Damian Lillard vs. Tony Parker
One player exceeded all individual expectations, leading NBA rookies in scoring and assists before becoming the fourth unanimous Rookie of the Year in league history. The other led his squad to exceed all team expectations, coming tantalizingly close to another NBA Championship before falling in Game 7 of the league’s ultimate series. Both have established themselves among the league’s best point guards, even if one has had 11 more years in the NBA to prove it. Damian Lillard’s list of accolades less than six months from his first professional basketball game is both long and extraordinary. On Oct. 31, 2012, he became the third player all-time to tally at least 20 points and 10 assists in an NBA debut. By April 17, 2013, he had become one of three players in league history to total at least 1,500 points and 500 assists in a rookie season. Over that same time period, Tony Parker led the San Antonio Spurs to a 58-24 record, the #2 seed in the Western Conference and their 16th consecutive playoff appearance. In his 12th NBA season, his 20.3 points, 7.6 assists and 52.2% field goal mark all placed second for any year of his illustrious career. And he helped his team reach the NBA Finals, again, falling just shy of a fourth championship ring. Greatness ensues for these two point guard powers over the next six months – and perhaps beyond.
Damian Lillard
• Received NBA Rookie of the Month honors every month last season before being named 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year
• His 185 3-pointers made last year broke Stephen Curry’s NBA rookie record
• Joined Clyde Drexler as the only Trail Blazers in team history to record at least 1,500 points and 500 assists in a season
Tony Parker
• Named to the 2012-13 All-NBA Second Team, the fourth time in his 12-year career he has received All-NBA honors
• The only player in the NBA last season to average at least 20 points and 7.5 assists
• Has increased his scoring average every year since 2009-10, with his 20.3 points per game last season ranking second highest in his career