NBA: Ranking the top 10 blue chip players in the Association

10. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers 

Dame is now entering the conversation surrounding the top 10 players in the league, evident through his recent production averaging 48.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 10.2 assists over the last 14 days.

He also rarely misses time, playing in 80 of 82 games last season, and starting in 48 of 50 this season. At 29, he’s entering his prime and has established himself as a true blue-chip player, albeit on a ho-hum franchise that’s not likely to contend for a championship anytime soon.

9.  Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks 

Trae Young has been lighting it up this season (averaging 29.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 9.0 assists) despite the Hawks being a cellar-dweller in the East (13-37). I would take a flyer on him being a top 15 player in the league, and he’s still only 21, which increases his value on a list that puts a premium on youth.

Is he a better player/draw than Damian Lillard or Russell Westbrook? Probably not yet. But it’s close, and he’s younger.