Damian Lillard vs. Michael Carter-Williams
If you feel like there are a lot of great young point guards in today’s NBA game, you’re not alone. And if you’re searching for evidence, take a look at the last five NBA Rookies of the Year. Those star first-year players are Blake Griffin and four players who played the point guard position – Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, Kyrie Irving and Portland’s own Damian Lillard. The fourth unanimously selected NBA Rookie of the Year in league history, Lillard has done nothing but cement his place among the league’s best signal callers now in his second season. He is one of just five players who rank among the NBA’s top 20 in both scoring (21.4) and assists (6.0) this season, joining Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. And after setting a rookie record with 185 3-pointers converted in 2012-13, Lillard leads the entire league with 108 makes so far this season. Meanwhile, another point guard may have seized the early advantage for NBA Rookie of the Year once again. And even if there are nearly 50 games left to play, Michael Carter-Williams has earned the right to lead the conversation. Like Lillard, he won his conference’s first Rookie of the Month honor (Lillard won them all). He also leads the NBA in steals (3.05). And then there’s this – Carter-Williams leads all rookies in scoring (17.2), rebounds (5.6) and assists (7.3) so far this season.
Damian Lillard
• Ranks 12th in the NBA in scoring (21.4) and 18th in assists (6.0) during the 2013-14 season
• His 108 3-pointers lead all players in the NBA this year
• Named the fourth ever unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year last season
Michael Carter-Williams
• His 3.00 steals per game lead all NBA players during the 2013-14 season
• Named NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in October/November
• Leads all NBA rookies this season in points (17.2), rebounds (5.6) and assists (7.3)