Rip City Project
Fansided

Blazers Life Without Superstar Damian Lillard

By Ty Delbridge

Oct 7, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dances with Trail Blazers
Oct 7, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dances with Trail Blazers /
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Oct 27, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Mason Plumlee (24) dunks over Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Mason Plumlee (24) dunks. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Mason Plumlee has been Stuffing the Stat Sheet

At the end of the 2016-2017 season, Mason Plumlee will be a restricted free agent and the Blazers will decide whether to keep him or not.  The decision is tough, as the big man out of Duke is having a career year.

Through 36 games Mason is stuffing the stat sheet. He is averaging a career high in points (11.1) and assists (4.2). He is grabbing 7.5 boards a game and getting 1.0 blocks a game. In the last six games Plumlee is averaging 11.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.3 APG. Plumlee has also recorded six double-doubles this year two back to back with Lillard out.

Mason opens the offense up with his skillful passing and a newly acquired mid-range shot. After taking just 54 mid range shots before this season, he’s shot 50 this year and is knocking them down at 34%. Not great, but definitely respectable for a new aspect to his game. That gives Plumlee the chance to be a better play maker than he already is.

Most importlantly, he has become a real weapon in the pick and roll. Plumlee has been one of the most consistent players on this team this season and if he keeps up this play, the Blazers will be re-signing him for sure.