Lillard Speaks out on Bucks "Ugly" Start to the Season

Milwaukee pulled off the biggest trade of the season this past summer when they acquired 7-time All-Star Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. The Bucks seemingly came out of nowhere to get Lillard, with all rumors and speculation hinting at him joining either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers instead.

Now, five games into the season, we are starting to see the effects of this new trade. Although it is still too early to see their full potential, the Bucks have started a bit slower than expected, with 2 devastating losses by 19 points to the Raptors and 17 points to the Hawks.

The Trade for Lillard

On paper, the assets that Milwaukee gave up for Lillard are far inferior. Lillard is one of the best offensive superstars in the entire NBA today, with numerous All-Star and All-NBA honors. All the Bucks had to part ways with were guards Grayson Allen and Jrue Holiday as well as multiple draft assets, which aren't likely to be too valuable given Milwaukee's current roster.

Im Gonna Miss Jrue, But I KNEW We Had To Give Up One Of our Big 3 Players!! We Basically Upgraded at the PG Spot again!! This Trade SHOULD bring us Another Ring!!!! IM SO HAPPY Right Now!!!

Details on Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks

via Adrian Wojnarowski pic.twitter.com/RPaJUrqVnL— Lamarcus Alston (@MISTAMARCUS) September 27, 2023

Holiday is the biggest loss for the Bucks, as he is widely regarded as one of the best defensive guards in the league today. Additionally, he is a more than capable scorer and facilitator when called upon. Last season was arguably his greatest, as he became an All-Star for just the second time in his career.

defensive Struggles

Lillard is not known to necessarily be a defensive liability; however, he has never been regarded as a great defender. Swapping him for their best perimeter defender, the Bucks have seen early concerns. They have gone from one of the best defensive teams over the last few seasons to the 28th-ranked defense so far this season.

Not all of this can be placed on Damian Lillard; however, as there could be a great number of reasons for their defensive demise, such as firing Head Coach Mike Budenholzer and appointing first-time Head Coach Adrian Griffin as his replacement.

Only 5 games into the season, it is still too early to tell if their defensive woes will continue long-term. There is always a learning curve when making significant roster and coaching changes, so the Bucks could easily turn this season around. Especially considering that they have a former Defensive Player of the Year in Giannis Antetokounmpo, who can anchor any defense.

Lillard Comments on Slow Start

Lillard has now publicly commented on their slow start to the season and acknowledged that this is just the adjustment period for the team. He believes that once the roster becomes used to things, they will perform a lot better.


He also mentioned player sacrifice and how it will take pride and ego being pushed aside for this team to succeed. This is the first time in 8 seasons where Lillard has not been the best player on his team, and now, playing alongside 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lillard will have to learn how to play second fiddle.


Despite the apparent early-season struggles, the Bucks still hold a positive record with 3 wins and 2 losses. It almost sounds weird to call this a struggling team, but due to the hype and expectations around this current squad, it is fair criticism, especially when you take into account the opposing start that the Celtics have had.

There is still a lot of time for the Bucks to improve their chemistry and figure things out. For the most part, everybody is expecting them to do so, with sportsbooks putting them as the second favorite to win the championship.

With the 2023-2024 season officially underway, check out the favorites to win this season's NBA Championship, presented by @BetMGM & tune in to tonight's games on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/q2XqgiEtnT— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2023

Updated NBA Championship betting at @BetMGM

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