3 Ways Damian Lillard will transform the Bucks in 2023-24

Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks poses for portraits during media day on October 02, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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Adding Damian Lillard, even with the loss of Jrue Holiday, does indeed elevate the Bucks’ chances of winning championships.

The Bucks won it all in 2021 with one of the most defense-forward squads since the Detroit Pistons 2004 team. They have maintained most of the key pieces of that team, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez. Since that time, Giannis has not only continued to be the #1 defensively ranked in-season player, but the supporting cast has stayed as impactful. Even Brook Lopez, at 35 years of age, still had the 6th-best defensive ranking in the NBA last season.

No, defense wasn’t the problem, and even without Holiday, it won’t be the problem. In fact, not only were the Bucks the 4th-best defensive team last season, but they were the 6th-best offensive team. This is still a championship-pedigree team. The problem with last year—why the Bucks went from winning it all to an embarrassing first-round exit—was a lack of clutch. They didn’t show up in the playoffs.

In walks Dame Lillard…

Here are three ways Dame makes this Milwaukee Bucks team better next season:

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