Lillard's Improving Defense

[Boise Blazer]

http://blogs.trailblazers.com/Broad...188/EntryID/5079/BroadcasterID/4/Default.aspx

And if his first few days at the Team USA mini-camp in Las Vegas are any indication, Lillard's goal of improving defensively is well underway. From hard closeouts on shooters like Dion Waiters to stout, post-position-denying defense on Harrison Barnes, Lillard has shown the capability to be a much better defender than he was during his rookie season. While some of that can be chalked up to playing alongside the best young players in the league in Las Vegas, Lillard deserves credit for taking it upon himself to put in the extra effort required to improve defensively.

"There was a point in the season where, when guys would draw contact, I would back off of them because I didn't want to pick up a foul," said Lillard. "Usually I would get a foul. At the end of the season, when I started to play a little more physical, they would let me play. So out here, I think I've had two good days defensively. (Tuesday) was a real good day for me defensively. That's something I'm challenging myself with. I know that, offensively, there's some things I need to improve on. But offensively, the game comes easy to me. Defense is how I'm going to get myself to the next level as a player."

Lillard has also benefitted from one-on-one coaching from some of basketball's most respected defensive minds while participating in the mini-camp, including Team USA assistant and Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau, who has praised both Lillard's performance on the defensive end.

"To me he had a terrific rookie season, said Thibodeau. "Love his demeanor. I think he's got the qualities that will allow him to continue to improve and develop (defensively). I think all of these players, as they move forward, they all learn from their experience. He's got a great body, he's got good feet. I think the more he concentrates (on defense), the better he's going to get at it. He's a very impressive player."

 

[magnifier661]

This is music to my ears! I think we will see something very special next season.

 

[Further]

It's all up to Lillard. I have no doubt he is capable, and now it seems he is also determined to be a killer on D.

 

[BrianFromWA]

Chris Haynes ‏@ChrisBHaynes 25m
Keep in mind that while Damian Lillard's defense has improved, he has yet to work out w/ Gary Payton. Expected to do so early next month.

...

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Well, let's post here what was in the other thread:

Lillard is doing an excellent job of making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Yes, he was consistently knocking down the outside shot and coming off the pick-and-rolls only to let it fly and watch it go through the net.

We knew he could do those things, but his defense is what stood out.
...
“That's what I'm focusing on, my defense,” Lillard told CSNNW.com. “I want to show them that I can do it all. Not just score the basketball, but play on both sides. Whatever my team needs from me, I want to be able to provide that.”
...
Fighting through multiple picks and and pressuring the ball were other improvements you could visibly see in Lillard's game. Lillard hasn't even begun working out with NBA Hall-of-Famer Gary Payton. So far these improvements have all come from within.

“I'm Just paying attention to details and learning how to use certain angles,” Lillard said. “Last season was a learning experience for me. Now I know what I need to work on and I'm just trying to improve at it everyday.”

Lillard says he's expecting to get with Payton for defensive workouts sometime early next month in Oakland, Calif.

 

[magnifier661]

...

This just have me chills

 

[Pinwheel1]

Damian will be better defensively this year by just getting more calls his way. As he alludes to in this article, early on in the season he backed off because he was picking up fouls. Later in the season...not as many. Rookies get picked on, plain and simple. He will play more aggressively this season, no doubt.

 

[maxiep]

You know if you see Dame yapping next year, he will absorbed all of the Glove's lessons.

I remember seeing a game Payton was playing against the Bullets. Tom Gugliotta came out to guard him, I saw Payton moving his jaw and the next thing I know Googs doubled over laughing. I would love to know what Payton said.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Damian is all business all the time.

 

[Boise Blazer]

One of the things that has put Chris Paul above other point guards is his spot on the All NBA defensive team. This should be a goal for Lillard and one that I have no doubt he has the drive to do.

 

[Eastoff]

This just have me chills

I think it have me chills too. I am trying to keep from going full Mags, but MAN do I hope this is true!!!

 

[Draco]

It is very encouraging news. We don't need Damian to be an all-nba defender or anything, if he could just be an AVERAGE defending PG that would be an enormous improvement. He was one of the worst in the league last year. I'm glad he is working on this but I'm going to keep my expectations tempered, we often hear summer reports of players improvements that don't amount to diddly. But with team USA at least we can watch the scrimmage on Thursday to see for ourselves! I can't imagine what Barrett would be saying if he was doing the reporting, haha.

 

[Boise Blazer]

It is very encouraging news. We don't need Damian to be an all-nba defender or anything, if he could just be an AVERAGE defending PG that would be an enormous improvement. He was one of the worst in the league last year. I'm glad he is working on this but I'm going to keep my expectations tempered, we often hear summer reports of players improvements that don't amount to diddly. But with team USA at least we can watch the scrimmage on Thursday to see for ourselves! I can't imagine what Barrett would be saying if he was doing the reporting, haha.

True but if Thibs says he can see an improvement ...

 

[magnifier661]

It is very encouraging news. We don't need Damian to be an all-nba defender or anything, if he could just be an AVERAGE defending PG that would be an enormous improvement. He was one of the worst in the league last year. I'm glad he is working on this but I'm going to keep my expectations tempered, we often hear summer reports of players improvements that don't amount to diddly. But with team USA at least we can watch the scrimmage on Thursday to see for ourselves! I can't imagine what Barrett would be saying if he was doing the reporting, haha.

Although summer reports from other players could be just tongue and cheek; but I tend to be more optimistic with Lillard. You can see his motor. The guy does what he says he does. I expect him to take this to heart and really improve.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Clippers coach Doc Rivers on Damian Lillard: That kid is going to be great. He's a natural leader.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Trail Blazers @pdxtrailblazers
"Offensively, the game comes easy to me. Defense is how I'm going to get myself to the next level as a player." - @Dame_Lillard #RipCity

 

[magnifier661]

Trail Blazers @pdxtrailblazers
"Offensively, the game comes easy to me. Defense is how I'm going to get myself to the next level as a player." - @Dame_Lillard #RipCity

If I was gay, I would let him shove his member up my ass!

 

[Mediocre Man]

I think one of the biggest difference, for me anyway, between hearing how much Damian has improved and others in the organization, is that others besides the Mikes and Casey are saying it.

 

[magnifier661]

I think one of the biggest difference, for me anyway, between hearing how much Damian has improved and others in the organization, is that others besides the Mikes and Casey are saying it.

Exactly... It's one thing when your homer announcers are saying shit like "After watching this summer league team in the practice facility, I have no doubt they win the title" --- Rice

Its another when a coach like Thibs that isn't afraid to call people out actually say "His defense has improved!"

 

[KeepOnRollin]

Trail Blazers @pdxtrailblazers
"Offensively, the game comes easy to me. Defense is how I'm going to get myself to the next level as a player." - @Dame_Lillard #RipCity

Full quote (which is better imo):

"I know that, offensively, there's some things I need to improve on. But offensively, the game comes easy to me. Defense is how I'm going to get myself to the next level as a player." - Damian Lillard

 

[Natebishop3]

I would kill for some video of Payton working with Lillard next month.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

I would kill for some video of Payton working with Lillard next month.

Watch Batman Begins.

 

[BrianFromWA]

or the first half of "Legend of Zorro". Substitute Anthony Hopkins with the Glove, Antonio Banderas with Dame and Catherine Zeta-Jones with Mags and his rectal permissions.