Damian Lillard has been a hot topic of discussion around the league as the Portland Trail Blazers’ star point guard is on a tear ahead of the All-Star Break. With the starters set to be revealed shortly, Dan Devine of the Ringer explains how he decided on Lillard as a starter despite so many excellent backcourt choices in the Western Conference.
The final starting guard spot is a six-way race between Lillard, Luka Doncic, Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley, Chris Paul, and Devin Booker—a choice, essentially, between players putting up remarkable numbers while carrying teams that have been ravaged by injury and illness, and players whose individual production doesn’t pop off the page quite as much but who lead teams at or near the top of the conference.