NBA's Greatest Players in History: Damian Lillard

• Six-time NBA All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection
• Holds the Portland Trail Blazers franchise record for most 30-point performances in the postseason (21)
• Named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team as one of the greatest players in league history

Damian Lillard is a prolific scorer and clutch performer known for his exceptional long-range shooting and ability to deliver in crucial moments for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Overview

Damian Lillard has established himself as one of the most electrifying and dependable players in the NBA since entering the league in 2012. His combination of scoring prowess, leadership, and clutch performances has made him the face of the Portland Trail Blazers franchise and earned him recognition as one of the best point guards of his generation.

Career snapshot

Lillard's journey to NBA stardom began at Weber State University, where he honed his skills and caught the attention of NBA scouts. The Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the 6th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, and he immediately made an impact, winning the Rookie of the Year award unanimously.

Throughout his career, Lillard has been a model of consistency and excellence. He has been selected to six All-Star teams and named to six All-NBA teams, showcasing his status as one of the league's elite players. His scoring ability is legendary, with a career average of over 25 points per game and numerous 50-point performances to his name.

Playing style

Lillard's playing style is characterised by his exceptional shooting range, quick release, and ability to create his own shot. He has earned the nickname "Logo Lillard" due to his penchant for making extremely long-range three-pointers, often from near the half-court line. His deep shooting range forces defenders to guard him tightly, which opens up opportunities for him to drive to the basket or create for his teammates.

In addition to his shooting, Lillard is an excellent ball-handler and passer. He excels in pick-and-roll situations and has a knack for finding open teammates when defences collapse on him. His leadership on the court is evident in his ability to control the pace of the game and make crucial decisions in high-pressure situations.

Why Damian Lillard is on our list

Damian Lillard's inclusion on the list of most dominant players in NBA history is justified by his consistent excellence, clutch performances, and impact on the game. His ability to take over games in crucial moments has earned him the moniker "Dame Time," a testament to his reliability in high-pressure situations.

Lillard's scoring prowess is elite, with multiple 60-point games to his name and a franchise record for most 30-point performances in the postseason. He has led the Trail Blazers to eight consecutive playoff appearances, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2019, showcasing his ability to elevate his team's performance.

Moreover, Lillard's selection to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team solidifies his status as one of the greatest players in league history. His impact extends beyond statistics, as he has become a cultural icon and a symbol of loyalty in an era of frequent player movement.

Five Fast Facts

• Lillard holds the NBA rookie record for most three-pointers made in a season (185)
• He has made nine game-winning shots in the final seconds of games in his career
• Lillard scored 61 points in a game during the NBA bubble in 2020, one of his multiple 60+ point performances
• He is on track to become the Portland Trail Blazers' all-time leading scorer, surpassing Clyde Drexler
• Lillard was the first player since Elvin Hayes in 1968-69 to lead the NBA in total minutes played as a rookie

Career Highlights Timeline

2012: Drafted 6th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers

2013: Unanimously wins NBA Rookie of the Year award

2014: Makes his first NBA All-Star team

2014: Hits series-winning three-pointer against the Houston Rockets in the playoffs

2016: Signs a five-year contract extension with the Trail Blazers

2018: Named to his first All-NBA First Team

2019: Leads Portland to the Western Conference Finals

2020: Scores career-high 61 points in a game against the Dallas Mavericks

2021: Named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

2023: Becomes the Trail Blazers' all-time leading scorer, surpassing Clyde Drexler

Damian Lillard's career is a testament to his exceptional skill, work ethic, and impact on the game of basketball. His ability to consistently perform at an elite level, coupled with his flair for the dramatic in crucial moments, cements his place among the most dominant players in NBA history. As he continues to add to his legacy, Lillard's influence on the sport and his place in basketball lore only grows stronger.

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