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The Top 10 Point Guards in the NBA

By Tom Atkinson

May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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  1. Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)

May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Age: 26

2015-16 Season Per-Game Averages: 25.1 points, 6.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 0.9 steals.

Career Per-Game Averages: 21.4 points, 6.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 0.9 steals.

Damian Lillard took the road less traveled to the NBA. Shunned by the bigger colleges, Dame was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers out of Weber State and everything about his background has shaped who he is today. Ultra serious, ultra talented: that is Damian Lillard, who was a ridiculous All-Star snub.

When four of the five starters jumped ship this off-season, many had the Blazers among the weakest teams in the league. A lottery pick awaited them as pundits and fans alike doubted how well Dame could carry and lead the team. Just as before, though, Lillard defied expectations and came out with a season worthy of MVP consideration.

Dame averaged 25.1 points per game, falling just short of the league’s top-five scorers, and came up with 6.8 assists after forming a deadly back-court partnership with C.J. McCollum. Lillard is the only player to have taken part in all five events at the All-Star weekend and his offensive skill-set is almost unmatched. He drives hard and shoots often and well from the arc, but don’t think about comparing him to Steph Curry.

While his defense is still a work in progress, Dame’s leadership is what is most impressive now, especially with an uptick in stats. Lillard was the main man for Portland in what was an extraordinary season and he was more than happy to carry them when he had to. That is what puts him above John Wall, although I would happily exchange the two or even put them tied at fourth.

As a ginormous Lillard fan, I could go on for hours but I’ll cut it down. Dame Face, Dame Time, Dame Dolla; perhaps no player in the NBA is as level-headed, clutch-performing and interactive with fans as Lillard is. A ridiculous scorer, a team leader, a truly great point guard.

I want to put him higher but for now, I can’t justify it. Watch this space, though. Dame is taking over.

Next: No. 3

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