6 Takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks Trading for Damian Lillard

Feb 6, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports /

Giannis Antetokounmpo/Damian Lillard Pick-and-Roll

The allure of this trade lies in the tantalizing prospect of unleashing Antetokounmpo and Lillard in the pick-and-roll. Picture this: Lillard’s audacious deep three-point range, forcing defenders to track him far beyond the arc, while Antetokounmpo looms as an unstoppable force in the roll game. Yet, the impact doesn’t stop there.

Envision encircling this dynamic duo with sharpshooters like Khris Middleton, Malik Beasley, and the perimeter presence of Brook Lopez. Defensive units will face a daunting dilemma—commit to stopping the pick-and-roll, leaving deadly shooters wide open, or risk Antetokounmpo wreaking havoc as he surges downhill against a disoriented defense.

The realm of possibilities is boundless, perhaps even encompassing an inverted pick-and-roll, with Antetokounmpo assuming the role of the primary ball-handler. Adrian Griffin will relish devising a repertoire of innovative offensive plays. And to sweeten the deal, the Bucks have Terry Stotts, Lillard’s former head coach, orchestrating the offense—a potential recipe for basketball brilliance.