Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo admits he's still trying to learn Damian Lillard's tendencies as the season rolls along

The education of Giannis regarding Damian Lillard’s play style continues.

Jonas Panerio

© Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Learning how to play with another All-Star can be a tricky task, especially when that player is someone as unique and talented as Damian Lillard. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and one of the most dominant players in the league, recently admitted that even though they have played over 50 games together on the Milwaukee Bucks, he's still learning the nuances of Lillard's game.

Not as simple as people think

On the outside, the two-man game between Giannis and Lillard could be damn near unstoppable. With Lillard's elite shooting and ability to create his shot, paired with Giannis' strength and freakish athleticism in the paint, it seems like a match made in basketball heaven. But as Antetokounmpo explains, there's much more to it than meets the eye.

"It has to be organic," Giannis asserted.

"It can not just be, 'Give the ball to Dame. Giannis set the screen. It's going to work.' It doesn't work like that. While we are operating, guys have to be moving, keeping guys occupied. While the pick and roll is happening, guys have to change spots, so the load men are occupied. While things are going on, Brook's gotta dive. While this is going on, somebody has to go for the offensive rebound. Like, that's how it works."

Lillard still adjusting in his first season with the Bucks

Dame's offensive exploits while he was in Portland were the stuff of legends. While "Dame Time" still posts elite numbers of 24.6 points and 6.7 assists per game, his offensive explosions have come few and far between in his first year with the Bucks.

As he adjusts to a new system and different role, Lillard is learning to be effective within the Bucks' offensive scheme. It's not about him carrying the entire load anymore, but rather working together as a unit to create scoring opportunities. However, his struggles have been evident in his shooting percentages, as Lillard is making only 42 percent from the field, including 34 percent from beyond the arc.

Giannis said one way to get Damian going is to let him operate in transition.

"One of the things that I see, when I rebound, early in transition, throwing the ball ahead to Dame, it allows him to operate at a high level," Giannis said.

"From 3s, from driving the ball, getting and-ones, getting in the paint. Like when they're loading (up), and you throw the ball ahead, and you let him operate, it's very good for him. It's really, really good. Also, I try to set as many screens as I can for him to be able to operate."

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO