line: .417/.375/.891

Season Averages: 35.8 MPG, 25.0 PPG, 6.8 APG, 4.1 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 3.0 3PM

During the summer of 2015, the Portland Trail Blazers lost LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez, and Arron Afflalo to free agency. Portland even traded Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal that landed a minimal short-term return.

Despite losing four full-time starters and Afflalo, the sixth man who started in Matthews’ absence, Damian Lillard has found a way to lead Portland to the playoffs.

In other words, Portland shouldn’t be here right now.

Lillard has led the charge as a scorer and facilitator, leading the team in both points and assists per game. His 25.0 points per game place Lillard in a tie with LeBron James for No. 5 in the NBA, and his 6.8 assists per contest tie him with James for No. 8 in the Association.

Being tied with King James in two key statistics is a good place to be.

Lillard has hit a wall as a scorer, but he’s stepped up as a facilitator. He dished out eight assists during a 115-107 victory over the Sacramento Kings, and tallied nine dimes during a 120-115 escape of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Portland needs Lillard to rediscover his shooting touch, but he’s very clearly been one of the Top 10 players in the NBA this season.

He may even get a few MVP votes.

Next: More Triple-Doubles