As expected, new Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard is excited to play with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard spoke to NBA reporters at Bucks media day, his first public appearance since getting traded by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Once Lillard was convinced that joining the Miami Heat was virtually impossible, he became open to the prospect of playing for the Bucks and Brooklyn Nets. The Blazers traded Lillard to the Bucks in a three-team deal that sent Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 first-round Bucks pick and two Bucks pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to Portland. Meanwhile, Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson and Grayson Allen were traded to the Phoenix Suns.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
The Bucks now have a lethal Big 3 of Lillard, Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. All three All-Stars can score over 25 points easily.
“My whole life I’ve been on underdog teams and if we had a good season, we overachieved. Now I’ll be able to play with a player that’s better than me and to be a part of a great overall team is a dream come true,” Lillard told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. “That’s never been my experience. It’s time for me to be in this situation. And knowing myself enough, I’m going to take advantage of it. I’m excited for this opportunity.”
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season, while Antetokounmpo put up 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Many people around the NBA believe the Bucks will win the championship this season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
“I’m excited to have Dame,” Antetokounmpo told Haynes. “He gives us a chance to win a championship. I’m excited to play with the caliber of player that he is. He can score the ball in his sleep and shoot the lights out.”
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
