The Milwaukee Bucks swung for the fences last summer when they went all-in on Damian Lillard. At that point in time, it just felt like it was the type of landscape-shifting deal the front office had to pull the trigger on to improve the team’s chances of winning a title in 2024.
That obviously did not come to fruition, but the general belief is that the Bucks can only get better in Dame’s second year in Milwaukee.
What if they don’t, though?
Milwaukee Bucks News: Damian Lillard’s Decline Is Upon Us
Will Eudy of Behind the Bucks Pass recently published a lengthy editorial about how Milwaukee may have made a major mistake in trading for Lillard. Year 1 was far from ideal, but Eudy believes that things could get far worse from here on out.
The article points out how Dame suffered a dip in nearly every statistical category since joining the Bucks. It’s not really a big surprise that Lillard’s scoring decreased alongside Giannis Antetkounmpo, but the fact that his points per game average fell by nearly eight points might be a serious cause for concern. The eight-time All-Star also saw a dip in his field-goal percentage, efficiency from 3-point territory, rebounds, and even assists.
“When we look at his dip in production, we must consider the reality that this was not just a slight deviation for a player at the top of his game and in his prime. Lillard will be 34 years old in just six weeks, and it is more likely we are seeing him take something of a step back in his ability as he ages.
“The ramifications of Dame potentially falling off as he gets older are even more significant when you consider his archetype. He is an undersized guard that has historically relied on quick footwork to be able to achieve much of what he does on the hardwood. With that natural ability potentially being hindered, his decline could be disastrous for the Bucks,” Edudy wrote.
Will Bucks End Up Regretting Dame Trade?
At this point, the Bucks have locked themselves up with Lillard. Unless they suddenly decide to trade him — something that isn’t likely to happen anytime soon — this team will have no other choice but to live with the monumental decision they made last summer.
According to Eudy, it’s very much possible that Milwaukee will end up regretting that move in the not-so-distant future.
“Milwaukee already gave up draft compensation and multiple rotation players in order to obtain Lillard’s services. They made their bed, and now they have to sleep in it. If Damian is unable to return to being an All-NBA level player in the next year or two, this trade could end up looking terrible for the organization,” Eudy concluded.
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