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Analyzing: Damian Lillard

1K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  RollWithEm 
#1 ·
This is my second in-depth player analysis blog post. Please let me know what you think.

http://nothingbutbrunet.net/2013/11/16/analyzing-damian-lillard/

Here are a few excerpts:

Portland has figured out that between LaMarcus Aldridge, Wes Matthews, and new addition Robin Lopez, one almost always has a favorable match-up down on the block. Those threats coupled with the outstanding perimeter shooting of Nicolas Batum, Mo Williams, Wes Matthews, and Lillard himself, have given these Blazers a true identity. When they need a bucket, they dump it down low and then rotate the ball if a double team comes. Unfortunately, Damian’s sharp post-entry passes are very rarely recorded as assists even when they lead to great offensive possessions.
Despite Lillard’s low individual FG% on those plays, the Blazers have scored 1.17 points per drive on his forays to the hoop (7th among point guards). The explanations for this stat are threefold:
Defense has been Damian Lillard’s weakness since the first time he stepped foot on an NBA floor. In the four games I studied, Terry Stotts switched Lillard off the primary ball-handler in every key situation.
Feedback is much appreciated.
 
#2 ·
I didn't realize how much teams were abusing him on defense. Interesting research.

Do Anthony Davis next!!!
 
#3 ·
Finally got around to reading this. More great stuff, RWE. Interesting note about his finishing at the rim - if he works on that, he's going to become a pretty unstoppable point guard (offensively). I feel maybe that's why his defense isn't so great. He takes on a huge load offensively that he doesn't seem to have the energy to do it on both ends of the floor just yet. I think he'll improve in time. He's still very young and right now is very easily the 2nd best player out of the 2012 draft.
 
#4 ·
His poise is what really strikes me. He never gets flustered. He never gets overly excited. He just plays the game.

This lack of emotion take him to another level in the 4th quarter when other players are struggling with the climax of a game.

I think you are a little harsh in regards to his defense, he hasn't lost the faith of the staff, it's just the Batum is a very good perimeter defender, so it makes sense to have him on the better offensive option. I can never see his lack of defense causing him to be sat during crunch time, he is far too valuable offensively.
 
#5 ·
It's not just Batum. The staff also consider Mo Williams a more reliable defender. That's what's so striking.
 
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