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End-of-Season Awards: Portland Trail Blazers Edition

By Nate Mann

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 10: The Portland Trail Blazers celebrate a win against the San Antonio Spurs on April 10, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 10: The Portland Trail Blazers celebrate a win against the San Antonio Spurs on April 10, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 19: Damian Lillard
NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 19: Damian Lillard /

Most Valuable Player

This is a no-brainer. Despite what some local naysayers think, the Blazers’ all-everything guard is indispensable — not just on the court, but off it, too. He’s a fabulous player and a terrific representative for the Blazers and the city of Portland. As for stats: He led the team in points, scoring average, assists, free throw percentage and minutes played. His defense improved, and he is the indisputable team leader. As Dame goes, so go the Portland Trail Blazers.

This one is easy. Portland’s All-Star guard led the team in points, assists, assist-to-turnover ratio and player efficiency rating. Lillard dominated this season and was the clear cut MVP of the team.

I mean, he more than earned it. Lillard has embodied the leader role on this young Portland team. He was the team’s only All-Star this season, and will most likely be first or second team All-NBA. In 73 games of 36.6 minutes, Lillard averaged 26.9 points (fourth in the league), 6.6 assists (tenth in the league), and 4.5 rebounds. He did all this while shooting 44% from the field and 36% from three-point land. He was also very efficient at the line, finishing third in the NBA at 91% on the season.

His importance to the city of Portland is unmatched on the team, as well. He always gets the loudest cheers, most recognition, seems to be more loyal than anyone in the league, and dons “The Letter O” in honor of, among other things, the state he plays in. Lillard is the face of the franchise and was able to put up amazing numbers to back his play up.