Damian Lillard, known for his ‘Dame-Time’ heroics and remarkable scoring efficiency, has been a cornerstone of the NBA for over a decade. Since his Rookie of the Year triumph with the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard has consistently dazzled fans with his performance.
However, seeking the elusive Larry O’Brien trophy, Damian Lillard joined the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, joining forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo. While his scoring has dipped due to sharing the court with another All-Star, the question arises: does Lillard deserve to start in the All-Star game?
The Fan Votes: Damian Lillard’s Position in the All-Star Lineup
As NBA enthusiasts eagerly cast their votes for the All-Star game, set for February 18th in Indianapolis, Damian Lillard finds himself in a favorable position.
With 1,730,036 fan votes, Lillard ranks as the third-highest for an Eastern Conference guard, trailing behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James in their respective conferences.
However, fans contribute only 50% of the vote, with NBA players and a media panel sharing the other half. This division could potentially impact Lillard’s chances for a starting spot.
Analyzing Damian Lillard’s Current Season Performance
Comparing Lillard’s performance from last season to the current one reveals a noticeable decline. His average points have dropped from 32.2 to 25.5, and there’s a dip in assists and rebounds as well.
More notably, Lillard’s 3-point shooting percentage has fallen to 35.5%, below the league average. Despite seven All-Star appearances, Lillard has not yet started an All-Star game, and this trend might continue, given his current statistics.
Damian Lillard for the win at the buzzer! WOW pic.twitter.com/pqpnO4qAuS
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) January 15, 2024
Potential Eastern Conference All-Star Starters
The Eastern Conference All-Star starting lineup seems almost set with undisputed selections like Tyrese Haliburton, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum. The real debate lies in who will partner with Haliburton in the backcourt.
Candidates like Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Maxey emerge as strong contenders for the spot, each bringing impressive credentials to the table. Maxey, in particular, stands out as the rising star for the Philadelphia 76ers, making a strong case for the starting position.
The Verdict: Damian Lillard’s All-Star Game Fate
While Damian Lillard’s star power and pedigree are undeniable, his performance this season, compared to his Eastern Conference peers, places him in a challenging position for the All-Star game start. As fans and experts speculate, the final decision will reflect not just popular opinion but also the current season’s performance metrics and team success.
In the competitive world of the NBA, every season brings new challenges and opportunities. For Damian Lillard, this season is a test of adaptability and performance under changed circumstances.
As the All-Star game approaches, the basketball community watches keenly to see if ‘Dame-Time’ will shine in the starting lineup or if another deserving Eastern Conference guard will take the spotlight.
