The Milwaukee Bucks traded away the man arguably the catalyst behind the franchise’s 2021 championship. Did it have to be done? Most likely, yes. Khris Middleton has fallen victim to a rash of injuries since Milwaukee’s title run four years ago, and given his age, the Bucks had to go younger. Kyle Kuzma provides them with an offensive threat on top of it all. While Milwaukee got better today, one critic believes that it’s not Kuzma nor Giannis Antetokounmpo but Damian Lillard who holds the Bucks title chances in the palm of his hands. It would appear that no trade Milwaukee makes will change this outlook.
Bucks Title Chances Remain in the Hands of Dame Time
Skip Bayless Insists Bucks Championship Title Chances Come Down to Damian Lillard After Kyle Kuzma Trade
Skip Bayless, sports’ most outspoken voice and critic of the last two decades, gave the proverbial thumbs up to the Middleton-Kuzma trade. He cited that Milwaukee needed youth, and they now have some in Kuzma. The former Los Angeles Lakers champion spent the past three and a half seasons with the lowly Washington Wizards.
For Kuzma, the trade is a breath of fresh air that could lead to another shot at a title. He adds instant offense and versatility at that end of the floor as a 15.2 points-per-game scorer and solid rebounder. Although, despite Kuzma’s addition, Bayless holds to the notion that the Bucks title chances remain in Dame’s hands and no one else, and said as much shortly after the trade [Twitter link].
“Kyle Kuzma will give the Bucks younger energy. But they’ll go as far as Dame takes them. Giannis will be Giannis. But Dame must hold up his end of co-star bargain – orchestrating, making 3s, big shots. Not sure he can.”
Kyle Kuzma will give the Bucks younger energy. But they’ll go as far as Dame takes them. Giannis will be Giannis. But Dame must hold up his end of co-star bargain – orchestrating, making 3s, big shots. Not sure he can.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 5, 2025
In Dame’s Hands
Lillard has come up short much of his career when it comes to playoff success. Of course, there was the Portland Trail Blazers 2019 conference finals run, where Dame saw his deepest post-season run. It didn’t start off well in Milwaukee for Lillard as the Bucks came up short in round one of last season’s playoffs. And despite this season’s terrible start, Milwaukee has looked much better after turning their season around in mid-November. They’ve climbed back up the Eastern Conference ladder and sit in the fifth seed.
Not only have the Bucks put it together, Giannis and Dame have done the same. Collectively, they look significantly better than last year. However, if you agree with Bayless’s sentiments on Lillard, then it’s not Giannis who will carry Milwaukee deep in the postseason. Lillard will have to shine the brightest because Giannis will be alone if he folds under the pressure. He may be unable to do it all alone if Dame doesn’t show up. Lillard is averaging 25.1 points, 7.4 assists, and shooting 37.9 from three. All his averages exceed last season’s—that’s a good sign.
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