The Milwaukee Bucks are poised to begin the first round of the NBA Playoffs with their matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Even though two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be healthy enough to start the series (and may miss it altogether), the Bucks are hopeful that they can avoid a first round exit for a second consecutive season.
Of course, in order for them to advance, Milwaukee will need All-Star point guard Damian Lillard to be a huge part of both their offense and defense. This season, Lillard averaged 24.3 points on 42/35/92 shooting. He also averaged 4.4 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
Milwaukee Bucks Fans Have Been Disappointed with Damian Lillard
Unfortunately, Lillard’s production this season, a year in which he was voted as an All-Star starter for the first time in his career, has left many Bucks fans dissatisfied. Last season with the Portland Trailblazers, Lillard averaged 32.3 points on 46/37/91 shooting while also putting up 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game.
These were the numbers that many fans expected Lillard to put up in Milwaukee. However, the trade that landed him in Milwaukee took place deep into the offseason, leaving him and his new team with little time to learn how to play together. Coaching disfunction and the eventual firing of Adrian Griffin in favor of Doc Rivers furthered made it difficult for the Bucks to find their groove.
In addition to the late trade and coaching changes, Lillard has been dealing with a very public divorce from his long-time wife and mother of his three children. He has not been shy about how this situation off the court has made it difficult for him to focus and prepare for games. In short, it has affected him on the court, too.
There Is a Rumor that Milwaukee Bucks Players Do Not Like Damian Lillard
According to Kenneth Teape of NBA Analysis Network, it may not be fans who are upset about Lillard’s drop in production. He claims that Bucks players, too, are not very fond of the star point guard and are hoping that the team decides to trade him in the offseason. He writes:
“It would be fair to say that Milwaukee is having some buyer’s remorse. According to a source who spoke to NBA Analysis Network , the team is not happy with Lillard and could look to move him this upcoming offseason.
“‘The Bucks are not happy with the season they’ve gotten from Dame. He hasn’t been great in the locker room and his teammates aren’t the biggest fans. I would not be shocked if they’re open to moving on from him this offseason.’
“Another early exit from the NBA Postseason will lead to some major changes to the Bucks roster. NBA analyst Brian Windhorst hinted that Antetokounmpo could look for a change of scenery should Milwaukee get eliminated early once again.”
He also wrote: “Being traded and adjusting to a new city, especially one you didn’t want to end up in, cannot be easy.”
Of course, this is in reference to the very public knowledge that Lillard wanted to be traded to Miami. However, when the Heat failed to meet Portland’s trade demands, the Bucks were able to swoop in and get the deal done.
Is There Any Truth to the Rumor that the Milwaukee Bucks Are Fed Up with Damian Lillard?
The problem with Teape’s claim is that the supposed source is not even described as one within the Bucks’ organization. While every writer reserves the right to protect the identify of their sources, this instance in which the source’s possible affiliation with the team is not even reported casts a great deal of doubt on the validity of the report.
Furthermore, the notion that Lillard is not engaging as well because he didn’t want to be in Milwaukee is absurd. Just last week, the star point guard was quoted as saying:
“I saw somebody say ‘Dame’s not happy in Milwaukee’ or something like that. And I know the truth. I love the situation that I’m in. I also know what i have going on outside of basketball that kinda drains me at times.”
The fact of the matter is that this year has not gone the way anyone in the Bucks organization planned. It is also true, though, that Giannis and Dame are an elite combination and, given the chance to work together for a full offseason, can look even better together on the court.
The Bucks are not trading Dame, just as Giannis is not going to force a trade for himself either.
Both storylines are national media wish list items because they cannot stand the fact that Milwaukee has any kind of success.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
