The Trail Blazers started 3 games, 1 win and 2 losses. He lost 121-124 to the Kings in the opener, defeated the Suns 134-105 in the second game, and lost to the Clippers 86-116 in the third game.
Lillard has played poorly in those three games, averaging just 17 points, 3.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game, shooting 36 percent from the field and 8.3 percent from three-point range. In the opener against the Kings, Lillard shot 8-of-24 and conceded 9 from three-point range, finishing with just 20 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists. In the third game against the Clippers, Lillard shot 4 of 15, lost all 8 three-pointers, and only had 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, plus or minus -21.
Lillard's poor performance has plunged him into a huge controversy. Among the top 76 stars officially announced by the NBA, Lillard is among them. Maddy, Parker, Yao Ming, and Howard were not selected for the 76ers, but Lillard was selected for the 76th, which is not so much an honor as a burden for Lillard.
Fans have been upset with stars such as Maddy, Yao Ming, howard, etc., and the US media has listed the data comparison between Lillard and Maddy, Parker, Howard and other stars, so as to show how unworthy Lillard is to enter the 76.
In fact, Lillard is quite innocent. The 76th was not chosen by him, and Lillard did not think that he could be selected for the 76th. The NBA officially chose him as the big 76, so what can he do? Say you don't deserve it, let the NBA officially eliminate yourself out of the 76? Even if Lillard did say that, would the NBA officially pay attention to him? It's obviously not something Lillard can control, but now it's as if Lillard is stealing other stars from the big 76.
Lillard was questioned for being named to the 76. Coupled with the poor performance since the beginning of the game, more and more people began to criticize him, thinking that he was a pseudo-superstar.
Some fans posted CJ McCollum's hands-on emoji, indicating that Lillard said he wanted to fight for the championship, but now he is dragging CJ's hind legs.
Compared to Lillard's sluggish performance, CJ has performed well since the beginning of the game, averaging 27.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2 steals and 1.7 blocks per game, shooting 52.5% from the field and 48.5% from three-point range.
Lillard's poor performance has to do with form, but also with Billups' tactics. In the past, Lillard played with the ball, and he had the supreme voice in the Blazers, and he could attack as he wanted, shoot as far as he wanted, and shoot as far as he wanted.
But Billups asked the Blazers to pass more and try to play a good defense. The Blazers then delivered 30 turnovers against the Clippers, setting a record for the worst single game in franchise history since 1989. And the team's defense is still so sparse and has not improved.
Stotts has left a deep mark on the Blazers, And it's normal for Players not to adapt as soon as Billups comes to reform. The question is, after a painful start, will the Blazers be able to thrive? Also, will Lillard survive until Billups' reforms take effect?
The team's poor start, the criticism from fans and the media, all of which challenge Lillard's mentality. Industry analysts believe that if Lillard can't rebound immediately, the Blazers are still so lost and won less, then it won't be long before Lillard will most likely apply to leave the team and part ways with the Blazers.
Where would Lillard go if he applied to leave the team? Both teams became big hits. The 76ers had been refusing to trade Simmons, just waiting for Lillard. According to US media reports, in order to get Lillard, the 76ers are willing to give away Simmons, Maxi, multiple first-round picks and multiple first-round pick swaps.
The Lakers are also one of Lillard's favorite underlings. Wei Shao and the Lakers are not satisfied, and in the offseason, the Lakers want Lillard most. If Lillard applies to leave the team, then the Lakers are likely to pack Wei Shao + first-round picks + second-round picks to quote Lillard.
Lillard averaged 34.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game in the playoffs last season, shooting 46 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range. In just a few months, it is impossible for strength to suddenly decline in a broken line. It is also a matter of time before Lillard recovers. If he does leave the Blazers, then whether it's joining the 76ers or the Lakers, it will make his new owner a tiger and become the number one favorite to win this season' championship.