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Damian Lillard of the Portland Path Blazers and Group LeBron drives in opposition to Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Group Giannis within the fourth quarter throughout the NBA All-Star sport as a part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Middle on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Getty Photos through AFP)
WASHINGTON – Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo have each discovered change bittersweet however the NBA superstars are able to unite to convey the Milwaukee Bucks one other crown.
A Saturday welcome rally is ready in Milwaukee for seven-time NBA All-Star guard Lillard, obtained in a trade 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 in addition hinting he may in the future return to the workforce the place he spent his first 11 NBA seasons, incomes the 2013 NBA Rookie of the 12 months award.
“This isn’t a goodbye, it’s a so long,” Lillard stated. “The way in which 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 consider 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 completed what I so badly wished to. I don’t cry a lot, however I do know my love for you is actual as a result of I’m for positive dropping some tears proper now.”
Antetokounmpo advised 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 town of Milwaukee,” Antetokounmpo advised the web site. “You get Dame, who is a superb participant, however you lose an amazing man. Jrue took us to the promised land. He’s top-of-the-line human beings I’ve been round.
“On the similar time, I’m excited to have Dame. He provides 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 take care of the Bucks earlier than they confirmed a dedication to successful one other crown.
“We’ve obtained to concentrate on the aim to win the championship,” Antetokounmpo stated. “Dame desires this. He’s hungry to win, and he’s going to push us. I’m very joyful to have him on our workforce.”
Antetokounmpo made his emotions clear in a social media put up Friday of him figuring out captioned: “The magic is within the work.”
Lillard advised Bleacher Report he was excited to compete alongside a extra proficient participant in Antetokounmpo.
“To be part of an amazing general workforce is a dream come true,” Lillard stated. “It’s time for me to be on this state of affairs. And understanding myself sufficient, I’m going to reap the benefits of it. I’m excited for this chance.”
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