Damian Lillard aims to become first rookie guard since Michael Jordan to make NBA All-Star team
Gary Payton, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose didn't make the NBA All-Star Game as rookies. Kyrie Irving made a valiant effort last season, but also didn't get picked.
No guard, in fact, has been selected to play in the annual All-Star Game since Michael Jordan 28 years ago.
Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers' rookie point guard, would like to end that streak. He's made a growing case for himself this season, most recently with a 37-point performance against the Golden State Warriors.
"That says everything when Michael Jordan was the last guard to do it," said Lillard, who was born in 1990.
Lillard has already established himself as the likely choice for Rookie of the Year based on his work in the first half of the season. He's averaging 18.5 points, 6.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds. He has been named the Western Conference's Rookie of the Month for November and December and has eight games of at least 20 points and seven assists. He's also helped the Blazers, who finished 28-38 last season, to a winning record.
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