Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot Of’

[Boise Blazer]

http://forwardcenter.net/stan-van-g...d-the-biggest-star-fans-havent-seen-a-lot-of/

Le Batard: I’m wondering, you’re 18-4 on the season, this has been a huge surprise in a sport that doesn’t provide many surprises. Are you surprised?

Lillard: Kinda. We came into the season and I could just tell it was different with the guys we brought in, Mo Williams, Earl Watson, Dorell Wright, Robin Lopez. The culture was just different from training camp to how much guys are speaking up and how we challenge each other, our coach challenged us. I figured it would be a good year but I’d be lying if I said I thought we’d be off to this good a start.

Le Batard: Challenge each other how?

Lillard: Just in training camp, how we competed against each other. If somebody wasn’t bringing it then guys weren’t afraid to let them know that. We didn’t have that last year.

Le Batard: Who’s the guy? You were too young to do it last year, right? You were too young or you did it last year, too?

Lillard: I mean, everybody had they time last year but this year, I’ve had times where I’ve had to say something, Mo, Earl, L.A. But I can remember one time in training camp where we were in a scrimmage and Robin Lopez came over to help, somebody tried to block a shot at the rim and his man ended up getting a tip dunk and he got mad. He just started yelling, “Where is my helpside?” He got after everybody else that was on his team. The next possession something similar happened and everybody was like, me and Earl were like “They were right where they were supposed to be.” Just the fact that he spoke up and he was kind of pissed off about it and everybody kind of jumped right in line. From that point on it started to happen, people weren’t holding back from speaking up when they needed to.

Le Batard: Was there a game where you said to yourself ‘Oh, I’m no longer surprised by this. We belong here. 18-4 is not a mirage. We can do this.’ Was it winning at Golden State? Was it winning at home against Indiana?

Lillard: I think Golden State was probably the game. There was kind of a little scuffle out there and everybody on the floor was involved in it. They had each other’s back and that was the moment I realized we were all together. We lost a couple of our players. Wes had 26 points at the point he got tossed out, Mo was playing a good game, he got tossed out and we had to find a way to get it done on the road against a really good team. We found a way to get it done.

 

[magnifier661]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

It would be a travesty if Lillard doesn't make the allstar game! He always says the right things, his team has the best record in the west and his PER is at an all star level.

I think next season is when he jumps to superstardom. He has what it takes to keep getting better. He has the drive to win ball games. And most importantly, he is a true leader on and off the court!

 

[THE HCP]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

It would be a travesty if Lillard doesn't make the allstar game!

Who made it last year as guards?
-Kobe
-Westbrook
-CP3
-Parker

 

[magnifier661]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Who made it last year as guards?
-Kobe
-Westbrook
-CP3
-Parker

The beard and another I believe. There are two starting guards and two reserves. Then there are the coach's vote for reserves, which can be any position.

So 4 guards, 6 forwards are shoe ins. Then there are votes for the reserves. Is it 12 or 15 for the bench?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

So 4 guards, 6 forwards are shoe ins. Then there are votes for the reserves. Is it 12 or 15 for the bench?

Just 12, so it's generally 5 guards and 7 frontcourt. With Kobe likely getting voted in, the 5 guards will probably be Kobe, CP3, Harden, Westbrook and Curry. It's too bad, too, because Conley, Thomas, and Lawson all have an argument as well, but we won't see anything but the status quo.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Just 12, so it's generally 5 guards and 7 frontcourt. With Kobe likely getting voted in, the 5 guards will probably be Kobe, CP3, Harden, Westbrook and Curry. It's too bad, too, because Conley, Thomas, and Lawson all have an argument as well, but we won't see anything but the status quo.

What will be flat out ridiculous is if we're still #1 in the west when the All-Star break rolls around and we only have one All-Star.

 

[magnifier661]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Just 12, so it's generally 5 guards and 7 frontcourt. With Kobe likely getting voted in, the 5 guards will probably be Kobe, CP3, Harden, Westbrook and Curry. It's too bad, too, because Conley, Thomas, and Lawson all have an argument as well, but we won't see anything but the status quo.

Man that sucks! I couldn't imagine having only 1 player in the all-star game and the best record in the west. Does that mean Aldridge is MVP?

 

[magnifier661]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

What will be flat out ridiculous is if we're still #1 in the west when the All-Star break rolls around and we only have one All-Star.

Shit man! I didn't read yours before I posted!

