3 reasons Portland Trail Blazers will make the 2019 NBA Playoffs

2. Damian Lillard is in his prime

Damian Lillard has been the lead guard in Portland from his very first NBA game in 2012. Since 2015, the full burden of leading the team has been put on his shoulders. Both he and the team have made strides in each season since.

Last year for Lillard, those strides were a third All-Star selection and an All-NBA First Team nod. In 73 games, he averaged 26.9 points, 6.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. It was his third consecutive season averaging 25 or more points.

Now, at 28 years old, Lillard will once again be tasked with leading his Blazers through the Western Conference gauntlet. Judging by his demeanor and his production, that should not be an issue.

Dame has always been a dynamic scorer and playmaker. He notched 30 or more points in 25 games last season and five or more assists in 58 of them. With better floor-spacing on offense due to more reliable shooters on the wings, he should have more room to create for himself and others.

Also, superstars that remain healthy tend to lead their teams into the playoffs the following season. The last reigning First Teamer to play at least 75 percent of his team’s games and miss the playoffs was Kobe Bryant in 2004-05 with the Los Angeles Lakers.