The Milwaukee Bucks were a very good team; now they’re a championship-or-bust team.
Acquiring Damian Lillard gives them another elite scorer, one who can create his own shot from all three levels and take plenty of pressure off Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shoulders.
That’s why the Greek Freak was extremely excited to hear that Lillard was on his way to Wisconsin, and it didn’t take long before he greeted him with a message.
As soon as he found out about the news, Giannis told Lillard that it was time to win a ring, albeit using a different choice of words (via ClutchPoints).
"Let's get this f*cking championship."
Giannis' text message to Damian Lillard after the Bucks acquired him from the Trail Blazers 🏆
(via @ChrisBHaynes) pic.twitter.com/8jO0RuYLzW
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 29, 2023
Lillard is one of the best players in the league that hasn’t won a ring or even made it to the NBA Finals, and he should have an easier path now.
The Bucks already had a solid sidekick for Giannis in Khris Middleton, but he struggled with injuries last season, and he could still be a solid compliment to the offense.
Needless to say, Lillard isn’t anywhere close to Jrue Holiday in terms of defensive impact, and his departure will take a toll on the Bucks’ defense, that’s for sure.
But perhaps coach Adrian Griffin will allow the former Defensive Player of the Year to handle the other team’s best scorer, just like the fans urged coach Mike Budenholzer for years.
Budenholzer often refused to change defensive assignments and allow Giannis to go one-on-one vs. the other team’s top scorer, and that might not be the case anymore.
Even if their defense takes a hit, they now have a trio capable of putting up almost 90 points per game night in and night out, not to mention an elite scorer in the clutch.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Damian Lillard's First Reaction To Bucks Trade
