Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks Future Confirmed by Many Fans as Damian Lillard Injury Update Leaves Milwaukee Heartbroken

Shocking news coming out of Milwaukee right now. Earlier, we learned that Damian Lillard was out injured with a calf issue. We weren’t worried after Doc said Dame was day-to-day. However, we now have quite the upsetting update to share with you.

Lillard has now missed 3 consecutive games because of injury. But a report from a senior insider has left us worried for Dame’s future as an NBA player. What happened? Well, ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news that Damian Lillard has a blood clot in his injured calf.

“Damian Lillard has sustained a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his right calf. Lillard is on blood-thinning medication, which has stabilized the blood clot, and will continue with regular testing. He is out [for an] indefinite period, ” Shams wrote on X. If you’re updated on your NBA news, you’ll remember that DVT is what ended Victor Wembanyama’s season.“It’s unfortunate…Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety. As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career,” Dame said about his injury, per Chris Haynes.

This is horrible news for Milwaukee fans. While it’s good that the doctors have stabilized the clot, the condition remains worrying for an athlete to develop. Doubly so when it’s one of the best players on the Milwaukee roster. And Damian Lillard being out for so long could have some serious implications for other players.

Namely, Giannis Antetokounmpo. And fans online, while worried for Dame, also realized something. His extended absence may lead to the Greek Freak deciding that his services are better suited elsewhere. So let’s see some of the best reactions to this news from Shams Charania.

Fans react to Damian Lillard’s diagnosis; worries rise about Giannis’ future at Milwaukee

After Shams broke the news, fans were quick to show their concern for Dame and wished him a speedy recovery.

“Thats scary, prayers up for Dame!🙏🙏,” wrote one X user.

Another wrote,

“Hope you recover soon, Dame!🙏.” The concern everyone had for Lillard was palpable. And why wouldn’t they be? From audacious long-range shots to him winning the NBA All-Star 3-point contest two years in a row, Dame has given us a lot of exciting moments over the years. And it’s sad to see him go through something like this.

Regardless, there was a huge chunk of the fanbase that had other concerns. Concerns that Giannis Antetokounmpo would certainly leave Milwaukee after this blow to Lillard.

“Confirmed. Giannis is leaving,” a netizen wrote bluntly.

Another agreed, saying,

“Giannis leaving Bucks for a big market team ASAP.” While no one but Giannis knows how he’s feeling at the moment, this is still a valid concern for Milwaukee fans. The ‘Greek Freak’ has made it clear that he wants to win another championship for the Bucks with the duo of himself and Dame. However, Lillard, being out indefinitely, has thrown cold water on those plans. So perhaps Giannis may end up moving cities this season. Where he goes, though, is anyone’s guess.

But there was also a section of the community that had an odd stance. They believed Dame’s condition was all the doing of the Covid-19 vaccine that a lot of players took per the NBA’s suggestion back in 2021.

“Another covid shot victim. He should sue the NBA for requiring the covid shot,” expressed a fan on X.

In a similar vein, another member of the community wrote,

“Vaccine strikes again.” While we don’t know what caused this blood clot, the suggestion that a vaccine from 4 years ago caused it seems a little far-fetched. But hey, we’re no doctors, so it’s best you hear from one instead.

In the comments on Shams’ post, Dr. Nirav Pandya, Professor of UCSF Orthopedic surgery, explained what could have caused Dame’s condition.

“In athletes, lower extremity blood clots can be caused by a variety of factors including trauma, prolonged immobilization (i.e. travel), post-surgery, and/or due to hereditary disorders,” he wrote. And we think we’ll believe the doctor on this one! However, Dr. Pandya also revealed that it’ll be months before Dame can hoop again.

All in all, this news shocked everyone. From Milwaukee fans to casual ones to players, everyone is concerned about the well-being of Lillard. And the ones who aren’t? Well, they’re ruing the Milwaukee Bucks’ dashed hopes for a championship this season or worried that this is the last they’ll see of Giannis Antetokounmpo. But only time will tell whether those concerns are well-founded or not!