Portland Trail Blazers: 2017-18 player grades for Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard had his most impactful season of his NBA career, but it was cut short by a disappointing playoff run. Here’s a full look back at his 2017-18 season.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard had quite season in 2017-18. He finished the year averaging 26.9 points, 6.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 43.9 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from beyond the arc and 91.6 percent from the foul line.

Those numbers did not make 2018 Lillard’s greatest statistical season: only his assists per game and free throw percentage were career-highs. However, it was undoubtedly his most impactful year. Lillard finished the year with career-bests in Player Efficiency Rating (25.2) and win shares (12.6).

Lillard’s work led the Blazers to their best record (49-33) and first Northwest Division title in three years. Portland also earned their best conference finish (third place) since 2000. The basketball world noticed his outstanding play as he earned a roster spot in his third All-Star game. It also put him in the conversation of being one of the league’s most valuable players.

Unfortunately for Lillard, the conversation was cut short when he struggled in the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs. Stout defensive efforts by the New Orleans Pelicans‘ backcourt of Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday forced Dame to have the worst playoff performance of his career. Lillard finished the 4-0 sweep averaging 16.4 points, 4.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He shot 35.2 percent from the field and 30.0 percent from 3-point range.

So how can we fully assess a year that went so well yet ended on such a sour note? Here’s an overall look at Damian Lillard’s 2017-18 season.