"I think those three, Lance Stephenson, and Kemba Walker" - Damian Lillard once named the league's top ball handlers

One of the greatest point guards of his generation, Damian Lillard , preyed on opponents with his deadly outside shot and ability to hunt fouls. The Milwaukee Bucks star is also known for his ball wizardry, being able to catch ankles and blow by opponents.

However, when asked in 2018 who he believes the league's best ball handlers are, Lillard mentioned Kyrie Irving , Stephen Curry, and CJ McCollum. Interestingly, he didn't even include himself in the top five.

"I think I handle the ball well, as far as you aren't going to take the ball from me," Dame told Chinese Global Television Now . "But when it comes to messing around with the ball, I think those three, Lance Stephenson and Kemba Walker."

Nothing too fancy for Lillard

Perhaps if the eight-time All-Star added more time into honing his handles, he would be at par with the likes of Irving and Curry in putting the ball on a string. After all, some of his dribbling highlights show his mastery of creating separation from opponents.

However, time has proven that the fundamentals are enough for Lillard. Because of his impressive production over the years, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, an honor many people didn't expect he would get. Even the former Portland Trail Blazers star couldn't believe it when he got the call.

Moreover, Dame has become famed for his clutch shots, most of which he attempted after taking his defender one-on-one from beyond the arc.

Who can forget his iconic buzzer-beater against the Oklahoma City Thunder that pushed the Blazers to the 2019 West semis? Lillard didn't need any fancy footwork. The threat of penetrating the rim and a simple stepback was all he needed to create some space away from Paul George.

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A surprise selection by Lillard

While mentioning Kyrie, Steph, McCollum , and Walker is probably unsurprising to many folks, Dame's inclusion of Stephenson might be shocking.

However, those who were able to watch the New York legend would likely agree with the seven-time All-NBA First-Team selection. "Born Ready" may be the stuff of memes, but there's no denying he also had handles for days.

It's unfortunate that Stephenson never became a star in the NBA because he definitely had the tools to become one. As a consolation, he became an MVP in a different league. In 2019, Lance joined the East Asia Super League, where he led his squad to the title and won the top individual plum.

Related: Michael Cooper picks Damian Lillard over Luka Doncic: "He is lazy and doesn't hustle back on defense"