The MVP conversation has already crept up into the ears of viewers, fans and of course the media, who mostly facilitate the ruckus we call news. As far as the names put into the pool automatically, Lebron James, Russell Westbrook, Steph Curry and even possibly James Harden just to name a few that will highly be considered if not favorited.
There’s one player in particular that doesn’t get enough attention and even was snubbed this year from being an All-Star. Trailblazing his way in the state of Oregon, Damian Lillard never ceases to amaze anyone and constantly is at full speed in every game. Lillard is leading the team in points averaging 29.8 per game.
First home game of the season he put up a stat line of 39 points, six assists, and nine rebounds. Lillard plays the game like it’s his last but is rarely considered in MVP talks. Lillard had 262 points over the first eight games of the season, the most through the first eight games of a season in franchise history. Wherever his team lacks, he picks up the slack in every angle.
Common names for the MVP seem to always be chosen due to consistently making the playoffs. Lillard has earned his right to be in consideration.
Since his career started as a rookie in 2012, he’s managed to catch the eye of Portland fans as they drafted him sixth overall. The following two years is where he’s earned his two-time all-star selections. In his second season, he became the first player in NBA history to participate in five events during All-Star Weekend: Rising Stars Challenge, Skills Challenge, Three-Point Shootout, Dunk Contest and the All-Star game on Sunday.
Never considering Lillard to have much help in Portland, he’s seen some changes throughout his four-year career. Last season, he had to say goodbye to LaMarcus Aldridge to the San Antonio Spurs, a heavy loss when it came to offensive and defensive help in the paint. Lillard, with the help of C.J. McCollum, still managed to soar with the Trail Blazers.
The media decides automatically who should win MVP without fully looking at all cylinders. Watching Lillard these past few years, and seeing all he does and can do, makes me wonder if “favoritism” should be thrown in this, but that may be a bit far or is it?
Not just Lillard, but what about those players who may not have a championship winning teams, but take over every game just to keep their team in the running? Do we just eliminate them from contention simply because they didn’t make the playoffs, or because they didn’t go far in the playoffs?
It’s hard to say and also hard to prove at times.
If Lillard and the Trailblazers can build upon what they did last season, Damian Lillard would be my vote for MVP.
