Number Zero – Our New Hero?

I do not understand the concept of arm sleeves. Why doesn’t one just wear a long sleeve shirt under the jersey? Does only one arm get cold?

A teammate of mine on the Cross Country team likes to wear them. And although a good friend of mine, the apparel decision is a strange one. I mean I’m not going to say it’s weird or anything- she’s way faster than me anyway. I am inadequate of laying that judgment upon her. Still, I’ve got to just say these things are as peculiar as vests and toe socks and should be abolished from all clothing assessments.

Why did I make you read that rant?

Damian Lillard, that’s why.

Lillard, the extraordinarily talented former Weber State point guard is a Trail Blazer now. Although you probably already know that, did you realize how the Utah Jazz may struggle having to see what got away?

Utah became aware of this talent in 2008 when Lillard was named the Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year. They continued to scout him as he continued to improve.

Let’s stop here and take a glance at this “improvement”.

Conclusion of his sophomore year, Lillard was named Big Sky player of the year and an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press.

Junior year, his efforts earned him his third first team all-conference selection, his second Big Sky player of the year award and he was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award.

Widely regarded as the top point guard prospect in the country, Lillard decided to forgo his senior season and declared himself eligible for the 2012 NBA Draft.

Lillard finished his college career as the No. 2 scorer in Weber State history (1,934 points) and No. 5 scorer in Big Sky history, despite missing a year of eligibility.

Go ahead. If you haven’t taken a moment to comprehend this talent, you can take this time to breathe in the “wow” factor of this new player.

On October 31, 2012 in his NBA debut against the Lakers (this was just awesome because it gave me something to do on the strange holiday other than eat lots of candy and hide from six-year-olds surrounding my house), Lillard recorded 23 points and 11 assists, joining Oscar Robertson and Isiah Thomas as the only players in NBA history with at least 20 points and 10 assists in their NBA debuts.

Wow.

Despite their interest, the Utah Jazz did not get to take home this phenomenal point guard. Make no mistake in knowing that they liked him enough to try to move into the lottery to get him. Unfortunately, the cost of moving up was just too pricey, and all hope for a trade went floating into the air like sweet apple cider and Christmas pine trees. I’m going to stand behind this simile as a silly girl still trying to understand basketball.  Christmas and basketball both occur in the winter season, thus I can compare them.

In the occurrence of the Blazer’s stealing Lillard, what might have been gave way to what never did. Utah general manager Kevin O’Connor spoke highly of Lillard after the draft indicating the affinity he and Utah’s scouting staff had for the former Wildcat.

Damian Lillard, in a Jazz uniform? That would have been nice. I’m so happy Portland got him instead.

In my attempt to become a fan, after the first games this season, I am convinced of the excitement of the game. I think this mainly came from the skill of the new rookie, the zero.

Lillard has the opportunity to help put the Blazers back on the map as far as NBA title contenders along with some seasoned guys like LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicholas Batum, Wes Matthews, and J.J. Hickson and I believe they have yet to prove how much of a threat they will really be especially with the new draft picks of Lillard and 7’1 tall center, Meyers Leonard.

The Blazers seem to be putting a lot of trust in Lillard. So am I. But so far, it’s cool because it’s looking warranted. Here’s hoping this breaks the curse of Portland’s draft pasts.

Lillard is seen very positively as very likely of winning rookie of the year. In fact, the only player seen as more likely to win the award is the No. 1 overall pick Anthony Davis.

However, I’m still cheering for Lillard on this one.

It’s much more difficult for big men to assert themselves early than guards. Davis is with a young team in a brutal conference.  Our guy, Lillard is older and he’s the rare rookie with a lot of experience running the pick-and-roll. Lillard scored in college, scored in the summer league and is revealing to be quite the offensive firepower.

The Blazers WILL BOUNCE BACK this season and Lillard stands to receive much of the credit.

I’m excited to get used to the highlights that were revealed in Portland’s games thus far. Lillard is the real deal and is going to dominate the older, slower guards in the NBA.

I believe if he is consistent with his NBA debut performance, he will be rookie of the year. Not Davis.

(Unless of course, there are style points and then Lillard might have to brow to the brow.)

So, I’m still learning. But as I’m learning, I’m really liking this guy, Lillard.

This winter: Christmas songs and Gingerbread houses,

But more exciting than that-

A new coach.

A new center.

And the phenomenal Lillard. Weird arm bands and all.

It’s going to be a good year, Portland, and I’m really excited to be a part of it. Especially to watch the success of our “zero”.