Against all odds, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo </a>and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> have been fairly inconsistent this season. Despite having one of the deadliest duos in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, they can’t seem to hold their own against winning teams.



Losing Jrue Holiday and firing coach Mike Budenholzer took a huge toll on their defense. Sometimes, the team looks overwhelmed and unprepared, especially when it comes to making adjustments.



That’s why some fans weren’t so thrilled to hear the Greek Freak’s latest confession, as he pretty much admitted that he doesn’t prepare to face opposing teams or rival players.



<h2>Giannis Admits He Doesn’t Prepare For Rival Teams</h2>



“I just, in general, do not watch basketball,” the former NBA champion said during the All-Star Weekend. “I love when I go to the game and I have no idea who I’m playing or what they do.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240222_BUS_106493_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576_76637479.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-73560" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks</figcaption></figure>



Watching film and taking a deep look at the scouting report are two main parts of being a professional basketball player, let alone a leader. Ironically, he recently called his teammates out for not putting an effort:



“We have to want it, man,” Antetokounmpo told The Athletic. “Like enough with the talking. Enough with the, ‘our s— don’t-stink’ mentality. Do we really want it? Are we putting in the work? Are we going to put in the effort? That is the most important thing.“



Giannis’ work ethic on the court and the practice facility has never been put into question, and he’s already a champion, MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year. Even so, this is simply no way to approach his preparation.


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The Bucks have gone 3-7 under new coach Doc Rivers, who’s not exactly known for his expertise as a tactician. Perhaps it’s time he leads by example and starts watching some film instead of calling his teammates out. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="65d5fe5bc04ef6a96d55c10d" data-title="Will the Bucks turn the season around?" data-options="2"></div>

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miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> has recently been asked to name his favorite starting five of active NBA players. While the likes of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> made the cut, the Milwaukee Bucks star raised eyebrows by overlooking teammate <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>.



Apart from the Los Angeles Lakers star and the Golden State Warriors icon, Dame named himself alongside <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> center Bam Adebayo and Phoenix Suns‘ <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Kevin Durant</a> in his TikTok interview with NelsonTheProdigy_.



Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Bam Adebayo. That’s quite a star-studded lineup, and maybe Dame didn’t intend to snub Giannis but to praise other stars he hasn’t played with in the NBA.



<h2>Giannis strongly supports Lillard</h2>



Pairing Lillard with Giannis hasn’t gone to plan for the Bucks so far, even though the team went to the All-Star break sitting third in the East. But the Greek star believes in his teammate anyway.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240221_BUS_106519_Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576_2d97f51e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Damian Lillard Giannis Antetokounmpo" class="wp-image-96744" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.</figcaption></figure>



“I am his biggest fan,” Antetokounmpo said of Lillard to Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “Good or bad, I ride with Dame until the f—— end. I ride with Dame. Like I’ve been saying this over and over again. This. Is. His. Team. Down the stretch, he’s going to get the ball. There’s nothing else that we will do. I don’t know how else to put it. I don’t know what else to say.”


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Lillard is shooting just 42% this season, which is lower than expected for a shooter of his caliber. Before moving to Milwaukee this season, Dame spent 11 seasons trying to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA championship.



After failing to get enough help from the front office, the 33-year-old requested a trade with his sights set on joining last year’s runners-up Miami Heat. He ended up being sent to Milwaukee, which also appeared to be a good fit.



But the Bucks are not going through the best of times right now, riding on a 3-7 record since Doc Rivers took over. Before that, the franchise fired Adrian Griffin aiming to see an improvement on the court.

Damian Lillard ignores Giannis, names Heat star in his dream team

Lillard snubs Giannis, names LeBron and Curry in his dream team - Bolavip US

Damian Lillard snubs Giannis, names Heat star next to LeBron, Curry in dream team

Just last week, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> put the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> in shambles. A report about their interest in trading for LeBron James went viral in the blink of an eye, and it made evident that they’re not satisfied with their current core of players.



Team owner Joe Lacob hinted at making major changes in the offseason if this team underperforms in the playoffs, adding that they will always look to be aggressive in their pursuit of talent.



S<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tephen Curry</a> also hinted at picking up their pursuit of James in the summer, but he might not be the only superstar currently on their radar. Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, they could go after Giannis Antetokounmpo.



<h2>The Warriors’ ‘Dream Scenario’ Includes Giannis Antetokounmpo</h2>



“Per a report by Shams Charania of The Athletic, Golden State’s “dream scenario” is to acquire Giannis in the offseason and pair him up with deadly shooter Stephen Curry,” wrote Matthew Duganzic of Sports Illustrated.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240220_BUS_106240_Stephen-Curry-1-1024x576_9bec04dc.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Stephen Curry" class="wp-image-104777" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Stephen-Curry-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Stephen-Curry-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Stephen-Curry-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Stephen-Curry-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Stephen-Curry-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Stephen Curry</figcaption></figure>



Needless to say, this will be easier said than done, and not just for salary-matching purposes. Giannis has always been vocal about his desire to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks forever, and he’s talked about ‘winning the right way’ even before leading them to their first title in five decades.



Even so, he’s also expressed his frustration over the team’s current status, and they’ve gone 3-7 under Doc Rivers, so there’s a chance that he might reconsider his stance at some point in the near future.


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The Warriors still believe Stephen Curry can lead them to another NBA championship and rightfully so, as he’s still one of the best players in the game. Then again, title windows can shut closed in a heartbeat, and Father Time is undefeated, so it’s only right they try to give him the help he needs while he’s still at his best.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="65d4e4ffc04ef6a96d55c02e" data-title="Will the Warriors be able to land another star?" data-options="2"></div>

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The Warriors 'dream' of landing Giannis Antetokounmpo

Despite their winning record, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks </a>have been through a lot this season. Embarrassing losses, blowouts, and a lack of defensive commitment have set this team back multiple times.



The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Damian Lillard</a> trade hasn’t looked all that well thus far. He hasn’t been at his best scoring-wise, and he’s never been much of a defender. Also, the team as a whole has underperformed against winning teams.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> has also been quite vocal about the team’s struggles to find consistency. During the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA’s </a>All-Star Weekend, he talked about how hard it’s been to play for multiple coaches in such little time.



<h2>Giannis Vents His Frustrations</h2>



“It’s hard. It’s hard,” Giannis admitted. “This is my fourth coach in the span of six months — Different philosophy, different game plan. It’s hard. It’s draining. I’m a student of the game. When somebody asks me to do something, I try to do it to the best of my ability. I try to understand what we’re trying to accomplish, both so I can understand and so I can be there for my teammates when they ask questions.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240219_BUS_105997_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576_61c59afb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-73560" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks</figcaption></figure>



Even so, the former Defensive Player of the Year is excited about getting to work with Doc Rivers, stating that he brings a championship pedigree to his team with all his experience: 



“But yeah, I love working with Coach Doc,” Giannis said. “He’s been very, very successful. We can talk all day about things he’s accomplished around the league. He’s won, I think, 1,100 NBA games. Some people have never played 1,100 games. He brings that level of — how can I say — a championship level to the team. He won. He’s coached a lot of successful teams in the past. When you have that guy in your bench, you have to bring your A-game.”


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Rivers hasn’t found much success lately, and he might not be the Xs and Os guy this team needs to get the monkey off their backs. Still, they’re talented enough to turn things around and make a strong push late in the season.




<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="65d35a2bc04ef6a96d55bedd" data-title="Will the Bucks make the NBA Finals?" data-options="2"></div>

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Giannis talks about the Bucks' never-ending struggles

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a> have one of the best records in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> and boast a star-studded roster led by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>. But somehow, the team has been unable to avoid controversy this season, from firing its coach to seeing its main star complain about his teammates’ lack of effort. 



Following a 113-110 loss to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/memphis-grizzlies">Memphis Grizzlies</a>, who are 13th in the West, Giannis made it clear he’s not happy with the way things are going in Milwaukee right now. And the Greek star didn’t hesitate to call on his teammates to show more commitment.



