Damian Lillard of the Portland Path Blazers and Crew LeBron drives in opposition to Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Crew Giannis within the fourth quarter throughout the NBA All-Star recreation as a part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Middle on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Getty Pictures by way of AFP)
WASHINGTON – Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo have each discovered change bittersweet however the NBA superstars are able to unite to deliver the Milwaukee Bucks one other crown.
A Saturday welcome rally is about in Milwaukee for seven-time NBA All-Star guard Lillard, obtained in a commerce deal Wednesday, to have fun what is predicted to be an epic partnership with Greek middle Antetokounmpo, who sparked the Bucks to their first title in 50 years in 2021.
Lillard despatched a farewell message to Portland supporters on social media saying “Dame Time has run out” but additionally hinting he may at some point return to the workforce the place he spent his first 11 NBA seasons, incomes the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Yr award.
“This isn’t a goodbye, it’s a goodbye,” Lillard stated. “The best way you embraced me from day one gave me no alternative however to reciprocate the love 1,000 instances and I don’t remorse it one bit.
“I do imagine a day will come the place I put a Blazers uniform on once more and hopefully by then I’ll be forgiven for breaking your hearts together with my very own.”
Lillard by no means reached the NBA Finals with the Path Blazers, solely reaching the convention finals in 2019 when Portland was swept by Golden State.
“As this chapter of my life ends, I look again and understand how particular it was,” Lillard wrote. “Even on this second I really feel unhappy that we by no means achieved what I so badly needed to. I don’t cry a lot, however I do know my love for you is actual as a result of I’m for certain dropping some tears proper now.”
Antetokounmpo informed Bleacher Report he’s excited for the chance to play alongside Lillard, however will miss Jrue Vacation, his teammate for the previous three seasons who went to Portland as a part of the commerce deal.
“It’s a bittersweet day for the town of Milwaukee,” Antetokounmpo informed the web site. “You get Dame, who is a superb participant, however you lose an incredible man. Jrue took us to the promised land. He’s among the finest human beings I’ve been round.
“On the identical time, I’m excited to have Dame. He offers us an opportunity to win a championship. I’m excited to play with the caliber of participant that he’s. He can rating the ball in his sleep and shoot the lights out.”
‘He’s hungry to win’
The Greek massive man is aware of Lillard yearns for an NBA title with a starvation that rivals his personal. Antetokounmpo was reluctant to signal a brand new long-term cope with the Bucks earlier than they confirmed a dedication to successful one other crown.
“We’ve acquired to give attention to the objective to win the championship,” Antetokounmpo stated. “Dame desires this. He’s hungry to win, and he’s going to push us. I’m very completely happy to have him on our workforce.”
Antetokounmpo made his emotions clear in a social media publish Friday of him understanding captioned: “The magic is within the work.”
Lillard informed Bleacher Report he was excited to compete alongside a extra gifted participant in Antetokounmpo.
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“To be part of an incredible general workforce is a dream come true,” Lillard stated. “It’s time for me to be on this state of affairs. And figuring out myself sufficient, I’m going to benefit from it. I’m excited for this chance.”
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