Adding Damian Lillard, even with the loss of Jrue Holiday, does indeed elevate the Bucks’ chances of winning championships.
The Bucks won it all in 2021 with one of the most defense-forward squads since the Detroit Pistons 2004 team. They have maintained most of the key pieces of that team, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez. Since that time, Giannis has not only continued to be the #1 defensively ranked in-season player, but the supporting cast has stayed as impactful. Even Brook Lopez, at 35 years of age, still had the 6th-best defensive ranking in the NBA last season.
No, defense wasn’t the problem, and even without Holiday, it won’t be the problem. In fact, not only were the Bucks the 4th-best defensive team last season, but they were the 6th-best offensive team. This is still a championship-pedigree team. The problem with last year—why the Bucks went from winning it all to an embarrassing first-round exit—was a lack of clutch. They didn’t show up in the playoffs.
In walks Dame Lillard…
Here are three ways Dame makes this Milwaukee Bucks team better next season:
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Author: Bobby Friedman
October 7, 2023 | 12:30 pm
