Damian Lillard is one of the best shooters in the NBA. Lillard is proficient from the three-point line and can make some of the toughest shots in the league look like child’s play. But to start the season, he hasn’t been displaying any of that elite shot-making ability.
In fact, Lillard is currently shooting less than 10% for the season from the three-point line. This is far from what we are used to seeing from the former NBA Rookie Of The Year. While it is early in the season, this cannot be a good sign for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Damian Lillard himself is aware of his poor shooting form and addressed it recently. He believes that he is actually playing well, performing the right way during games and practice. But for some reason, his shots are not going in the way they normally do.
https://twitter.com/highkin/status/1453105536178659331
“I think I’m playing well. When I watch the film, I’m playing the game well. I’m just not making shots.”
Again, it is early in the season. And Lillard could, and most likely will be able to turn his fortunes around from the three-point line. But there is still a concern that he hasn’t been able to get going across his first three games.
Perhaps this is a result of playing under a new head coach in Chauncey Billups. Lillard’s performances will be held under a microscope, with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers having expressed avid interest in trading for the former All-Star.
And there is belief that he may ask for a trade if the Blazers don’t improve soon enough. But that improvement is highly dependent on him playing well and stepping up the way he is expected to.
At the moment, Lillard’s percentage is extremely low. But him having 79 remaining games to turn his season around can only serve as a boost to not only his confidence but also his range. Knowing the athlete Lillard is, he will be highly motivated and putting extra hours in the gym to get his touch back.
