4. Damian Lillard
The 2015-16 season was everything that the normal NBA fan could hope for and more. Many different storylines progressed throughout the year. Though one of the best stories to watch was Damian Lillard‘s. A story of the whole fate of a team in one man’s hands.
Lillard was picked 6th overall by the Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft. His role was firmly established to be a good three-point shooter, a strong finisher around the basket, and lead his team as well as possible. Nothing else was really expected with his point guard duties early in his career.
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However, heading into the 2015-16 season, the Trail Blazers lost four starters in LaMarcus Aldridge, Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum to free agency.
Lillard was the only one left. The Trail Blazers weren’t even supposed to make the playoffs.
Lillard elevated his game and led his team to an eventual Western conference semifinals appearance, where they passed the injured LA Clippers stole one game from the Golden State Warriors.
Alongside C.J. McCollum‘s emergence as the 2016 Most Improved Player, Lillard formed one of the best backcourts in the NBA.
Lillard was the one who was able to become a facilitator and set up those around him in order to have a successful offense, while carrying so much of the load himself as well. He was a true leader for the time, with his primary weakness coming in the form of poor defense.
If he is able to keep performing at such a high level, the Blazers will look for a similar playoff appearance next season.