Damian Lillard says he can help the Bucks on defense while embracing championship expectations

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (AP) – Damian Lillard is aware that he is seen as an outstanding offensive player but not a particularly strong defender.

The seven-time all-NBA selection is looking forward to change that reputation now that he’s on a new team.

Lillard arrived in Milwaukee for training camp on Tuesday, a week after the Bucks acquired him from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jrue Holiday, a five-time All-Defensive Team member who joined the Boston Celtics in a separate deal, was one of the players the Bucks gave up.

Lillard admits he’s not as excellent a defender as the man he’s replacing.

“I’m not going to come in here and be Jrue Holiday,” Lillard said at the Bucks’ media day on Monday. “My personal opinion, I think he’s the best defender on the perimeter.”

But Lillard feels he can help the Bucks maintain their strong defense.

“At the very least, on that end of the floor, I’m going to compete,” he stated.

“The people that I play against will tell you, I ain’t a pushover, you know what I’m saying?” Lillard went on. “I’ve also had a lot of offensive responsibility throughout my career.” I believe that playing with the type of guys I’ll be playing with here will also benefit me.

The Bucks believe Lillard’s extraordinary skills on offense will make up for whatever they might sacrifice on defense.

Lillard ranks 11th in NBA history in career scoring average (25.2 points per game) and sixth in 3-pointers (2,387). Although he played just 29 games due to an abdominal injury in 2021-22 and was limited to 58 games by a calf strain last season, Lillard has continued to perform at an all-NBA level when healthy.

The Bucks are counting on Lillard to help them bounce back from last season’s stunning first-round playoff loss to Miami and win a second title in four years.

“I’m not asking him to be anything except Damian Lillard,” said new Bucks coach Adrian Griffin. “And that’s more than enough. He’s great at pick-and-rolls. He’s excelled at making big shots and assisting his side to victory, and we need all of him. We don’t need him to be anything other than what he’s been for the past 11 years.”