Bucks Zone

Report points to Damian Lillard as a player who has a lot to prove heading to the NBA Playoffs

The time is near for Damian Lillard to truly prove his worth.

Jonas Panerio

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

A lot is riding on the shoulders of All-Star guard Damian Lillard. Initially seen as the potential missing piece of the puzzle for the Milwaukee Bucks, the California native has had a rollercoaster of a season. Between trying to acclimate himself to a new home and find his place within the Bucks’ hierarchy, Lillard has not had the season many projected him to have when he was traded from Portland to Milwaukee.

With the NBA Playoffs looming, Lillard has another shot at proving that the Bucks’ decision to let go of key cogs Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen in order to acquire him was the right move.

Is it “Dame Time?”

Lillard is averaging 24 points and seven assists this season, far removed from 32.2 points and 7.3 assists he averaged per game for the Portland Trail Blazers. And while it’s untenable to expect the Weber State product to average the same figures while sharing the ball with another high-usage player in Giannis Antetokounmpo, his efficiency numbers (42% from the field, 35% from three) indicate that he’s still adjusting to his new role.

Despite his struggles, Dame has shown glimpses of his superstar potential with the Bucks, recently tallying 31 points and 16 assists against the Phoenix Suns last Sunday. The question is: Can Lillard keep it going, or was that another flash in the pan?

“Milwaukee point guard Damian Lillard has the most to prove,” Will Guillory of The Athletic wrote.

“After being the most talked-about man in the NBA last offseason and motivating the Bucks to chip away at a championship-winning core, it’s time for Dame to step up and show he was worth all the hype.”

The Playoff stage awaits

Lillard has always been comfortable under the bright lights of the NBA Playoffs. The last time Dame played in the postseason, he averaged over 34 points and 10 assists in 2021. Summoning that version would go a long way toward helping the Bucks achieve their ultimate goal of capturing another NBA title.

“Despite some of his struggles, all of the bad memories would be wiped away if Lillard shows up and dominates on the playoff stage like he has on numerous occasions. But if he doesn’t, it will be a long offseason for Lillard and Milwaukee as an organization,” Guillory added.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO