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Re-grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft

By Desmond Novack

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 28: (L-R) Anthony Davis, head coach John Calipari and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of the Kentucky Wildcats pose during the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at Prudential Center on June 28, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 28: (L-R) Anthony Davis, head coach John Calipari and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of the Kentucky Wildcats pose during the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at Prudential Center on June 28, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 31: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to a play during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on December 31, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

Grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft: 6. Damian Lillard – A+

This, alongside Anthony Davis, was probably the easiest grade to give out, because ust like Davis, Damian Lillard is already likely a Hall-of-Famer.

In Lillard’s 10-year career, he has averaged 24.6 points, 4.2 points, and 6.6 points while shooting 43 percent from the field and 37 percent from three. Not too bad for the six-time All-Star and member of the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team.

So far during his career, Lillard has been responsible for some of the most iconic shots in NBA history. Whether it be his series-winner against the Houston Rockets in 2014 or his other series-winner against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, Lillard has been one of the most iconic players in the NBA ever since he entered the league.

However, the Portland Trail Blazers have not seen as much success as you’d think, only making it out of the first round three times in eight years, and making the Conference Finals only once. But not all of it can be put on Dame. Yes, he has had some disappointing moments in the playoffs, but that should not deter one’s opinion on him, as he truly has done all he can to help the Blazers.

Whether he decides to stay in Portland and not run from the grind, or give up his moral code and join a team best-suited for him to win, there’s not much doubt about how great Lillard has been since he entered the league.