I've probably watched his pre-draft workout at Merrit College about 40 times from start to finish. Once I saw that video, that’s when I wrote my blog a while back before his first NBA game and I predicted that he would be Rookie of the Year. Damian Lillard made me a prophet. The workout was pretty impressive because he made a lot of his shots in the drills, did everything at game speed and with the same form every time. But the most impressive thing to me was that this brotha was in OUTSTANDING shape. He finished off that workout with a windmill dunk, I was blown away.
Fast forward to recently, Damian Lillard’s poise has manifested into him being one of the more clutch performers hitting several game winners for the Trailblazers. He plays the game with a controlled fearlessness which is well beyond his young 2 year experience. For Damian it is just business as usual, for example: When he was drafted, while most payers grin ear to ear, Dame was stone faced as he shook David Stern’s hand.
With an adept handle, solid fundamentals and the temerity to believe that as a rookie and 2nd year Pro, he can play with anyone in the league, Damian Lillard has shown himself to be that and more.
EXTRAS
What in the world is going on with NY and BK?? The knicks and nets have blown me away with how terrible they have performed thus far. I tried to tell everyone that the Nets looked good on paper. But chemistry is something that has to be grown into, it doesn’t happen right away. The way the Celtics put together that big 3 and won the first year was like catching lightning in a bottle. That was the planets aligning and EVERYTHING right.
Naptown is looking very good these days, the Pacers have been playing very well with their style of bully ball and good defense. Paul George is emerging into a superstar and Roy Hibbert has risen as a force inside. They have a very good mix of styles of basketball that have translated to a very complete team. The only weakness for the Pacers is at the PG position, George Hill is a make-shift PG and is learning on the job. In the end I think the Pacers will be fine.
PEACE.
