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Why Damian Lillard should have made the All-Star team

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Ramon Sessions (7) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Hornets win 107-85. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Ramon Sessions (7) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Hornets win 107-85. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Damian Lillard, Terry Stotts, C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
Jan 13, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts talks with Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) during a break in the action against the Orlando Magic at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Portland is not that bad

The All-Star Game is a mix of individual reward and team recognition. Teams that are playing well will get a token representative if they have a borderline All-Star. Coaches like to recognize winning.

So if there is a weakness to Lillard’s campaign it is that the Portland Trail Blazers have not played to expectations this year. Portland is ninth in the Western Conference at 20-27. The team has one of the worst defenses in the league despite an extremely strong offensive performance so far.

The Blazers are not out of it by any stretch. Lillard is not a bad-team-good-stats guy. His team is in the Playoff hunt. And it is easy to see the Blazers making the playoffs. They are only a game behind the Denver Nuggets.

Portland made its big push last year in January and February to make the playoffs and secure the fifth seed. Another big push like that is certainly possible for Portland. It is easier to trust Lillard and the Blazers to do it than Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets or even DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings, especially without Rudy Gay.

Next: Why Chris Paul should have made the 2017 NBA All-Star team

Lillard should not be penalized for his team’s record. They have disappointed but he is still putting up big numbers and is worthy of a spot on the team.

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