SOURCE SPORTS: Damian Lillard Calls New TeammateGiannis Antentokounmpo ‘Best Player in the League’

Damian Lillard made his first appearance as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks during Media Day on Monday (Oct. 2). Sitting in front of the media, Lillard stated that he will be playing “alongside the best player in the league,” speaking of Giannis Antentokounmpo.

“I don’t think it’s a secret how much I want to win. That’s how we got here today. … I couldn’t be more excited, I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity to be a part of this organization, to play alongside the best player in the league.”@Dame_Lillard on his trade to… pic.twitter.com/U2E3mJNMY5

— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 2, 2023

“My whole career has been off-the-dribble 3s, pick-and-roll pull-up 3s, contested. Double-teamed. Trapped,” Lillard said. “I’m curious to see how that can be possible with a player as dominant as he is. I’m excited for an opportunity to play with him. I’m excited for the opportunity to be freed up and the opportunity to have more space and opportunity to play. It’s going to be fun.”

The gang takes their first group photo 📸 pic.twitter.com/sIDCbBZmCk

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 2, 2023

The Damian Lillard era of the Portland Trailblazers ended last week. Lillard has been dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal.

According to ESPN, the other teams in the deal are the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks. The Blazers will receive Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee’s 2029 unprotected 1st-round draft pick, and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030. Holiday has already been traded to Boston.

The Suns will get Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson.

Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo in recent years flirted with idea of playing with one another but the hold up was each star wanted the other to join their team. Milwaukee landed Antetokounmpo’s desired star mate.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 27, 2023

In a Fresno barbershop called Phase II a few months ago, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked of the one player he would like to play with. His response was Damian Lillard.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 27, 2023