Bucks Zone

Report gives high-priced superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard grades of 'As' at the halfway mark of the season

Giannis and Dame earned stellar grades in this report card.

Jonas Panerio

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Report gives high-priced superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard grades of ‘As’ at the halfway mark of the season

The Milwaukee Bucks have a massive financial commitment to two players on their roster—Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard—whom they’re paying $45.6 million each this season. 

Bleacher Report recently dove into the performances of the league’s highest-paid players to see if they were earning their hefty paychecks. At the halfway mark of the 2023-2024 season, Giannis and Lillard received high marks for their performance.

Continues to score at an elite level

The change in area codes did little to impact “Dame Time,” as Lillard continues to be an elite scorer in the league, averaging 25.5 points and 6.9 assists per game, albeit his three-point shooting has dipped to 35.5 percent. According to Eric Pincus, the ultimate assessment of Milwaukee's trade will unfold during the NBA Playoffs. It is in this arena where Giannis and Lillard will have the opportunity to showcase their actual value.

“It will have to wait until the postseason to judge Milwaukee's decision to swap out Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, etc, for Lillard. The Bucks haven't been back to the NBA Finals since their title in 2021, but will Lillard's scoring offset what the team gave up in Holiday's defensive prowess?” Pincus wrote.

Top-five player

Meanwhile, Giannis is leaving no doubt regarding his status as a top-five player in the NBA, with averages of 31.2 points and 11.4 boards per game in the 40 games he’s played this season. Despite the Bucks’ horrendous defense, the team is in second place in the Eastern Conference, which speaks to the level of dominance he’s brought.

“If Antetokounmpo is a top-five player (as his All-NBA first-team status would attest), then he's playing for a discount. The Bucks have the second-best record in the East behind the Boston Celtics (33-10), hoping that the Antetokounmpo and Lillard will get the franchise another title,” Pincus added.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO