Stats: 21.8 points, 6.3 assists, 4.9 rebounds
Making the case: It’s almost impossible to compare Damian Lillard to other point guards, because he never falls short in productivity.
Big time players make big time plays, and Lillard has done that on countless occassions. In a 43 point performance win in Triple OT against the Spurs, he was colossal as he tied the game to send it to OT, 2OT, and eventually seal it in 3OT. Four days later against the Thunder, Lillard had 40 points and a near triple-double, including a 3-pointer that sent the game into OT (which they eventually won).
He shouldn’t be overlooked, which is why he’s No. 4 on my early season MVP list.
Next: LaMarcus Aldridge