Reviewing Damian Lillard's Start with the Bucks

    At the end of the last NBA season, and as the Portland Trail Blazers missed the playoffs once again, the seemingly never ending Damian Lillard trade rumors escalated. For years before, he had told fans that he wanted to stay in Portland until retirement. However, right before the season began, the Blazers made a deal with the perennial Championship Contender Milwaukee Bucks (also including the Suns) that would shake up the league. Milwaukee sent away Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, and multiple first round picks for Lillard to try and get them over the hump and back to the Finals. 

    Fast forward to now, and they are right up there at the top of the Eastern Conference, battling it out with the Celtics for the number 1 seed. At 32-15, they are in second place, and the Antetokounmpo-Lillard connection has proved valuable throughout the year. Although they fired first year head coach Adrian Griffin just 43 games into his head coaching career, they quickly passed the torch to Doc Rivers in hopes of a steady transition on the way to a deep playoff run. 

     With another star by his side, Lillard has had much of the load taken off of his back, unlike his time in Portland. Because he has not had to score as much, his passing has been showcased more than ever, with Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez to pass to, even when Antetokounmpo is off the court. His 3 point shooting ability has given the Bucks a sort of safety net when they get late in possessions, and his defense remains solid. 

    Meanwhile, the Blazers, one of the NBA's youngest teams, have struggled majorly without the face of their franchise. Their #2 overall pick, Scoot Henderson, has struggled with injuries and not looked as advertised when on the court, although their is still plenty of time. Malcolm Brogdon, who was acquired when they traded away Jrue Holiday, is a candidate to be dealt away at the trade deadline, and DeAndre Ayton has struggled to put up points in his first year with the team.

    Clearly, the Bucks got what they needed out of this deal. They are contending (as always) for a championship and top seed in the East, whilst the Blazers have struggled to find their footing. Damian Lillard has provided a spark in many games and is an excellent second option behind Giannis. Although it is just the halfway point, the Bucks appear to be primed for another extended season. 

                    -Eli Knight