Over a year ago, almost everybody praised the Milwaukee Bucks’ move to acquire Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. After a disappointing run last season, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkin has revisited the trade and shared his thoughts about it.
In a recent podcast, Lillard opened up about his trade to the Bucks, sharing his mixed emotions about leaving the Trail Blazers. Initially anticipating a move to the Miami Heat, Lillard was taken aback when he found himself in Milwaukee as part of a three-team deal. While he recognizes the advantages of his new situation, the unexpected transition has shaped his experience with the team.
In his inaugural season, Lillard delivered impressive numbers, averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. However, despite his individual success, the Bucks struggled as a unit, finishing the season with nine fewer wins than the previous year. This decline has raised concerns about the overall effectiveness of the trade.
The Bucks faced an early exit in the 2024 NBA playoffs, getting eliminated in the first round, which has left fans and analysts questioning the team’s future direction. With the addition of a superstar like Lillard, expectations were high, but the disappointing results indicate a need for greater team cohesion.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will need to assess their roster and strategic plans to fully leverage Lillard’s talents and avoid repeating past playoff failures. As the team reflects on this season, there’s a clear understanding that improvements are essential if they hope to achieve their championship aspirations in the coming years. The situation underscores the challenges of integrating new players and highlights the importance of collective performance in achieving success.
Former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins Shares Thoughts About Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard Trade
Over a year ago, a lot of people were in awe of the newly-formed duo of Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Perkins included. Now, the former NBA champion has shared his thoughts on the matter once again in a video shared by NBA on ESPN’s X account.
.@KendrickPerkins reflects on the Damian Lillard trade to the Bucks one year later:
“When the move happened, the trade happened, I loved it. I still like it, I don’t love it. Giannis and Dame gotta put it together.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/nyjUXeWuHi
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 27, 2024
Kendrick Perkins recently issued a challenge to Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks, urging them to elevate their game and meet high expectations this season. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and consistency in achieving their championship aspirations.
Perkins believes that Lillard’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. As the Bucks aim to reclaim their status as contenders, this challenge serves as a reminder of the pressure they face. Ultimately, how they respond will determine their success in the upcoming NBA season.
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