The 2024-25 NBA season marks a crucial turning point for Damian Lillard, who now enters his second year with the Milwaukee Bucks. Following a challenging first season where he struggled to adjust due to his late trade and personal challenges, Lillard is more prepared than ever to lead the Bucks back to championship contention.
A recent Yahoo Sports ranking of the NBA’s top No. 2 options, placing Lillard 10th, should only add more fuel to the fire for one of the league’s premier point guards.
Damian Lillard’s Ranking Fuels His Comeback with the Bucks
A Year of Transition and Adversity
Lillard’s first season in Milwaukee was anything but smooth. In his own words, it was “a blur.” The guard joined the Bucks just days before training camp started, leaving him little time to integrate with his new teammates and coaching staff. At the Bucks’ media day, Lillard reflected on how he was just “trying to get through the year” while adjusting to a new city and dealing with off-court issues.
Last season’s turbulent start led to underwhelming team results despite Lillard still making an All-Star appearance. His inability to train fully, largely due to the timing of his trade and personal distractions, hindered his ability to make an immediate impact. Critics quickly questioned his ability to mesh with Giannis Antetokounmpo and asked if he was past his prime.
However, Lillard now approaches the new season with a sense of renewal. He spoke candidly at media day, saying he feels “way better” coming into this season, having had time to prepare both physically and mentally.
Motivating Rankings Fuel Lillard’s Determination
One of the more notable offseason narratives was Lillard’s placement as the 10th-best No. 2 option in the NBA, according to a Yahoo Sports ranking. Given his All-Star status and career achievements, some may find this position surprising. However, it also reflects Lillard’s unique challenges during his first season with the Bucks, including the late integration and off-court distractions.
Despite the criticism, Lillard has embraced a mindset of proving the doubters wrong. His rigorous offseason training reflects this determination. Lillard spent time with Navy SEALs and renowned mental coach David Goggins, completing grueling workouts that tested both his physical and mental toughness.
Lillard shared that these sessions, including 16 workouts in just four days, pushed him to new limits. “It was more mental than anything,” Lillard said, emphasizing that his mental fortitude will be a key factor in his bounce-back season.
A Stronger Bond with Giannis
Lillard’s improved mental and physical condition is only one part of the equation for success. Equally important is his growing chemistry with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Last season, the two stars were thrust into a high-pressure situation without the luxury of time to build a natural rapport. However, Lillard emphasized that he and Giannis have become more connected on and off the court.
At one point during the playoffs, Lillard and Antetokounmpo shared a pivotal conversation in the locker room. “We’ve got to get connected,” Lillard told Giannis, underscoring the importance of their relationship to the team’s success. Although they couldn’t meet up in person during the offseason, as both disclosed on media day, their communication improved throughout the season and continued into the summer, creating a strong foundation for this year.
Lillard had planned to visit Giannis in Greece, but the timing didn’t work out with Team Greece starting their training camp for the Olympics. However, despite not working out together, both players stayed in regular contact, and Lillard expressed that he feels more “on the same page” with Giannis now than last year.
This bond will be essential as the Bucks seek to re-establish themselves as championship favorites. Lillard’s experience as the primary star in Portland, combined with Giannis’ dominant presence, gives Milwaukee one of the most potent star duos in the NBA.
A Leadership Role and Redemption Arc
In addition to his role as a co-star alongside Giannis, Lillard is also emerging as a key leader on the team. His influence extends to younger players, including former Portland teammate Gary Trent Jr., who Lillard mentored early in his career. At Bucks media day, Lillard expressed excitement about reuniting with Trent, recalling how his confidence and competitive spirit made him stand out from day one.
Lillard’s leadership and drive to guide the Bucks back to the top is a narrative worth following. He has spent the offseason investing in his physical conditioning and mental preparation, determined to showcase his best self on the court this season.
The Last Word: Time for Damian Lillard and the Bucks to Deliver Results
With a full offseason behind him and a clearer mindset, Damian Lillard enters the 2024-25 season, ready to lead the Bucks on another deep playoff run. The disrespect he’s faced from rankings and critics only strengthens his resolve to prove that he’s still among the NBA’s elite players. As Lillard said during media day,
“My teammates and coaches are going to get the real version of me this year.”
For the Bucks, that could be the key to unlocking their second NBA championship in four years.
