Why Lillard will win Rookie of the Year
Before the NBA season commenced, Anthony Davis was destined to be ‘the next big thing’, a shoe-in for the Rookie of the Year award.
Well respected basketball magazine, ‘Slam’, rated the 6’10 forward as the 50th best player in the league, prior to him even playing a single game. However, Davis hasn’t yet provided the impact many thought he would. Instead Damian Lillard, the 6th pick in the NBA Draft, now looks the favourite to win Rookie of the Year.
Lillard has an extremely polished game for a rookie. He can shoot, pass, drive to the rim aggressively and possesses the length to play great defense. His statistics illustrate his well-rounded play. He currently averages 18.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 6.5 asg, exceptional numbers for a rookie. The 6’3 rookie from Weber State is shooting 42% from the field and 36% from three-point range. His true shooting percentage (a measure of shooting efficiency accounting for field goals, 3-point shots and free throws) is currently 54.4%. This places him within the realms of Jamal Crawford, Shane Battier and Jason Terry, not bad company considering Lillard entered the league just four months ago.
However, Lillard doesn’t just settle for jump shots. He possesses explosive athleticism akin to the likes of Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook, this allows him to drive hard in the lane and finish at the rim. He uses his body well to protect the ball and finish in traffic at the basket, making 59.1% of his shots at the rim. Whilst this doesn’t place him among the league leaders, it is within the area of the likes of J.R. Smith, DeMarcus Cousins and Monta Ellis. Also, Kevin Durant, whom is 8 inches taller than Lillard, shot just 2% better at the rim in his rookie season. As Lillard improves his finishing around the basket, he won’t settle for as many difficult three-pointers off the pick and roll, instead choosing to attack the hoop, this will make him an even more efficient shooter and player.
Lillard’s offensive threat demands attention from opposing players, allowing him to showcase his impressive passing and vision. He is 15th in assists this season, averaging just one assist less than the all-star point guard Deron Williams. His 2:1 assist to turnover ratio is striking, better than Rajon Rondo’s and Tony Parker’s this season, illustrating great poise and decision making when handling the basketball.
The Cali plays with great energy and hustle on the defensive end, the quickness he possesses allows him to easily break around screens and play tight defense on the fastest guards in the league. His 6’8 wingspan means he is difficult to beat off the dribble and also gives him the ability to defend against spot-up shooters by disrupting the shooter’s rhythm with his lengthy arms.
The NBA newcomer has the skills to become a great point guard in this league. He also has intangible attributes, such as great poise in late game situations and leadership very rare for a player of his age and experience. If he maintains his current level of play, he should be a lock-in for Rookie of the Year and destined for great things in the NBA.