“We have to want it, man,” Antetokounmpo said, via The Athletic. “Like enough with the talking. Enough with the, ‘our s— don’t-stink’ mentality. Do we really want it? Are we putting in the work? Are we going to put in the effort? That is the most important thing.“



The Bucks lost to a Grizzlies team that lacked the likes of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ja-morant">Ja Morant</a>, Steven Adams, Jaren Jackson Jr., and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/marcus-smart">Marcus Smart</a>. It was their second straight loss, and the seventh since <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/doc-rivers">Doc Rivers</a> took over for Adrian Griffin. The team is still third in the East, but even Giannis admits they should be doing much better.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240217_BUS_105492_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576_bccaea33.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo" class="wp-image-87121" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Giannis-Antetokounmpo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbling the basketball.</figcaption></figure>



“Guys are tired, that’s an excuse. New coach, excuse. New system, excuse. New defense, excuse. All of it, it’s excuse,” Giannis complained. “At the end of the day, you’re going to go out there and try to play basketball, try to compete and they competed harder than us today.”


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<h2>Shaq says Bucks won’t go far like this</h2>



While their record suggests they’re comfortably making the playoffs as one of the best teams in the East, the Bucks haven’t been playing like true contenders. The front office thought firing Griffin would be the answer, but the team went 3-7 under Rivers before the All-Star break.



The arrival of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> hasn’t made the kind of impact they expected, with the guard shooting just 42% since he left the Portland Trail Blazers. According to NBA legend and current analyst Shaquille O’Neal, the Bucks won’t be going far unless they turn things around.



“The Bucks have to understand because of Giannis and Dame, opponents are going to be playing way above their heads,” Shaq said on Inside the NBA. “But forget all that, you’re supposed to blow this team out by 30… They were supposed to come out and smash this team. But Chuck said it, they had trouble with the defense, no timely stops, no effort… It’s a championship team on paper, but the way they’re playing right now, they’re gonna get swept in the first round.”


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While it may be a bit soon to enter panic mode, the playoffs are getting close and the Bucks need to turn up their level fast. As Shaq said, we’re talking about a team that, on paper, has everything to succeed. 



But that was also the case last year, when they suffered a first-round exit as the No.1 seed. Which is why one can understand why so many are concerned right now. Only time will tell if Rivers figures things out on time, or if the Bucks once again fall short of expectations.

Furious Giannis Antetokounmpo throws Bucks teammates under the bus amid struggles

Giannis Antetokounmpo blasts Bucks teammates amid struggles - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a> are one of the best teams in the NBA with a 30-13 record thanks to a roster full of stars such as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> and Khris Middleton.



However, their front office just fired head coach Adrian Griffin who took over a few months ago replacing Mike Budenholzer. Though Griffin was sensational as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors, he wasn’t a good fit at Milwaukee. 



The Bucks are favorites to dominate in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a>, especially after Lillard’s arrival, but the big problem during the 2023 season has been on defense. Of course, a massive reason to explain that is the departure of Jrue Holiday.



Now, in the middle of the season and as second place in the Eastern Conference, the Bucks believe they need a boost to compete against teams like the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a> or the Philadelphia 76ers. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240124_BUS_99963_docrivers-1024x576_1192f9bc.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-99986" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Doc Rivers could be the new head coach of the Bucks (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Who will be the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks?</h2>



According a to a report by CNN Sports, Doc Rivers will be the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks to replace Adrian Griffin. The veteran was working as a TV analyst with ESPN, but is totally ready to sign.







Throughout his career, Rivers has been haunted by the ghost of not securing significant playoff victories. Despite assembling a great team with the 76ers and Joel Embiid, the head coach lost three consecutive Eastern Conference semifinals. Another huge issue is the 10 losses in Game 7s. 


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His only NBA title was way back in 2008 with the Boston Celtics, but Bucks’ general manager Jon Horst thinks he is the ideal person to lead Antetokounmpo alongside Lillard.

NBA News: Who will be the next head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks?

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How many <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>teams fire their coach when they’re in second place in their conference midway through the season? We don’t even have to run the numbers to know that’s not an orthodox decision.



