Damian Lillard Pushes Back on Underperforming Bucks Tenure

There is a valid argument that claims the Milwaukee Bucks experiment pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard together was a failed one. Two consecutive first-round playoff exits are the most damaging element of the duo’s short-lived time together. Considering that, then yes, it was a failed experiment. That said, there is no denying that the Bucks also endured numerous moments of in-house turmoil during the two years with Lillard. That turmoil primarily stemmed from coaching issues and intense media scrutiny. However, when it comes to Damian Lillard’s Bucks tenure, he holds a different perspective on why it didn’t work. His perspective challenges the general critique held by many. 

Damian Lillard Pushes Back on Underperforming Bucks Tenure

Damian Lillard’s argues Milwaukee Bucks tenure was marred by injuries and misguided public persecution

Dame Time wasn’t the same Dame Time in Milwaukee as it was with the Portland Trail Blazers before the trade two summers ago. While there were flashes of the clutch, knock-down shooter that Blazers fans had known for almost a decade, the Bucks fans saw glimpses, but not enough. Chemistry issues between Lillard and Giannis plagued much of their first year together. Even in year two, the fit continued to appear odd and out of place; never really working out successfully.

Of course, the most glaring element of Milwaukee’s early playoff exits was due to injuries. Gianni had his in the first year, and Lillard his in the second. Still, even if both stars were healthy and available, many in the NBA media stuck to the belief that Milwaukee wouldn’t get it done. As for Lillard, he acknowledges that his time with the Bucks didn’t yield the best results. Yet, it wasn’t all that the outside voices suggest, necessarily. Speaking with Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Lillard dove into what he thought went wrong, but also why he isn’t buying all the critique leveled at him. 

“I think when people actually look back at it and if people want to look at it and say, ‘It was like a dip or a down two years of performance for me,’ eventually they’ll have to look at it and say, ‘If that’s a down level of performance then what are we really saying about this dude.” Lillard continued, “I thought we just couldn’t stay healthy. I think that’s the biggest hurdle. That was our biggest hurdle, and each year that was the case.”

Lillard’s championship odds don’t get better after Milwaukee

What everyone loved about Lillard’s first tenure in Portland was his loyalty to the fans, city, and the organization. He never wanted to leave in the first place. The move to Milwaukee finally offered him his first genuine crack at a title, though. Unfortunately, those cracks are likely gone now. Portland is no contender, despite the potential they have on their roster, a solid head coach in Chauncey Billups, and Lillard back at home.

Lillard’s exit from Milwaukee wasn’t of his choosing. His release likely signalled he will complete his NBA career without a ring. His best chances of reaching that goal were with the Bucks had he stayed and continued his playing days there after his injury recovery. Sadly, the future Hall of Famer won’t have the opportunity now.

 

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