Assists per game – Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard will almost certainly lead the Blazers in assists per game in 2021. With threats up and down the roster off the ball, he may have his highest assist total in his Blazers career.
Jusuf Nurkic being healthy means that he will be a target for seals and mismatches in the post. This will be the same with Enes Kanter and Harry Giles; the Blazers will have three bigs who can generate efficient offense under the rim.
When you add excellent cutter and lob threat Derrick Jones Jr to this group, Lillard is likely to have many easier ways to get his assist total up. Lillard isn’t motivated by statistics, but he will naturally increase his total based on teammates’ higher caliber than 2020.
Robert Covington and the returning Rodney Hood will also be the recipient of Lillard’s great drive and kick game. There is a strong chance that opposition coaches will double him when he reaches half-court, but his great vision and pinpoint passing means he can hit these shooters with passes as there will be an open man. Gary Trent Jr will also be a great catch and shoot threat; he will be part of the rotation for the whole 2021 season.
Dame averaged a career-high 8 assist in 2020; I see a high chance that this increases to 8.5 or maybe even 9. Dame hasn’t had this caliber of teammates in his prime, he will have offensive players alongside him in every game.