The NBA is a league filled with star power. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry are the cream of the crop when it comes to stars, with others such as James Harden and Russell Westbrook being great in their own right. With such talent in the NBA right now, it does not seem far-fetched to think that some good players do not get the recognition they deserve. However, there is one superstar in the NBA who has been a dominating force since he came in the league who should be getting more time in the spotlight for his incredible play and leadership for his team.

That superstar is Damian Lillard.

Look at Lillard's numbers: He is one of the best

There are many different reasons why Damian Lillard is slept on. He plays for the Portland Trail Blazers, who are an average team in the NBA and do not boast the largest market for an NBA audience. Another factor that may hurt Lillard is he also plays the point guard position, which is maybe the deepest position in the NBA, with the likes of Curry, Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, and John Wall. That being said, take a look at Lillard's numbers, which are roughly 25 points and over six assists per game. Both are better marks than Irving's, more points per game than Wall, and is more efficient than Westbrook. Yet, not enough people are talking about Damian Lillard's greatness when he clearly deserves to be in that conversation.

This should not be news, Lillard has been great since he entered the league

Speaking of Damian Lillard's numbers, looking at his first five seasons should be another indicator that Lillard deserves more respect in the NBA headlines. Lillard entered the league after an outstanding four years at little-known Weber State University as the sixth overall pick and rounded out a very solid starting lineup that consisted of LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, and Robin Lopez.

He would end up winning Rookie of the Year and was an All-Star selection the next two years. After losing the other four starters through free agency and trades, Damian Lillard was handed the keys to the franchise, and his career took off. Since then, Lillard has averaged over 25 points and six assists per season, been efficient, and the overwhelming leader of the Trail Blazers.

He has been great and consistent in every way possible and should be recognized as the star he is.

It is time to give Damian Lillard the respect he deserves

Despite his incredible play and consistency, Lillard has missed out on making multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections. He puts up the numbers, he has never missed the playoffs, and, besides C.J McCollum, is leading a team with no others great players. Let's put an end to this and show Damian Lillard the respect he deserves.
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