Damian Lillard Takes the NBA by Storm

           Coming into the 2012 NBA draft, Damian Lillard was a little-known prospect out of Weber State University.  All the talk was about Anthony Davis and his fellow Kentucky Wildcat national champions.  Through the first quarter of the 2012-2013 NBA season, Lillard has clearly been the most impressive rookie. 

            Lillard leads all rookies in points and assists, averaging 18.4 ppg and 6.4 apg respectively.  He plays beyond his years, leading the Blazers team and being much more than just a scorer.  He is far more than just a volume shooter, looking to pad his stats and boost his numbers.  He shoots 42.1% from the field, 36.7% from beyond the arc and 83.1% from the free throw line.  He is a pure shooter and is proving to be a better floor general than most anticipated.  Lillard has scored in single digits only twice in 22 games. 

            On December 13, 2012 Lillard scored a career-high 29 points as he led his Blazers to their third straight victory and an upset win over the San Antonio Spurs.  In the game, Lillard also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out six assists, while only turning the ball over twice.  He also shot 11/22 from the floor and made all five of his free throw attempts.  Against one of the best teams the NBA has to offer, Lillard played his best basketball of the season.  This shows what kind of player he is, rising to the occasion and not being afraid. 

            Lillard has taken the NBA by storm and is not only the best rookie in the league, but one of the best point guards.  This is a golden age of point guards in the NBA with youngsters like Russell Westbrook, Jrue Holliday, Kyrie Irving, Rajon Rondo and Stephen Curry dominating the league and joining the likes of superstars Derrick Rose, Chris Paul and Deron Williams.  It is clear that Lillard clearly belongs in this group.  In years to come he will surely develop into one of the leagues top lead guards.