In the NBA, the point guard is arguably the most important player on the floor, and in today’s era of small-ball, having an effective floor general is growing increasingly vital to the success of any franchise. There are quite a few superstars who man the one spot around the league, though it is certainly up for debate as to whom the top playmaker currently is. The debate began yesterday when we discussed the merits of Phoenix’s Eric Bledsoe versus Detroit’s Reggie Jackson.
This brings me to the topic and duo of the day: Damian Lillard (Blazers) vs. John Wall (Wizards). Which of the two point guards would you prefer to start for your team?
Both of these players are amongst the best at the position, and each is counted on to be one of the primary scoring options on their respective teams. Each of these point men has his own style, with Wall relying more on his speed and a slashing style that depends more on him getting to the rim than lighting it up from deep. Wall entered the league first, becoming the No. 1 overall pick back in 2010. While his first three campaigns were marred by injuries, Wall has managed to remain relatively healthy the last two seasons. In 2014/15 he posted averages of 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 10.0 assists to go with a slash line of .445/.300/.785. Wall’s career marks are 17.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 8.7 APG.
Lillard didn’t arrive in the NBA with quite the hype that Wall did, but was instead a fast-riser during the pre-draft process, and it surprised a few when the Blazers selected him with the No. 6 overall pick in 2012. But Portland certainly knew what it was doing, and Lillard quickly elevated his game to become one of the top guards and closers in the league. I’m sure the Kings (and their fans) would love to redo that draft and nab Lillard instead of Thomas Robinson with pick No. 5. While Lillard can take it to the hoop with the best of them, his game relies much more heavily on the deep ball. The 25-year-old appeared in 82 contests last season, averaging 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists with a slash line of .434/.343/.864. Lillard’s career averages are 20.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 6.1 APG, and he’ll certainly need to improve on those in the wake of LaMarcus Aldridge‘s departure if Portland is to have any shot at the playoffs this coming season.
If you were the GM of a team and were given the choice between the two players, which one would you choose? Why did you pick one over the other? Take to the comments section below to sound off with your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
John Wall
Lillard is the better shooter, but that’s pretty much it, and John Wall is improving in that area
Lillard has shown himself to be a stronger closer in the fourth quarter than Wall, which counts for something in my book.
I’ll take Wall for his size and Defense though Lillard is the superior scorer (not that Wall can’t score)
I’d pick John Wall only because of his lightning quick speed and his willingness to pass the ball and be a facilitator and a scoring threat he is also a pretty adept defender at the one
Lillard!
1) better shooter
2) more clutch
3) more charismatic
4) less injury prone
5) just as good at getting to the rim.
I would take those qualities over assists and spotty defense. Every point guard is good now so man to man defense doesn’t matter as much when it comes to guards. Team defense
Well said sir, Lillard all the way
Tough one, but I’ll give my vote to the larger, speedier player, and that’s John Wall. I think Lillard has a heck of an opportunity to prove me wrong this year, however. The Blazers will fall and rise with him.