Nonetheless, most people — players included — thought the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a>‘ record was deceiving, especially considering how much they had struggled against some Eastern Conference foes.



That’s why it wasn’t much of a surprise to see them part ways with first-year coach Adrian Griffin, who looked overwhelmed and over his head at times and had seemed to lose control of his locker room.



The Bucks failed to find their usual defensive dominance under Griffin, and he failed to make the most of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a>–<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> duo despite having two of the best scorers in the Association.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240124_BUS_99902_Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576_6a7a4cfd.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Damian Lillard Giannis Antetokounmpo" class="wp-image-96744" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Giannis, Bucks Players Wanted Him Gone</h2>



“There have been steady rumblings for weeks in NBA circles that several Bucks veterans, including Giannis, had lost faith in Griffin,” reported Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. “What appeared to be smart hire last spring just never worked out.”



Apparently, the players didn’t like his schemes and thought there were serious communication issues. At the end of the day, there were just too many questions about his ability to get the team to the promised land:



“According to team sources, the issues plaguing Griffin’s early tenure ranged from putting together strong schemes on both ends of the floor for the Bucks to fulfill their championship potential to successfully communicating his vision to his players for them to execute it on the floor,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Shams Charania and Eric Nehm wrote. “But the bottom line, given the high stakes of this Bucks era, the concern over Griffin’s ability became a question too big for the Bucks’ executive leadership to withstand any longer.”


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The Bucks will now explore multiple candidates for the coaching vacancy, with reports stating that Doc Rivers — who had become a consulstant for Griffin — is the frontrunner to land the job.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="65b11692355a85755992ad5c" data-title="Will the Bucks make the NBA Finals?" data-options="2"></div>

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Sometimes, you just have to be careful what you wish for, and as you may know by now, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> is no exception to that rule. Notably, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks </a>might have found that out the hard way.



There was a lot of hype surrounding his pairing with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> but thus far, the duo has been rather underwhelming. The Bucks are getting exposed on defense, and Dame’s lack of effort on that end of the floor has been a talking point all season long.



Even though this team has won plenty of games and is still one of the best in the Eastern Conference, they seem quite beatable, and Giannis hasn’t hidden his frustration with his team. 



<h2>The Athletic: Lillard Will Leave The Bucks This Summer</h2>



That’s why NBA insider Zach Harper believes Lillard isn’t going to be in Milwaukee past this season. Talking on The Athletic’s podcast, Harper took notice of one of Giannis’ multiple shots at his teammates, stating that it was actually a shot at Dame:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240109_BUS_96746_Damian-Lillard-1024x576_6701c109.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Damian Lillard Bucks" class="wp-image-88098" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard running the point for the Milwaukee Bucks.</figcaption></figure>



“My hot take, safe zone submission: Dame’s gone this summer. You know what I read? You know what I read? When he said, ‘We got to stop dying on screens,’ Oh, myself included. You think that was a direct shot at Dame? Who could it be at? I don’t think he’s taking shots at Cam Payne,” said Harper.



Zarper also quoted fellow Bucks insider Eric Nehm and talked about the fact that Giannis went on a long rant to hold everybody accountable, so it doesn’t seem like he’s too happy about his new partner:



“I think Eric Nehm wrote that Giannis talked for seven and a half minutes on all this, right? Just going off on all this stuff, right? He’s real pissed. And I think that when I saw that we got to stop dying, we can’t die on screens,’ oh, myself included, I was like, ‘Oh, damn’. You saw subtext at Dame,” Harper continued.


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Of course, plenty of things can change and happen from now to the end of the season. But barring a major turn of events, it seems like this partnership won’t be as dominant as most people thought.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="659d4ee1355a857559929a9b" data-title="Was trading for Lillard a mistake?" data-options="2"></div>

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Whenever you trade for one of the best players in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, especially if you’re already a championship contender, expectations tend to be high. Those teams aren’t there to mess around; they want to win the whole thing, night in and night out.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> currently have the second-best record in the league, yet it still doesn’t feel like they’re as good as they used to be last season. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> has been great offensively more often than not, but they clearly miss Jrue Holiday on defense.



