Portland Trail Blazers: 3 big questions heading into 2018-19 NBA season

2. Can Damian Lillard have another MVP-level season?

As soon as he was drafted sixth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, Damian Lillard fell right into place as the Trail Blazers’ lead guard. He has consistently played at a high level over six seasons, leading the team to five consecutive playoff appearances despite heavy roster turnover.

Sometimes it feels like Lillard’s production goes unnoticed by the NBA fandom at large. However, league media and spectators gave him his much-deserved plaudits last season.

Dame ended the 2017-18 season averaging 26.9 points, 6.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Those numbers allowed him to finish fourth in MVP voting, make his third All-Star team — his first since 2015 — and earn All-NBA First Team honors.

Damian Lillard has now averaged 25 or more points per game for three consecutive seasons, and is 28 years old. It’s fair to assume he is currently in his statistical prime. In order to compete in the West, the Trail Blazers are going to need their superstar to perform at a similar, or even higher, level to what he has over the last few years.

Part of his success will depend on his teammates — both new and returning — stepping up in their roles. However, Lillard can also help himself by remaining consistent and continuing to improve as a defender and a finisher at the rim. If he can pull that off, the Trail Blazers will be a tough out on a nightly basis.