Damian Lillard: A League MVP Without a Possible Post-Season

Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers has been having a good season. Unfortunately for him, the Blazers lost out on a place in this season’s playoffs. This happened due to a mistake made by the referees in judging a goaltending violation. Later on, the referees admitted their mistake.

Damian Lillard: Stats to Go Towards the MVP Ladder

Portland Trail Blazers All-Star point guard Damian Lillard stole the show when he took center stage at Staples Center in the Los Angeles Lakers’ first game following the tragic death of the great Kobe Bryant. Lillard honored his fallen hero the best way he knew how. He played at his very best on Bryant’s former home floor. The Blazers guard led his team to an impressive 127-119 victory. He finished with 48 points, seven triples, nine rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals. One can now say that Damian Lillard has been playing on an MVP-caliber level of late, and he certainly has the numbers to prove it. Over the past six contests, the 29-year-old has been on a jaw-dropping scoring spree, averaging 48.8 points (on 54.8 per cent shooting), 7.2 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and an almost unimaginable 8.2 3-pointers on a 57.0 per cent clip.

Damian Lillard has been the best player in the league over the past few weeks, and if we were going to award the MVP title this season based on this stretch alone, the Portland superstar would be the runaway winner of this highly coveted individual award. Nonetheless, Lillard has certainly earned his way to legitimate contention for the MVP award and should at least be in the conversation.

He is currently 5th in the league in point per game at 27.2, 6th in the league in three-pointers made (80), 12th in total assists (166), and is 3rd in the league for total rebounds among point guard (135). His 173 made free throws are the fourth-most in the NBA, his overall win share rating of 4.2 is 5th best in the NBA, and he holds the best offensive win share rating in the entire league at 3.5.

There are only three players in the NBA that are in the Top 5 in overall win shares, offensive win shares, free throws made, and points per game: Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Damian Lillard.

All the above numbers should be enough for Lillard to be involved in the MVP race and, technically, win it too!

Damian Lillard’s MVP Ladder Has Some Snakes on It

However, some people are strong in their alternate opinions. For example, Max Kellerman of ESPN‘s First Take said that Damian Lillard is not even part of the race.

” You cannot be an MVP candidate from a non-playoff team”, Kellerman added.

“I hate to say it, but Damian Lillard is not part of the NBA MVP discussion”  Stephen A. (First Take)

Both Kellerman and Stephen, continuously keep mentioning that Lillard is an amazing player. They also mention that he’s been playing a good level of ball in the past weeks. They acknowledge that he is having a good season. However, he’s not in the MVP race in their eyes.

Slamonline posted some stats on Instagram explaining why Lillard should be an MVP. The caption asked for Lillards amazing skills to be acknowledged.