4.) The Rookie of the Year Award(s)
Nov 18, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Rocket won in overtime 108 to 103. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The Trail Blazers have struck gold twice in the last decade with the number six pick. Brandon Roy and Damian Lillard have both walked away with Rookie of the year honors. Each debut infused a frustrated Rip City with a shot of hope for the future.
Each player followed their rookie breakout with All-Star Game appearances. Both players captured the imagination of a fan base scarred with previous disappointment. No game feels (felt) out of reach with them in the game. The biggest tragedy is that Portland never witnessed these two as a back court tandem.