Damian Lillard was the biggest All-Star snub last season. And also the season before last. Not only do we feel that, but he does also. 

The question that spurred Lillard’s response was regarding the number of times Dame had been an All-Star. Two is the correct answer. However, during a Q-and-A in New York for NBA 2K18, the 27-year-old came out and said he “should’ve been (an All-Star) in ’16 and ’17, too.”

As we know, Lillard isn’t one to stay soft spoken. His rebuttal to the fan was so on-brand. It was said jokingly because there’s no reason to be serious about a situation that’s in the past. However, Dame’s numbers over the last two seasons were more than All-Star worthy. He’s averaged 26.0 points and 6.3 assists while playing in 150 total contests.

The only other players to put up those metrics are Stephen Curry, James Harden and Russell Westbrook. All of them have appeared in the last two All-Star Games, and rightfully so. Those three are better than Lillard, but it was Klay Thompson who occupied the fourth guard spot for the 2017 game; in 2016, they had Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant, along with the four from this year.

What’s more puzzling is that Lillard is playing significantly better than when he was an All-Star, a development that’s not the norm.

Lillard’s one of the best scorers in the league. He’s got the arsenal to go shot-for-shot with anybody, and the Portland Trail Blazers expect him (and C.J. McCollum) to carry the brunt of the load. Of course, the voting process is flawed. Being on the Blazers probably impacts Lillard more than it should, given they’re mediocre at best. The All-Star Game, unlike the MVP, is a reward for individual talent, and Lillard is more than qualified.

Apr 22, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) looks down in the second half of game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) looks down in the second half of game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Dame’s constant snubs illustrate just how deep the point guard talent pool is. He may not want to hear that, but it’s the truth.

A silver lining — for the Trail Blazers at least — is that the chip on Lillard’s shoulder grew bigger after missing the mid-season matinee. In 24 post-All-Star game, Lillard, who played the same amount of minutes, rose his scoring average to 29.7 a night and maintained a true shooting clip of 61.4 percent. Portland also squeaked into the playoffs.

Also Read: Portland Can’t Stop After Dealing Allen Crabbe

If the snubs keep leading to increased production, I’m sure the Blazers wouldn’t be mad about it. After all, a star carrying his team to the postseason is worth more than an All-Star appearance.

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