When Damian Lillard first joined the Milwaukee Bucks, there were a lot of questions surrounding his fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo. It’s as if people forgot that the seven-time All-Star also had to find his way alongside the other members of the squad.
At this point in the season, Dame has done a commendable job of finding his groove not only alongside Giannis, but with the rest of the team as well. Lillard has also found a comfortable level of chemistry with the team’s other star, Khris Middleton.
Damian Lillard Comments on Milwaukee Bucks Partnership With Khris Middleton
This isn’t all on Dame. A lot of credit also needs to be given to the Bucks for their willingness to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate the arrival of Lillard.
For Middleton, in particular, he’s been required to take a step back to allow Dame to be the second option behind Antetokounmpo. Lillard appreciates Middleton’s effort — someone who the former believes is an extremely high-IQ player:
“[Middleton is] an extremely smart player,” Lillard said, via Jamal Collier of ESPN. “He’s an X’s and O’s guy, so he sees the game well. Me as a point guard of 12 years, I see the game really well. … He’s like that. It helps our connection on the floor. It helps us be on the same page.”
Middleton isn’t exactly an All-NBA point guard, but he too has an innate understanding of the game. More importantly, though, he understands the role that he needs to play for the Bucks. He’s also been willing to take on the same, regardless of the fact that he’s been demoted as a third option.
This just speaks volumes of Middleton’s team-first mentality and his willingness to do whatever it takes to win.
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