Ranking Ja Morant among past NBA Rookie of the Year winners

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 26: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a game against the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on January 26, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 114-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

3. Damian Lillard (2013)

Looking back at the 2012 draft, it’s hard to believe Damian Lillard didn’t go until the No. 6 pick. It’s also hard to believe Lillard wasn’t a bigger star in college despite playing at mid-major Weber State.

Today, Lillard is so entrenched as one of the top players in the league that you wonder how he went overlooked by so many people for so long.

Lillard’s breakout party was the 2012-13 season, when he was unanimously voted Rookie of the Year after averaging 19.0 points and 6.5 assists per game for the Portland Trail Blazers.

While he would go on to become known as a postseason killer and notorious long-range sniper in clutch situations, Lillard wasn’t able to get the Blazers (33-49) to the playoffs as a rookie. By Year 2, however, he was a certified All-Star and headed to the postseason.

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