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Shit man! I didn't read yours before I posted!

I'm already preparing myself for that eventuality. Of course, Dame will play in the rookie/sophomore game, and probably in the skills challenge again, but I think it will be a slap in the face to only have one All-Star if we're still #1 in the west.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

I'm already preparing myself for that eventuality. Of course, Dame will play in the rookie/sophomore game, and probably in the skills challenge again, but I think it will be a slap in the face to only have one All-Star if we're still #1 in the west.

There is still more time between now and the all-star break (>2 months) than between the beginning of the season and now (~1.5 months). I'll fret about how many all stars we have if we're still in first at the end of January.

 

[magnifier661]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

I'm already preparing myself for that eventuality. Of course, Dame will play in the rookie/sophomore game, and probably in the skills challenge again, but I think it will be a slap in the face to only have one All-Star if we're still #1 in the west.

It's still a snub imo

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

There is still more time between now and the all-star break (>2 months) than between the beginning of the season and now (~1.5 months). I'll fret about how many all stars we have if we're still in first at the end of January.

Indeed.

I just see the writing on the wall. Of course, Curry got jobbed last year, so he really deserves to make it. Hell, he should be starting. It should be Curry and CP3 in the starting five.

Right now, Tony Parker is the only one that I think Dame could beat out.

Here is the competition that I see for Dame.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Parker and Dame are REALLY close in terms of numbers.

Dame is averaging more points, but Parker is shooting a much, MUCH better percentage. They're almost identical in terms of assists, but Dame has averaging less turnovers. Their PER is almost identical. If Dame could beat anyone out, it would be Parker.

But, with that said, Parker might not make the team anyway.

CP3
Kobe
Curry
Westbrook
Harden

Who out of those five do you beat?

 

[BBert]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Kobe an all star this season? I think I have less respect for NBA fan voting than I do for NBA refs.

 

[KingSpeed]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Lillard is better than Westbrook.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Indeed.

I just see the writing on the wall. Of course, Curry got jobbed last year, so he really deserves to make it. Hell, he should be starting. It should be Curry and CP3 in the starting five.

Right now, Tony Parker is the only one that I think Dame could beat out.

Here is the competition that I see for Dame...

Westbrook shouldn't make it, IMO. He has a 20 PER on a 32+ usage rate. Basically, his numbers are inflated by hogging.

Looking at the top 50 in EWA in ESPN's "Hollinger" stats, I did a quick calc of EWA/USG--Portland has 5 of the top 20 in the western conference. Matthews comes in 7th in the conference in that measure (2nd among guards behind Chris Paul). Aldridge is 9th, Batum 11th, Lillard 15th, Lopez 19th.

Overrated Westbrook is 44th.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Westbrook shouldn't make it, IMO. He has a 20 PER on a 32+ usage rate. Basically, his numbers are inflated by hogging.

Looking at the top 50 in EWA in ESPN's "Hollinger" stats, I did a quick calc of EWA/USG--Portland has 5 of the top 20 in the western conference. Matthews comes in 7th in the conference in that measure (2nd among guards behind Chris Paul). Aldridge is 9th, Batum 11th, Lillard 15th, Lopez 19th.

Overrated Westbrook is 44th.

Should he make it? Probably not.

Will he make it? Probably so.

 

[KingSpeed]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Why no All Star talk for Wes Matthews? Best shooting guard in the league.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Should he make it? Probably not.

Will he make it? Probably so.

Oh, no doubt. I already posted who I think will make it. If I were picking who should make it, based solely on early season results, I'd say Paul, Curry, Harden, Conley, and Lawson. Yes, Conley and Lawson over Lillard.

 

[KingSpeed]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

You've got to be kidding me. Grizzlies are lotto team. And Lillard is better than Conley. He's better than Lawson and Curry too. Curry putting up numbers on crappy team.

 

[magnifier661]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

You've got to be kidding me. Grizzlies are lotto team. And Lillard is better than Conley. He's better than Lawson and Curry too. Curry putting up numbers on crappy team.

They are two games over .500. How is that crappy in your insane world?

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Oh, no doubt. I already posted who I think will make it. If I were picking who should make it, based solely on early season results, I'd say Paul, Curry, Harden, Conley, and Lawson. Yes, Conley and Lawson over Lillard.

Conley? Why?

His stats aren't really better than Lillard, and his team is not very good this year. What would justify him making it over Lillard, Parker, or Westbrook?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Conley? Why?

