Niether
Damian Lillard nor Jeremy Lin will finish the regular season as the top point
guard in the NBA. That spot is reserved for the likes of Rajon Rondo, Chris
Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Tony Parker, but a few years down the line, either
or both Lillard and Lin should become part of that group. Both guys, having a
combined age of 46 years (just 6 years more than the current oldest active
player – New York’s Kurt Thomas), have about a handful more seasons before they
hit their physical prime, and that is an exciting proposition for Portland and
Houston fans.
Lillard was
picked #6 overall this year. Coming out of Weber State, which isn’t exactly the
most renowned US NCAA basketball program around, Lillard surprised many by
being tagged so high in the lottery, but he’s making the Portland front office
look like geniuses with his consistently strong play. The former Wildcat is
norming nearly 19 points, over 6 assists, and more than 1 steal per game. He’s
in the running for Rookie of the Year honors, if not leading the race entirely.
The 22-year old is currently 9th overall in three-pointers made
(including a nice dagger three that beat the Hornets a few nights ago), 16th
overall in total points scored, and 10th among point guards in terms
of efficiency rating. Together with LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum,
Lillard should make the Blazers really dangerous for years to come.
 |
| Damian Lillard's game-winner to beat the New Orleans Hornets provides a glimpse into his bright future. (image by Bruce Ely/AP) |
A team
that’s already quite dangerous is the Houston Rockets. Just ask their latest victims
– the Philadelphia 76ers and the East-leading New York Knicks. At the forefront
of Houston’s seeming renaissance, of course, is former OKC Thunder James
Harden, but one guy who has been a major contributor is Harden’s backcourt
mate, himself a former Knick, Jeremy Lin.
We can still
recall how Lin burst into the scene as a patchwork player for the Knicks
earlier in 2012. He almost single-handedly turned the ship around for NYK and
created what would forever be remembered as “Linsanity.” We can also recall
how, despite his contributions, New York let him go in a surprisingly
nonchalant manner before the 2012-2013 campaign.
A couple of
nights ago, the Harvard grad returned to the Garden with aplomb, scoring 22
points and dishing out 8 assists as the Rockets handed the Knicks their first
home loss of the season. Lin has actually been criticized for his inconsistent
play, but his flashes of brilliance are undeniably appealing. Two nights after
the NY win, Lin dropped 18 and 6 on the Suns as Houston got its fourth win in
the last five contests. In his last two games, Line shot better than 62% from
the floor. This was the guy who, just a week ago, also dropped 38 on Tony Parker
and the Spurs (Houston lost by 8, though).
He might not
yet get the nod for an All-Star slot out of merit (maybe out of the sheer
number of potential votes from both China and Taiwan?), but just a little more
maturity is needed before Lin can become a top-flight PG.
Another thing
contributing to the impending rise of Lillard and Lin is the fact that many of
the West’s great playmakers are getting older. Steve Nash is closing in on 40, Tony
Parker will turn 31 next May, and Chris Paul will hit his early 30s by the time
both Lillard and Lin hit their peaks.
Damian
Lillard and Jeremy Lin – folks, these are the guards of the future.
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