Whatever the case, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> doesn’t seem to be too satisfied with the way his team has played thus far. Following a tough home loss to the Houston Rockets, he made sure to put the entire organization on their toes.



<h2>Giannis Wants Everybody To Do Better</h2>



“At the end of the day, this is not the end of the world. It’s not the end of the world, for sure,” Giannis said. “It’s a start for us to go the direction that we want to go. This is not who we are. This is not who we are. And if we keep on this pace, I don’t think we’re going to get where we need to get to.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240108_BUS_96670_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1-1024x576_03bbd03b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo" class="wp-image-88617" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.</figcaption></figure>



Giannis didn’t want to point any fingers or put the blame on the coaches or the players. Instead, he made sure to hold every single person accountable, including the equipment manager:



“We have to be better,” Giannis said. “We have to play better. We have to defend better. We have to trust one another better. We have to be coached better. Every single thing, everybody has to be better. Everybody. It starts from the equipment manager. He has to wash our clothes better.“



All jokes aside, Giannis believes the team as a whole needs to put up a stronger effort if they intend to fulfill their destiny and become a legitimate championship contender:



“The bench has to be better. The leaders of the team have to be more vocal,” the Greek Freak continued. “We have to make more shots. We have to defend better. We have to have a better strategy. We have to be better. We have four months to get better, so let’s see.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240108_BUS_96670_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576_b39e29bc.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-73560" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Adrian Griffin Wants The Team To Be Smart</h2>



Notably, coach Adrian Griffin also acknowledged that his team hasn’t performed up to the expectations this season, adding that they need to play a smarter and more disciplined brand of basketball:



“You got to continue to execute and do the things that go into winning,” the coach said. “But it’s an area that we got to continue to get better. We’re fortunate to get a couple of leads, but we got to maintain those. We got to play smart. I thought we were fouling a little bit too much when we don’t need to, on drives, reaching in, and putting them in the bonus. We got to be a little bit more disciplined on the defensive end.”


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Even with a first-year coach and despite these woes, the Bucks have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and the potential and talent to take anybody down in a seven-game series. They just need to find more consistency.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="659c42f1355a8575599299d2" data-title="Should the Bucks be worried?" data-options="2"></div>

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For more than a decade, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard </a>gave everything to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a>. Even if things didn’t end well, he should be considered one of the best players in franchise history, an icon, and a fan favorite until the end of time.



That’s why every time he faces the Blazers is going to be a major talking point, and by no means just another regular season contest for him. That was evident on Sunday afternoon when he put up 31 points to uplift the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> past his former team.



Needless to say, going against them was a bit of a bizarre feeling for Lillard, who admitted he felt a little weird at first. Even so, he was able to shake things off and help his team get a much-needed triumph.



<h2>Lillard Felt A Little Weird</h2>



“Once I walked in, I saw a lot of familiar faces; I thought about going in the visitors locker room for a second, but I was like, man, this a little bit different,” Lillard said. “When we got on the court, I saw everybody, and it’s a weird feeling. But once we started playing, I got over it quick.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231127_BUS_88219_Damian-Lillard-8-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Damian Lillard" class="wp-image-79787" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Damian-Lillard-8-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Damian-Lillard-8-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Damian-Lillard-8-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Damian-Lillard-8-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Damian-Lillard-8.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard</figcaption></figure>



Lillard requested a trade out of Rip City in the offseason. The team failed to put together a competitive squad around him, and their decision to draft PG Scoot Henderson with the No. 2 pick pretty much sealed Lillard’s exit after 11 seasons, 769 games, and seven All-Star nods.



<h2>Giannis Has Faith On His Team</h2>



The Bucks didn’t get off to a strong start of the season, struggling mightily on the defensive end of the floor and losing games they were supposed to win. Of course, their defense would take a hit without Jrue Holiday, but it was still a worrisome trend.



