Damian Lillard, the PG out of Weber State, has shocked many people with his summer league performance. Taken as the 6th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Lillard has averaged 26.5 points per game as well as 4 rebounds per game and 5.3 assists per game during the summer league. Many people did not expect Lillard to be drafted as high as sixth, but his skills and worth ethic prove to be worthy of a Top 10 selection. Lillard has many strengths, but with strengths come weaknesses. Here is a scouting report on Damian Lillard:
Strengths -
- Deep Range Shot
- Pure Scorer
- Ability to Penetrate to the Basket
- Great Shot Selection
- Effective plays (Pick + Roll)
- Work Ethic
Damian Lillard has a great deep range shot, for example Lillard almost tallied up three 3-pointers a game in his final season at Weber State. Lillard’s deep range could be the best of the 2012 NBA Draft. To go with his deep range, Lillard is a pure scorer. For example his 24.5 points per game was second best in the NCAA. His scoring ability moved him above many players in the draft, making him higher than expected. Something Damian Lillard has over other guards in the draft, is his ability to penetrate to the basket and finish. His ability to drive to the hoop is considered one of the best in the NCAA last year. Lillard also has great shot selection so he doesn’t need many shots to convert his 24.5 points. Lillard’s most effective play is the pick and roll. Lillard can drvie by his defender and quickly pass the ball to his teammate or finish on his own. But most of all, the Portland Trailblazers will love him for his work ethic. Lillard was the leader at Weber State and will still be a motivator for Portland. Lillard works hard at his game, usually arriving first and leaving last from practice.
Weaknesses -
- Defense
- Mid-Range Shot
- Court Vision
- ‘Small School Syndrome’
Now that we have talked about Lillard’s strengths, let’s consider his weaknesses. Lillard is not a great defender. Because of Lillard’s work ethic, I am confident that he will work hard enough to improve this part of his game. Another problem Lillard has is his mid-range jumper. He isn’t great from mid-range, which is why he always tries to drive to the basket. Lillard has many opportunities gone to waste because of this problem. Another skill Lillard needs to improve on is his court vision. Lillard has a tendency to not see open teammates and just drive to the hoop. The last weakness of Lillard is ‘Small School Syndrome’. Many people do not expect Lillard to play well against the high level of competition in the NBA after playing for such a small school, in Weber State.
