Damian Lillard is undoubtedly one of the greatest scoring guards of all time. Taking cues from guys like Gilbert Arenas and former Blazers, Brandon Roy, Lillard’s offensive prowess is perhaps the most unique out of any player in the history of the NBA.
Advertisement
Stephen Curry is often credited as being the most prominent catalyst into the 3-point shooting revolution. However, him taking up every last bit of the glory here doesn’t sit well with a lot of NBA fans as Dame was right behind him, taking shots even he hasn’t made in the league.
Lillard recently moved up to 8th all-time on the regular season 3-pointers made list, passing Jason Terry after draining 2,222 long distance shots. In this aspect, Curry is leaps and bounds ahead of him as he’s currently sitting at 3,248. Though, interestingly enough, Damian doesn’t seem to think he’s a better shooter than Steph. His gripe is with another part of the ‘GOAT shooter’ discussion.
Also read: NBA Record 3s In A Game: Who Has Made The Most 3-Pointers In A Single Game In NBA History?
Damian Lillard understands Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter of all time
Damian Lillard isn’t dabbling in delusions as he firmly claims to know that Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter in the history of the NBA. However, when it comes to players that may be ranked after him, he doesn’t seem to understand why he isn’t talked about enough.
Damian Lillard on the greatest 3-point shooters:
“Obviously I think Steph is the greatest ever, but I think after him, I don’t see why I’m not clear-cut in that discussion, not just by makes, but how I shoot it, how I make tough ones all the time, how easy I shoot the ball.” pic.twitter.com/yqlRerJS28
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 18, 2022
Usually, the guys who come up in this debate are ones like Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Klay Thompson, Kyle Korver, and a couple more. However, it should be made very clear that while the aforementioned stars are incredible 3-point snipers, they aren’t on Dame’s level in terms of range combined with accuracy.
Ever since shot tracking began in the 1996-97 season, ‘The Letter O’ has led the NBA in field goals made from the 30-34 foot range. Everything from 30-foot long dribble pull-ups off screens to him hitting a sidestep 37-foot bomb to end the Thunder’s Playoffs dream are shots that no one in the history of the NBA have confidently tried to hit.
Damian Lillard is set to make Trailblazers history
Damian Lillard has always stated his desire to be known as the best player to have played in a Trailblazers uniform. Well, he is merely 21 points away from passing Blazer legend, Clyde Drexler, in total points in the regular season.
This feat won’t cement him as the greatest Blazer of all time as Drexler did lead the team to two NBA Finals (‘90 and ‘92) but it certainly brings up a debate where there isn’t really a wrong answer.