However, they’ve straightened the course as of late, and Giannis Antetokounmpo believes it’s just a matter of time before he and his new star teammate find their groove together:



“As the season moves forward, we’re going to figure out ways to play with one another,” Antetokounmpo said. “Be more effective, be more efficient with one another, know one another’s spots. We are getting to that point. We are really getting to that point.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231127_BUS_88219_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard" class="wp-image-75961" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard</figcaption></figure>



Per the Greek Freak, it’s all about both of them not changing the way they’ve always played and dominated, and he thinks they have the potential to be one of the best duos in the league:



“At the end of the day, Dame has to be Dame. I have to be me,” Giannis said. “As the games go on, we’re going to keep on figuring ourselves out. The moment we are clicking on a higher level, it’s going to become even more scary as we move forward.”


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The Bucks are now sitting on a 12-5 record, and the third place in the Eastern Conference, and the rest of the league will be in trouble if Lillard and Antetokounmpo combine to average 30+ points per game as they’ve done in their past couple of games.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6564e423f2b571abd7e49ea5" data-title="Will the Bucks make the NBA Finals?" data-options="2"></div>

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> faced mockery and criticism when they used a first-round pick on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo,</a> who some<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> scouts have deemed a fringe second-round player at best. Needless to say, time proved they were right to believe in him.



Giannis has made great strides to become the two-way superstar he is nowadays. He’s a dominant rim protector and an unstoppable force when he drives through the lane, and he can fill the stat sheet on any given night.



Nonetheless, as much as his numbers have usually gone up, some basketball purists still believe he doesn’t have a bag of moves. They claim he’s physically gifted but not actually skilled to play the game of basketball. 



<h2>Giannis Claims He Has A Bag</h2>



That’s why the former NBA champion got sick and tired of that narrative. He claimed he has a bag he keeps on the low and vowed to make a fool of those who dare question that the next time they face the Milwaukee Bucks:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231122_BUS_87183_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-2-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks" class="wp-image-81652" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks </figcaption></figure>



“There’s a narrative out there that’s false. I got a bag,” he said. “But it’s good like this. Keep it on the low. When you get your ass here to Milwaukee, and you get embarrassed, you go back home and start contemplating life. Taking a shower thinking, ‘I didn’t know Giannis had a bag.’”



<h2>Gilbert Arenas Disagrees</h2>



Notably, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas doesn’t seem to agree at all. Just last season, he claimed it was about time the media stopped talking about Giannis as the best player in the league.



Per Arenas, Giannis doesn’t understand the game of basketball. He doesn’t understand the fundamentals, how to prepare his body, and how to incorporate more moves into his repertoire:



“When you say preparation, understanding this game,” Arenas explained. “From the ins and the outs of it. I’m saying from a guy that didn’t have the physical gifts; I had to use my tools — I had to understand the game inside the game. So I had to know refs, refs’ names, what rules I can bend, what rule are not bendable. Where the referees stand, so I know what moves I can use that they can’t catch. He doesn’t understand that part of the game, right now, his game is all physical.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231122_BUS_87183_giannisantetokounmpo-1-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-26139" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/giannisantetokounmpo-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/giannisantetokounmpo-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/giannisantetokounmpo-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/giannisantetokounmpo-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo</figcaption></figure>



Truth be told, Giannis is one of the most accomplished players in today’s game, and that takes some knowledge. If it were just about physical gifts, then his brothers wouldn’t be sitting at the bottom of the bench; they share the same gene pool.



Giannis may not have a flashy crossover or Stephen Curry’s handles. He might not be able to work his way into a turnaround fadeaway shot like Kobe Bryant, but he’s more than just an athlete.


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He’s learned how to make great reads as a defender, and his playmaking keeps getting better because he knows where his teammate is supposed to be at all times. As for whether he has a bag or not, we’ll just have to wait and see if he can back up his words on the court.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="655e4667f2b571abd7e495de" data-title="Does Giannis have a bag?" data-options="2"></div>

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Giannis Antetokounmpo hits back at his critics, talks about his 'bag'

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>players talk. They’re closer to each other than most fans realize, and some of them like each other betters than other. It happens, and the leagues’ tampering policy has never been fully imposed. Notably, the 2023<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Milwaukee Bucks</a> are proof of that.



