Adrian Griffin implores Damian Lillard to be himself

“He's almost too unselfish at times.”

© John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Damian Lillard’s tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks has been a mixed bag six games into the season. While he’s shown flashes of his proficiency in crunchtime that has earned him the nickname “Dame Time,” there have also been bouts of hesitation and unselfishness that have left Bucks fans and even head coach Adrian Griffin scratching their heads.

Griffin shared that Lillard has been doing all the right things to properly integrate himself into his new team. However, his unselfishness on the court is adversely impacting the Bucks.

Great intentions

Lillard knows he’s the new kid on the block, and as such, he’s trying to find a balance between being a leader and fitting in with his new teammates. His attempts to make the Bucks better have been admirable, but Griffin noted that Dame has almost been too unselfish at times.

“I think his intentions are great,” Griffin said. “He's trying to be a great teammate. He's trying to make the right reads. But at the same time, you know, him shooting the ball is what we need. Him being aggressive. He’s done that at times, and I think at times you see that he’s a little hesitant, and he doesn't.”

Adrian added that having Lillard play the game the way he’s had his entire 11-year career would go a long way in helping the Bucks realize their true potential. At the moment, Damian is averaging 22.0 points, the lowest of his career since 2015. He’s also shooting 14 times a game—the lowest mark of his entire career.

“I mean, I don't want to put words in his mouth — but he's almost too unselfish at times. But we just need him to be Dame, you know? Be who you are. That's good enough. That’s more than enough for us,” Griffin added.

Adjustment period

Giannis Antetokounmpo has already expressed how the relationship with Lillard remains a work in progress. All-Star two-guard Khris Middleton reiterated that on Monday night.

“We're still trying to get adjusted to him, with the talent that he has and the way he plays, and vice versa,” said Middleton. “But if you play basketball the right way, so many guys will get great open looks.”

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— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 7, 2023

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