Bucks All-Star point guard Damian Lillard is gearing up for his second season in Milwaukee, writes Eric Nehm of The Athletic. The 6’2″ vet had a disappointing start to his tenure with the team in 2023/24.
The 34-year-old, on the cusp of his 13th season officially tipping off Wednesday, reflected on his reputation around the league and spoke about how winning a title alongside All-NBA Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo could affect his legacy.
“You would think if I won it, there would be nothing that they could say, but I think people know how f—ing good I am,” Lillard said. “People know — at least the people who know what they’re watching — or I wouldn’t have been on the 75th anniversary team. If you’re talking about fans and people that are on TV just randomly saying their opinion, it’s like, ‘All right.’”
There’s more out of the Central Division:
- Versatile Pacers combo guard Andrew Nembhard, who signed an extension with the team this offseason, has been happy to slot in as an jack-of-all-trades role player in Indiana, toggling between the bench and the starting lineup throughout his two seasons thus far, writes Dustin Dopirak Indianapolis Star (subscriber link). “He’s our Swiss Army knife. He can play point guard when Ty [Tyrese Haliburton] is getting pressured,” reserve guard T.J. McConnell said. “He can be the two. He can even be the three and he can guard any position. He’s been incredible and he continues to get better.”
- Second-year Pistons wing Ausar Thompson has been ruled out for the club’s 2024/25 regular season opener Wednesday night as he continues his comeback from a blood clot that ended his rookie season prematurely, per Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (Twitter link). Detroit is still waiting for official clearance from the league regarding when Thompson will be permitted to return to action, Sankofa tweets. The 6’7″ swingman appeared in 63 contests for Detroit, averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
- In case you missed it, the Bulls opted not to sign newly acquired point guard Josh Giddey to a contract extension in time for the preseason deadline. He will become a restricted free agent next summer.
If Giddey can produce a 17/8/8 stat line while shooting 45% FG and 35% 3’s then I would resign him immediately. It’s a safe gamble for both sides. Similar to what Jimmy Butler did before his departure.