Recently, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> admitted that he had been trying to recruit <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> since the 2023 All-Star break and vice versa, so this trade to the Bucks was months in the making, all behind closed doors:



“Just the fact I’ve been trying to tell him he should come to my team and he’s been telling me I should come to his, and eventually the stars aligned. It ended up happening in his favor,” Lillard said.



Still, this was kind of a shocker for most people in the NBA. Lillard’s camp have leaked that he only intended to play for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat,</a> but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a> didn’t seem eager to grant him that wish.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231015_BUS_75968_Damian-Lillard-11-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-69084" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Damian-Lillard-11-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Damian-Lillard-11-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Damian-Lillard-11-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Damian-Lillard-11-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Damian-Lillard-11.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Damian Lillard</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The Bucks Were Always Lurking</h2>



Multiple teams were reportedly keeping tabs on Lillard. Even so, there was little incentive to make a move for him if he didn’t want to play somewhere else. That didn’t stop the Bucks from making some calls, though.



It became evident at one point that GM Joe Cronin was reluctant to send Lillard to Miami; it didn’t matter how much they offered. It was a matter of principles and making a statement to avoid setting a dangerous precedent of All-Stars handpicking their trade destinations.



That’s when the Bucks swooped right in to one-up every other offer. They offered Jrue Holiday, one of the best defensive players on Earth, and a guy they knew would be easy to flip for more assets. 



<h2>How Does This Affect The Rest Of The League?</h2>



The Bucks had the best record in the league last season, and that was without Damian Lillard. Of course, they’ll miss Jrue Holiday’s pesky backcourt defense, but they got significantly better on the offensive end of the floor, not to mention the fact that they got a better fit next to their star player.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231015_BUS_75968_Jrue-Holiday-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-69488" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jrue-Holiday-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jrue-Holiday-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jrue-Holiday-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jrue-Holiday-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jrue-Holiday.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Jrue Holiday</figcaption></figure>



The Boston Celtics also benefitted from this ripple effect. They basically swapped a former Defensive Player of the Year like Marcus Smart for another defensive stalwart at the same position, all while adding Kristaps Porzingis.



From that stanpdoint, this move shouldn’t move the needle in the East, as the Bucks and Celtics were already the No. 1 and No. 2 clear-cut candidates in the conference, and that didn’t change at all.



Nonetheless, the talent gap between them and the rest of the conference got significantly wider. The Miami Heat lost two key rotation pieces in Max Strus and Gabe Vincent, and it’s just a matter of time before the Philadelphia 76ers part ways with James Harden.



If that wasn’t enough, the Phoenix Suns were also big winners, as they were able to flip a wantaway player like Deandre Ayton into even more depth and a defensive-minded big who’s a better fit for Frank Vogel’s system. They’re now the team to beat in the West.


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Lillard, the Bucks, and the Blazers shocked the world with this transaction and pretty much played us all. Now, we’re set to enjoy one of the most competitive seasons in recent history, all thanks to a league-shaking transaction.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="652bfd55f2b571abd7e45134" data-title="Will the Bucks win the NBA championship this season?" data-options="2"></div>

The surprising reason Jimmy Butler is unhappy with Damian Lillard trade to Bucks

Damian Lillard admits to tampering with Giannis Antetokounmpo - Bolavip US

The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Milwaukee Bucks</a> needed to make a big move to convince <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> that they wanted to win another <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>championship as badly as he did.



That’s why they worked behind closed doors to try and get <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard,</a> regardless of the cost. Now, they’re back to being a top-tier contender ahead of the season.



However, adding him to the mix will take some adjustments. Fortunately, Antetokounmpo recently revealed that he’s on board with the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers </a>star being the most ball-dominant player on the team.



<h2>Giannis Antetokounmpo Says Damian Lillard Will Have The Ball More</h2>



“For me, now, I’m 28. I’m not a kid no more,” Antetokounmpo told Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “You cannot have — obviously, you have to have friendly competition within your team to try to push one another and to be great and be better prepared for the game — but this is not, in no shape or form, any competition between me and him, who’s going to have the ball more. He will have the ball more and I trust, I believe he’s going to find me and not just me, he’s going to find our teammates and put us in the right position.”



