Portland Trail Blazers: Remembering Damian Lillard’s debut, eight years from today

On this day, eight years ago, a young point guard by the name of Damian Lillard officially welcomed himself to the NBA. Here, we look back at a moment that made the Portland Trail Blazers star.

A lot of things have changed since Damian Lillard made his Portland Trail Blazers debut, eight years ago. He’s the lone remnant of that 2012-13 team, and now, the undisputed face of the franchise.

But for all of the dynamics that have changed, perhaps even more of them have remained the same. Within four minutes of his first game, the Los Angeles Lakers and the rest of the NBA were officially put in notice.

In a span of four possessions Lillard hit a 3-pointer — of course, a few steps behind the line — and then worked pick-and-pop synergy with LaMarcus Aldridge for three straight assists.

On the local broadcast, the great Mike Rice and Mike Barrett called the game. Rice offered what may as well have become an Moda Center anthem in the coming years.

“Duhon’s having a lot of trouble guarding Lillard tonight.”

Consider the list of point guards that assessment would apply to here in 2020.

On the night, Lillard joined Hall of Fame floor generals Isiah Thomas and Oscar Robertson as the only guards at the time to contribute 20 points and 10 assists in the first games of their professional careers.

Needless to say, the future 2012-13 Rookie of the Year proved to be far more than just a one-game wonder.

Despite sharing a conference with the likes of Chris Paul, Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook, and up-and-comers such as Stephen Curry and Ty Lawson, Lillard’s production helped generate a bit of chatter about him being named a Western Conference All-Star in 2012-13.

There’s a lot to appreciate about Lillard’s debut, and just how much of a foreshadowing it was. One aspect that always stuck: the extent to which Lillard’s play style remained consistent.

The deep, 25-foot-and-out shots were always there, as were the stop-and-go midrange shots and acrobatic, fearless takes to the basket. Lillard simply refined and improved merely “good” traits, and turned them into great ones.

Sharing in the storyline of Lillard’s debut, the Blazers churned out a sensational starting five of Lillard, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, Aldridge, and J.J. Hickson. Together, the five combined for 103 points.

These days, the game is remembered as the one in which Damian Lillard introduced himself to the league. It’s only fitting that on Halloween Night in 2012, Lillard showed the world just how scary his prime would be for opposing guards.