qAfter skipping the offseason workouts, Damian Lillard was in terrible shape.
The Milwaukee Bucks were expected to cause a stir in the East after acquiring Damian Lillard. That, unfortunately, never really happened for the Bucks. Milwaukee’s season was unique since, despite the team’s success, Mike Budenholzer was fired during the campaign. When Doc Rivers took over as head coach, it was not an easy adjustment. He recently related an incident involving Lillard from his first head coaching gig.
The Bucks’ unexpected season-long departure of Mike Budenholzer was unexpected, and it undoubtedly caused challenges for Doc Rivers and the entire group. That undoubtedly had a part in the team’s failings this season, and in an interview with The Bill Simmons Podcast, Rivers disclosed another factor.
Damian Lillard didn’t want to get hurt because he was aware that he might be traded over the previous offseason. He wasn’t in the best of shape going into the season as a result.
Doc Rivers: “It’s funny, because while I was playing golf with Larry David and podcasting with you, I had no idea that Dame (Damian Lillard) had been traded until two or three days prior to training camp.” “Coach, I didn’t work out all summer. This is the first time in my life that I haven’t worked out,” Dame was telling me when we were having dinner. I was really afraid that working out would cause an injury.
Bill Simmons: “Well, since he was a potential trade partner, yes.”
Damian Lillard told Doc Rivers the truth.
In game six of the 2024 NBA playoffs’ first round at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, guard Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks (0) clutches the ball while guard Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers (2) defends.
Damian Lillard wasn’t in terrific form when the season started because that’s a long time to take off. Nevertheless, one thing Doc Rivers appreciates most about him is that he was honest with him.
“He replied, ‘You know, I did some light running, I did some shooting with no one in the gym, but I didn’t go at all,’ knowing that he would be traded. He was honest when he said, “I’m out of shape,” according to Rivers. He is honest, which is one of the reasons you adore him. “This is the worst shape I’ve ever been in,” he exclaimed. “You know, when you start camp that way, you never catch up and you never get in shape.”
It made Lillard’s life difficult the previous year. That makes it extremely difficult to catch up, as Rivers pointed out.
Lillard’s numbers did decline significantly from the previous season, and it’s possible that his poor health had something to do with it. In his final season with the Portland Trailblazers, he scored over 32 points per game; but, in his most recent campaign with the Bucks, he averaged just over 24.
The Bucks ultimately lost to the Indiana Pacers in the opening round of the playoffs. Milwaukee had a fantastic regular season and earned the third seed in the Eastern Conference, but they suffered severe injuries in the postseason. During the Pacers series, both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard were out with injury.
Hopefully, Lillard can get back to his regular off-season training schedule and return to form the next season.
In addition to covering NCAA football and basketball as an associate editor for ClutchPoints, Scotty White covers the Chicago Bulls. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Scotty began working in sports media in 2020. He covered USC and Michigan athletics.