We've got some PG-on-PG crime here, folks.
At halftime of Tuesday night's game between the Trail Blazers and Cavs, Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas called out Portland's Damian Lillard on NBA TV for his supposed lack of vocal leadership with his teammates. Thomas explained his stance when questioned by fellow analyst Chris Webber on how Lillard can improve.
"I think he has to get better as a leader," Thomas said. "And what I mean — not his physical leadership because we see that on the floor in terms of him being able to shoot the basketball, distribute, everything else — but can he become the type of vocal leader that inspires his players to get better? Can he inspire his teammates to become better?"
— Mike G Vids (@mikegvids) January 3, 2018
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Lillard offered his thoughts when asked by a fan on Twitter about Thomas' comments. It's fair to say he disagrees with that assessment.
He’s never spent a single second around our team. So yea ... swinging at the Piñata with a blindfold on https://t.co/JLAugZHWEV
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) January 3, 2018
The Trail Blazers fell to the Cavs at Quicken Loans Arena 127-110, but Lillard looked like his old self after missing the previous five games with a hamstring injury. He scored 25 points (6-of-9 shooting from 3-point range) and dished out six assists in 33 minutes of work. As Tuesday's game showed, Lillard's production is always there. His 2017-18 season averages are mostly in line with what Trail Blazers fans have seen throughout his career.
But even after noting his "physical leadership" and abilities on the court, Thomas' argument still feels like a bit of a reach. Lillard has been fully committed to pushing Portland as far as he can, but the bigger issue might be the Trail Blazers' level of talent. This team can push for a playoff spot, but it won't go very far as currently constructed.
Sure, Thomas answered the question with his opinion as any analyst does, but he should dig a little deeper next time.
