Damian Lillard SLAMS Bucks for shocking decision

Lillard criticizes Bucks for firing Budenholzer and hints at Giannis recruitment.


Damian Lillard SLAMS Bucks for shocking decision

Damian Lillard (L) and Mike Budenholzer (R)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard is not happy with the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to fire head coach Mike Budenholzer after a first-round playoff exit. Lillard, who has been loyal to the Blazers despite their lack of success, took a shot at the Bucks for dismissing a coach who won a championship with them just two years ago (2021).

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Lillard tweeted on May 4, an hour after the Bucks announced they were moving on from Budenholzer, “Folks out here firing championship coaches as soon as they don’t win the chip.” The tweet went viral and was viewed 2.9 Million times, had over 44.7 thousand likes, and was retweeted by thousands of users.

Budenholzer had a successful tenure with the Bucks, leading them to a 271-120 record in the regular season and a 39-26 record in the playoffs in five seasons. He also won the Coach of the Year award twice, in 2015 with the Atlanta Hawks and in 2019 with the Bucks. He guided the Bucks to their first title in 50 years in 2021.

However, the Bucks failed to live up to their expectations this season, as they were upset by the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in just five games in the first round. The Heat, led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, outplayed and outworked the Bucks in every facet of the game and exposed their weaknesses. The Bucks’ offense relied too much on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who struggled against the Heat’s defense and shot poorly from the free-throw line and beyond the arc.

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The Bucks’ front office decided to make a change after the disappointing loss and fired Budenholzer, which was supposed to run through till the 2024-25 campaign.

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Damian Lillard tried to recruit Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Damian Lillard (L) and Giannis Antetokoumpo (R)

Lillard, on the other hand, has been frustrated with the Blazers’ lack of progress since reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2019. The Blazers have not been able to make any major moves to improve their roster and have been stuck in mediocrity. They have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for two consecutive seasons by teams that were lower-seeded than them and couldn’t even make it into the Playoffs this season. The team ended up 13th in the Western Conference.

However, Lillard is not giving up on his quest to bring a superstar to Portland. The Blazers star took to Twitter and retweeted a photoshopped image of himself and Giannis Antetokounmpo wearing Blazers jerseys.

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The tweet came after Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated by the Miami Heat in a thrilling Game 5 that went to overtime. The Heat prevailed 128-126 and advanced to the second round, where they will face the New York Knicks.

Antetokounmpo, who is set to become a free agent in 2024, has been the subject of speculation about his future in Milwaukee. Lillard, who has been loyal to Portland throughout his career, has expressed his desire to play with another star who can help him win a championship.

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