Lillard vs Irving

[Boise Blazer]

I saw this tweet:

Probasketballdraft ‏@Probballdraft
Anyone see @ESPNChrisPalmer piece rating @KyrieIrving & @Dame_Lillard? Said it was close but slight edge to Irving. Couldn't be more wrong.

Which lead me to this article:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8866553/nba-better-damian-lillard-kyrie-irving

But i dont have insider. I would say Irving is easily better now but depending on how much Lillard can improve and more importantly evolve I think he could be better but I love that he is at least in the same conversation at this point.

 

[HailBlazers]

I love that he is at least in the same conversation at this point.

Saw that article and thought the same thing! Was at the CLE game last week and while Kryie is A-mazing, Lillard does have a smiliar star quality.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I would say that Lillard is a PG, and Irving isn't really, so...

Lillard + Superstars > Irving + Superstars, but...

Irving is actually a superstar himself, Lillard isn't.

I saw this tweet:

Probasketballdraft ‏@Probballdraft
Anyone see @ESPNChrisPalmer piece rating @KyrieIrving & @Dame_Lillard? Said it was close but slight edge to Irving. Couldn't be more wrong.

Which lead me to this article:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8866553/nba-better-damian-lillard-kyrie-irving

But i dont have insider. I would say Irving is easily better now but depending on how much Lillard can improve and more importantly evolve I think he could be better but I love that he is at least in the same conversation at this point.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Something to keep in mind, Lillard is 2 years older than Irving, so if anyone will improve more it's likely Irving

 

[illmatic99]

Kyrie will be a better and more efficient scorer. Dame will be the better playmaker. But in terms of overall talent and impact for now and the future, I take Kyrie.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Would love to have Kyrie on the Blazers . . . even if it meant giving up Lillard.


But with all the talk over the past few years of finding a PGOF, so nice the Blazers finally got one they can pencil in for the next 4 years and concentrate on filling other positions.

 

[Eastoff]

Without a doubt, Kyrie has shown he's the better PG. But I'm happy with lillard! How long will Kyrie stay in Cleveland?

 

[magnifier661]

Something to keep in mind, Lillard is 2 years older than Irving, so if anyone will improve more it's likely Irving

That can definitely be debatable. Irving went to a better school through college and lillard stayed in school 2 more years. Basically, Irving was in a better school and has more nba experience. Lillard is still learning the nba, believe it or not. His accomplishments as a rookie on a team with three other good scores, he's accomplished a lot.

 

[Natebishop3]

Their rookie numbers are very comparable. Yes, Irving is two years younger, but there's also a learning curve during your first couple years in the league. I'd like to revisit this in a few years.

 

[HailBlazers]

Kyrie will be a better and more efficient scorer. Dame will be the better playmaker. But in terms of overall talent and impact for now and the future, I take Kyrie.

Don't think there is much debate, however it's nice to see our PGOTF has arrived.

 

[Nikolokolus]

The conclusion of the article is correct, but there was something about the writing in that piece that was lacking.

 

[Boise Blazer]

The conclusion of the article is correct, but there was something about the writing in that piece that was lacking.

Does someone have insider to post at least part of it?

 

[Nikolokolus]

Does someone have insider to post at least part of it?

And the Winner is ...

KYRIE IRVING

Perhaps there's little surprise in the outcome, but the fact that an outstanding point guard such as Lillard could be so outmatched by Irving might say more about the depth of the NBA's point guard position more than anything.

Sooner rather than later Irving will assume the mantle of the NBA's best point guard. That could likely happen 18 months from now. Irving appears to be getting better by the week and is fast understanding the steps needed to correct his deficiencies. And he's a workhorse with a higher usage rate than both LeBron James and Kevin Durant. As the Cavaliers add talent and improve, Irving will get more recognition as one of the game's elite.

Meanwhile Lillard, while not quite matching up to Irving, has been a pleasant surprise and could likely be a perennial All-Star in his own right. With Nash and Parker in their twilight years, Lillard could join Stephen Curry as the preeminent point guards in the Western Conference.

Irving, though, drips with the kind of intangibles that suggest he could be one of the NBA's greats. Despite durability issues, he exudes undeniable swagger with a certain charm that draws your eye on the court and shows it's as fun being as good as he is for him as it is for us to watch. His body language is that of a leader and fit for a franchise star and his natural leadership skills resonate well with his teammates. Indeed, he could one day be the league's best.

There's the conclusion

 

[magnifier661]

What's funny was that draft class was considered one of the worst. Yet, one player maybe the best active player to play that position for the next 10 years.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Irving's big question is durability. Will he be healthy enough long-term?

It's a big question for all athletes. But it's a bigger concern for a guy like Irving, who's struggled to stay healthy.

 

[Natebishop3]

Irving's big question is durability. Will he be healthy enough long-term?

It's a big question for all athletes. But it's a bigger concern for a guy like Irving, who's struggled to stay healthy.

Exactly.

 

[e_blazer]

I think the difference in stats that jumps out at me is that Lillard is averaging more than an assist per game better than Irving. There's a major difference in attitude between the two, it seems to me. Lillard often doesn't really look for his shot until the end of the game. He's working to set up his teammates and doing a better job of it than Irving. Irving is never going to shy away from taking a shot and will undoubtedly be the guy that gets more media recognition for his scoring, but Lillard is a better true PG. This is off a bit, but to me this comparison is kind of like Iverson vs. Stockton. Iverson sure was fun to watch, but Stockton was the guy you wanted running your team. We can x off PGOF and be happy that we have PGON (Point Guard of Now).

