Time expires on those that still say Lillard is underrated By: Kate Constable

After years of being underappreciated, undervalued and underrated, Damian Lillard is finally receiving the recognition he deserves.

What he’s done this season – and continues to do in the playoffs – rivals players that have never in their professional career been considered underrated. Therefore it’s time to remove Lillard’s name from that category and time to start giving him the same consistent attention as the game’s top players.

The 6-foot-3 guard not only showcased his ability to carry a Portland roster that isn’t as star-studded as many of its counterparts in the Western Conference, but clearly established himself as the best player on the floor throughout the Trail Blazers’ first-round playoff series with Oklahoma City.

He turned a team that hadn’t won a playoff game in the last two seasons into a dominant force that Paul George, and the Thunder couldn’t contain.

Compared to last year’s postseason, Lillard improved in nearly every statistical category, including points, percentage, three-point field goals made and assists. His plus/minus was also positive (+11) for the first time in his NBA career.

While often overshadowed by Westbrook’s loud antics, Lillard dominated the 2017 MVP in a series that became personal. He boasted a higher field-goal and three-point percentage throughout the series while averaging roughly 10 more points per game.

Not bad for someone who was supposed to be an easy first round matchup.

But playing in the shadow is nothing new to Lillard. When it comes to the conference’s top players, , James Harden, and now LeBron James are often at the top of the discussion board, with Lillard too often forgotten.

However, Lillard isn’t playing with a supporting cast of All-Stars or savvy veteran leaders, making his ability to average 25.8 points per game while leading his team to 53 wins during the regular season nothing short of remarkable.

So where does the notion that a player who leads the playoffs in points per game is underrated come from?

Maybe it comes from the fact that Portland is a small-market franchise.

Maybe it’s because while the Trail Blazers are playing, everyone on the East Coast is sleeping and those that are awake focus their attention on James and Curry.

Maybe it’s because he exudes a laid-back demeanor, letting his play do the talking.

Despite being a four-time All-Star, whatever it is kept Lillard’s name off All-Star rosters in 2016 and 2017, as well as the 2016-17 All-NBA Team.

The perception that he is unappreciated began at an early age. A two-star recruit coming out of high school, according to Rivals.com, Lillard didn’t receive looks from top programs, yet he knew he was capable of playing at that level and went on to prove it.

He signed with Weber State, not concerned with the fact that it’s a mid-major school, but optimistic about the opportunities it could provide. He flourished into one of the best players the program has ever seen, finishing his career as the school’s second all-time leading scorer despite forgoing his senior season.

Lillard was selected sixth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, becoming the first Wildcat drafted to the NBA in 27 years and the program’s only player ever selected in the first round.

Lillard found a way to stand out back then, and he’s doing the same now.

He is a superstar in this league and if you need more proof take a look at the series-clinching three he poured in against the in 2014, helping Portland win its first playoff series in over a decade.

Ask Harden if Lillard was underrated back then.

Or how about the series-clinching three he launched on Tuesday from 37 feet with a hand in the face and time expiring.

Ask Westbrook if Lillard is underrated now.

As that shot hit the bottom of the net, Lillard said goodbye to the Thunder with a delicate wave directed toward their bench.

He also said hello to anyone that’s ever considered him an underrated player.