Heading into the 2012-2013 NBA season, most basketball analysts and fans had their sites on Anthony Davis, the star forward from the University of Kentucky. Now that we’re halfway through the NBA season (at the time of this writing), the hype surrounding Davis seems to have faded and instead shifted to Portland Trailblazers rookie Damian Lillard. Lillard has been easily the most surprising rookie this season because of what a great year he’s had.
While Davis is having a solid rookie year, Lillard’s numbers for the season make Davis look inferior by comparison. This isn’t a blow to Davis or anything, as the kid is having a solid year, but for a No. 1 pick, he hasn’t lived up to the hype surrounding him. Lillard, on the other hand, has been putting up some impressive offensive numbers this year, including a career-high 37 points in a losing effort against the Golden State Warriors.
Lillard also became the third player in NBA history to record at least 20 points and 10 assists in his debut. He joins Isaiah Thomas and Oscar Robertson on that short list. Now that is a very good company to have right there. He also became the second player in NBA history to score 20 points in his first three games as a rookie. Do you know who the other guy is that does it? Oscar Robertson. Once again, Lillard is in the company of a legend.
One thing that has been very impressive about Lillard is how quickly he was able to adapt to the NBA game. Most rookies, especially those who play starting point guard, would have a hard time adjusting to the faster style of the NBA. However, Lillard showed from the beginning of the season that he was ready to be in the NBA.
He has a sweet shot that makes him a threat from anywhere on the pitch and as well as scoring he is also a good playmaker. Portland has definitely found a very promising young guard in Damian Lillard because as long as he stays healthy, he can only get better. For now, Lillard is the clear choice for Rookie of the Year. Anthony Davis still has a chance to make a statement along those lines, but so far, Lillard seems to be holding on to that distinction with an iron fist.