 

[magnifier661]

I think the difference in stats that jumps out at me is that Lillard is averaging more than an assist per game better than Irving. There's a major difference in attitude between the two, it seems to me. Lillard often doesn't really look for his shot until the end of the game. He's working to set up his teammates and doing a better job of it than Irving. Irving is never going to shy away from taking a shot and will undoubtedly be the guy that gets more media recognition for his scoring, but Lillard is a better true PG. This is off a bit, but to me this comparison is kind of like Iverson vs. Stockton. Iverson sure was fun to watch, but Stockton was the guy you wanted running your team. We can x off PGOF and be happy that we have PGON (Point Guard of Now).

I will admit that I didn't expect lillard to be this good. In fact, I suspected it would take another 1-2 years before we really seen his true value. It's still amazing for me to keep reminding myself he is still a rookie.

You are correct sir. He is the point guard of the now.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

irving is a god, no need to compare them yet if ever

 

[Eastoff]

I think the difference in stats that jumps out at me is that Lillard is averaging more than an assist per game better than Irving. There's a major difference in attitude between the two, it seems to me. Lillard often doesn't really look for his shot until the end of the game. He's working to set up his teammates and doing a better job of it than Irving. Irving is never going to shy away from taking a shot and will undoubtedly be the guy that gets more media recognition for his scoring, but Lillard is a better true PG. This is off a bit, but to me this comparison is kind of like Iverson vs. Stockton. Iverson sure was fun to watch, but Stockton was the guy you wanted running your team. We can x off PGOF and be happy that we have PGON (Point Guard of Now).

But what kind of pieces are around Kyrie vs Dame? Does Kyrie have the star cast like we have? Or does he have to carry the weight of his team like Damian in college?

 

[magnifier661]

But what kind of pieces are around Kyrie vs Dame? Does Kyrie have the star cast like we have? Or does he have to carry the weight of his team like Damian in college?

That's my argument that's pro lillard. It's hard to put up the numbers lillard is getting on a team with players that can score efficiently. I question what Lillards numbers would be if he was in Cleveland. I bet they would be just as good, if not better.

 

[Eastoff]

That's my argument that's pro lillard. It's hard to put up the numbers lillard is getting on a team with players that can score efficiently. I question what Lillards numbers would be if he was in Cleveland. I bet they would be just as good, if not better.

Yeah, the argument works both ways.

PS anyone notice the average age of the starters on Cleveland? They just beat Celtics and the five starters average 22. The oldest player starting is 25. They all have less than 3 years experience. THAT IS NUTS!

 

[Boise Blazer]

I will admit that I didn't expect lillard to be this good. In fact, I suspected it would take another 1-2 years before we really seen his true value. It's still amazing for me to keep reminding myself he is still a rookie.

You are correct sir. He is the point guard of the now.

I figured the scoring would be there but inconsistently (and it has in fact been consistent) but I had no idea that he would be this good at distributing the ball. I honestly believe that his teammates miss some very easy shots every game that he sets up beautifully so I wouldnt be at all surprised to see him average closer to 9 asg at some point with experience and a team that was built to that strength.

 

[Rhal]

That's my argument that's pro lillard. It's hard to put up the numbers lillard is getting on a team with players that can score efficiently. I question what Lillards numbers would be if he was in Cleveland. I bet they would be just as good, if not better.

Comparing them now of course Irving is better. He is entering his second year in the league and has a team were he has to be the man or his team gets blown out.
I watched a lot of irving last year and after watching Lillard this year they are two different types of players. Lillard is the floor general who will control the game and dictate the pace and take what comes to him more often then not. Irving on the other hand has an uncanny ability to know when to score and will seemingly force his will onto the game. Irving is a monster in the transition game while lillard doesnt seem comfortable in that part of the game.
If I was picking a player to build a team around its Irving but if im picking a player id want running a team its lillard.
My opinion will probably change in the next few years because as much as i love Lillards game i dont see a part of Irvings game he wont drastically improve on.

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[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Exactly.

Which, given our history with injuries, I'm a bit gun-shy on them. Not to say Irving isn't the better player (because he clearly is the better individual player), but I'm very happy with Lillard.

And then I start looking at the Cavs' record..... Yikes. Some players are better than others, as far as individual talent goes. Some players play their game within the system, not making their teammates any better but not hindering them in any way. And some players make their teammates better, whether through their own talents and/or intangibles.

Thus far, I'd say Lillard falls into the last category. Not quite sure where Irving falls, yet. But the Cavs are terrible this year.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Yeah, the argument works both ways.

PS anyone notice the average age of the starters on Cleveland? They just beat Celtics and the five starters average 22. The oldest player starting is 25. They all have less than 3 years experience. THAT IS NUTS!

A season, one game does not make.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

"one will win scoring titles and one will win championships"
:MARIS61:

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

"one will win scoring titles and won will win championships"
:MARIS61"

Not sure either will win either of these things.

 

[crowTrobot]

"one will win scoring titles and one will win championships"
:MARIS61:

and they're both KD

 

[magnifier661]

and they're both KD

Lets see KD win a championship first before making a statement like that.