His stats aren't really better than Lillard, and his team is not very good this year. What would justify him making it over Lillard, Parker, or Westbrook?

His stats are a little better than Lillard's, but Conley is a vastly superior defensive player.

Yes, the Blazers have been much better than the Griz, but I'm not one to penalize a player for playing well on a bad team.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

His stats are a little better than Lillard's, but Conley is a vastly superior defensive player.

Yes, the Blazers have been much better than the Griz, but I'm not one to penalize a player for playing well on a bad team.

Some of his stats are a little better, but not enough IMO.

Dame - 20.7 PPG, 5.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds 40.5% FG
Conley - 17.7 PPG, 6.4 assists, 2.0 rebounds 47.7% FG

If you look at their advanced stats though, it's pretty close.

Dame - 19.9 PER, 56.8 TS%, 119 ORTG, 109 DRTG, 2.7 OWS, 0.4 DWS, 3.1 WS
Conley - 21.5 PER, 56.4 TS%, 115 ORTG, 109 DRTG, 2.1 OWS, 0.4 DWS, 2.4 WS

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Some of his stats are a little better, but not enough IMO.

Dame - 20.7 PPG, 5.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds 40.5% FG
Conley - 17.7 PPG, 6.4 assists, 2.0 rebounds 47.7% FG

If you look at their advanced stats though, it's pretty close.

Dame - 19.9 PER, 56.8 TS%, 119 ORTG, 109 DRTG, 2.7 OWS, 0.4 DWS, 3.1 WS
Conley - 21.5 PER, 56.4 TS%, 115 ORTG, 109 DRTG, 2.1 OWS, 0.4 DWS, 2.4 WS

I don't disagree that it's close. Overall, I like Conley a little better statistically than Lillard. I also wonder how much better Conley's numbers would be if he were a part of arguably the best starting five in the league, as Lillard is.

But that's not the point. Like I said, I'd take Conley over Lillard because their stats are similar, but his defense is superior. I would like to reward two-way players. I'd also consider Batum for an all-star bid, because other than Durant, I don't think there has been a better SF in the west this year, and I still like the idea of the all-star team being at least two deep at every position (though I wouldn't require it).

Get me on the S2 podcast, and we can argue this out for realsies.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

I don't disagree that it's close. Overall, I like Conley a little better statistically than Lillard. I also wonder how much better Conley's numbers would be if he were a part of arguably the best starting five in the league, as Lillard is.

But that's not the point. Like I said, I'd take Conley over Lillard because their stats are similar, but his defense is superior. I would like to reward two-way players. I'd also consider Batum for an all-star bid, because other than Durant, I don't think there has been a better SF in the west this year, and I still like the idea of the all-star team being at least two deep at every position (though I wouldn't require it).

Get me on the S2 podcast, and we can argue this out for realsies.

See, I look at Conley as a role player. He's a good point guard, but he's not special. Lillard is a star. We have one of the best starting fives BECAUSE of Lillard. If you put Conley on this team, we no longer have one of the best starting fives.

The funny thing is though, you say that he's a better defender than Dame, but the advanced stats don't really show that. Identical defensive win shares, identical defensive ratings, but Conley gets more steals. Dame is just so much better on offense than Conley. He's averaging 4 more points per game, he has a better offensive rating, he has a better OWS, and he has a better true shooting percentage.

I definitely think there's an argument to be made about who's better between Dame and Parker, but Conley just isn't as good. He's a good point guard, but not a star and not an All-Star. The stats just don't back it up, and their team isn't very good this year.

 

[illmatic99]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Dame's < 40% 2pt% is killing his efficiency

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Dame's < 40% 2pt% is killing his efficiency

But his three point shooting balances it out. His TS% is almost 57%. He's shooting very poorly from 2, but his three point shooting is excellent.

 

[illmatic99]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Yup, his stats are better across the board this year, but his 2pt% dropped from >46% his rookie year to <40%. Imagine if he returns back to form, he'll be in for a huge jump in PER

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Stan Van Gundy Calls Damian Lillard ‘The Biggest Star (Fans) Haven’t Seen A Lot O

Yup, his stats are better across the board this year, but his 2pt% dropped from >46% his rookie year to <40%. Imagine if he returns back to form, he'll be in for a huge jump in PER

It will go up. I guarantee it. I don't see any way that Dame finishes the season this low. It'll balance out.