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Trail Blazers: Olshey’s Best Draft Picks

Steven Dewald|
Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) walk up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) walk up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
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Trail Blazers Draft Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0). Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Damian Lillard

Pick #6 – 2012 NBA Draft

Career Stats – 21.4 PPG / 6.3 APG / 3.8 RPG / .426 FG% / .370 3P%

Damian Lillard‘s spot on top of this list is fairly obvious. Since being selected in the 2012 NBA Draft, Lillard has been the key component to the Trail Blazers’ success. He quickly vindicated Olshey’s faith in him by winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and he hasn’t looked back.

With Lillard running the point, the Trail Blazers have qualified for the playoffs in three consecutive years. Two of those postseason berths resulted in a trip to the second round. Lillard has proven to be one of those rare building blocks that GM’s strive to land in the draft process, kudos to Olshey for identifying those traits in the former Weber State guard.

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Lillard’s place among the all-time great Trail Blazers is already established and it will only grow with time. His newest contract has him set to finish out the decade in a red and black jersey.