Way too early All-NBA team predictions for 2023-2024
By Tyler Key
All-NBA Second Team – Damian Lillard
The Trail Blazers-Lillard saga is still ongoing, as he has requested a trade specifically to the Miami Heat, but Portland’s front office does not seem to be in a rush to abide by his wishes. Does this impact Lillard’s ability to make the All-NBA team next season? Not particularly. After Lillard was drafted 6th overall in 2012 out of Weber State, he has become a seven-time All-NBA guard who can play both on the ball and off the ball as needed.
Dropping 71 points in a game, like Lillard did last season, never hurts your case either. Anywhere that Lillard gets shipped, whether that is South Beach or somewhere else, should be a spot that allows Lillard to shoot the lights out and showcase his playmaking.
He might not average the prolific 32.2 PPG that he did when he made the All-NBA Second Team last season, but he should eclipse 27+ PPG and 7+ APG regardless of his home. The only scenario where he does not make All-NBA is if he suffers another injury or if the Blazers or Lillard think that it is best for him to not suit up until a trade is finalized.