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NBA Player Power Rankings: There’s A New No. 1 Player

By Maxwell Ogden

November 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives past New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives past New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Position: Point Guard
Age: 26 (7/15/1990)
Experience: 5th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .470/.370/.903
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.5 MPG, 28.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.6 3PM

Amongst those who offer the respect he deserves, Damian Lillard has been praised as much for his mental strength as he has been for his physical capabilities. That mental strength has helped Lillard become one of the most respected leaders in the NBA.

As told by Zach Lowe of ESPN, the strength of Lillard’s leadership can be found in the manner in which he holds himself accountable for his team’s flaws.

"“Maybe it’s time for you to talk one-on-one with some guys about their defense,” Leonard told Portland’s franchise player. “Everyone respects what you say.” Lillard considered it, but decided to stay quiet. “The defensive issues — I’m a part of it,” Lillard told ESPN.com the next day. (Leonard would admit he is, too.) “I didn’t want to go telling people, ‘You need to do this or that.’ Enough talking has been done.”"

Now it’s time for Lillard to put his defensive money where his mouth is.

Portland is currently ranked No. 30 in the NBA in both points allowed per game and points allowed per 100 possessions. Nevertheless, Lillard has the Trail Blazers just one game back of .500 and remaining competitive against elite opponents.

Point in case: Lillard dropped 40 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds during a 137-125 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The loss was tough to stomach, but Lillard’s 11 assists were a season-high and he wasn’t as much of a turnstile defensively. He still needs to improve his consistency in both regards, but he’s called himself out for his own and his team’s issues.

Lillard has earned his place as one of the Top 10 players in the NBA, but he’ll need to step up defensively and lead Portland out of its current rut of five losses in six games to get back into the Top 10 on this list.

In due time.