Giannis has always posted video game-like numbers, but he’s never been a ‘me first’ kind of player. He knows it takes a team to win and will embrace whichever role he has to embrace.


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At the end of the day, the Bucks will be more than just a two-headed monster, and they could be one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the league for years to come.

Giannis Antetokounmpo makes bold revelation about duo with Damian Lillard - Bolavip US

When it looked like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> was preparing to join the Miami Heat, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a> stepped in and struck a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers to pair <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> with the veteran guard.



Dame had made it clear his desire was to play in South Florida, where he saw a legitimate chance to succeed next to Jimmy Butler and company. However, it turns out that Portland found him another place where he can win.



The deal involved the Phoenix Suns and it cost the Bucks a number of assets, including Jrue Holiday. Therefore, the Greak Freek admitted this deal is kind of bittersweet despite it’s good for his team.



<h2>Giannis sad to see Holiday leave, but happy to have Lillard</h2>



“I’m excited to have Dame,” Giannis told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. “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.”



Lillard’s arrival puts the Bucks in a position to succeed again, which is exactly what Giannis wants, as he said this offseason. However, losing a great teammate such as Holiday is still tough for him.



“It’s a bittersweet day for the city of Milwaukee,” Giannis added. “You get Dame, who is a great player, but you lose a great guy. Jrue took us to the promised land. I’m 10 years in now. I know it’s a business. At the end of the day, Jrue will alway be be my brother for life. He’s one of the best human beings I’ve been around. But we’ve got to focus on the goal to win the championship. Dame wants this. He’s hungry to win, and he’s going to push us. I’m very happy to have him on our team.”



No one saw this coming, but it completely makes sense. The Bucks get to give Giannis what he wants, which is help to win more championships, and Lillard finally belongs to a team that can seriously contend.


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<h2>How many years has Lillard spent in Portland?</h2>



Damian Lillard spent 11 years with the Portland Trail Blazers, who drafted him sixth overall in 2012.

Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts to Bucks trading for Damian Lillard: 'Bittersweet'

Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts to Bucks trading for Damian Lillard: 'Bittersweet' - Bolavip US

The&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a>&nbsp;led by&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>&nbsp;were the best team in the regular season, but couldn’t deliver in the playoffs with an early exit in the first round against&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Butler</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Miami Heat.



As a consequence, even with a championship won just two years ago,&nbsp;Mike Budenholzer&nbsp;was fired as head coach and&nbsp;Adrian Griffin&nbsp;took over. Now, the front office had to make some moves in order to help Giannis.


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That’s why, the Bucks have shocked the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> with a historic trade for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a>. The potential starting lineup for Milwaukee has already made them favorites to win the title.



<h2>Damian Lillard: What will be the starting lineup for the Bucks?</h2>



After the massive trade, the potential starting lineup for the Milwaukee Bucks could look like this: Damian Lillard (PG), Malik Beasley (SG), Khris Middleton (SF), Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF) and Brook Lopez (C).







Thanks to this scenario, Milwaukee are the new favorites to become champions in the NBA (+375) followed by the Nuggets (+425), Celtics (+500) and the Phoenix Suns (+550).



<h2>What was the trade package for Damian Lillard?</h2>



According to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski, in the three-team trade, Portland will get Jrue Holliday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee’s 2029 unprotected first-round draft pick and unprotected Bucks swap rights in 2028 and 2030. By the way, their intention is to trade Holliday.


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Meanwhile, the Suns will receive Jusuf Nurkic,&nbsp;Grayson Allen,&nbsp;Nassir Little&nbsp;and&nbsp;Keon Johnson. All those players join another tremendous roster with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Damian Lillard: What will be the potential starting lineup for the Bucks?

Damian Lillard takes a big shot at Kevin Durant

Damian Lillard: What will be the potential starting lineup for the Bucks? - Bolavip US

Latest news from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Find out about all the news related to Giannis Antetokounmpo on bolavip.com/en

Giannis Antetokounmpo - Page 11