“I’m not a player that’s breaking down!” – Damian Lillard insists he’s still the same player despite down year with Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard insists he's still the same player despite a down year with the Milwaukee Bucks, citing personal struggles.

“I’m not a player that’s breaking down!” – Damian Lillard insists he’s still the same player despite down year with Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard

Milwaukee Bucks star guard Damian Lillard in a recent interview said he is confident that he can still perform at a high level, despite a down year with the Milwaukee Bucks. He stated that he’s not breaking down and can still do what he did two or three years ago while he was still plying his trade with the Portland Trail Blazers organization.

Damian Lillard had a conversation with Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where he acknowledged that his first season with the Bucks didn’t meet expectations, but pointed out that he still averaged 26 points and seven assists per game despite not feeling great. He attributed his struggles to personal matters, including a divorce.

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I’m not a player that’s breaking down. I live a clean, good, healthy life, so I can do it. I can do the same s**t I did two, three years ago.
Damian Lillard said

Lillard’s stats did take a hit in his first season with the Bucks, as it dropped from 32.2 points and 7.3 assists per game with the Trail Blazers to 24.3 points and 7.0 assists per game with the Bucks. The team also struggled, finishing third in the East and losing in the first round of the playoffs.

However, Dame Time is owed $169 million over the next three seasons, and the Bucks need him to play like a superstar to compete in the East. If he can return to his previous form, it could be enough to push the Bucks into title contention.

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Damian Lillard’s enduring ties to the city of Portland

Despite being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks last summer, Damian Lillard still holds a special place in his heart for Portland, the city where he spent the first 11 years of his NBA career. In a recent interview, Lillard revealed that he still lives in Portland and has established strong roots in the community.

The biggest thing is, I still live here. Obviously being traded and being in Milwuakee. I've told a lot of people I love the organization in Milwaukee, I love the opportunity that it is, but I think anytime you build something the way I've built out my life here.
Dame Lillard said to Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

His love for Portland is evident in his actions, as he returned to the city to host his 11th annual basketball camp. His young family also remains based in Portland.

Although his first season with the Bucks was marked by change, he is looking forward to next season. Despite this, Lillard’s legacy in Portland and as a legend in the city continues to endure as he strives to win his first ring.

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