When Damian Lillard was acquired by Milwaukee, after weeks of will they, won’t they, the Bucks loyalists rejoiced. Everywhere Dame went, he was received with the same warmth and love they had for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Seeing all of that, concerned Lillard fans were relieved. They let out a sigh they weren’t even aware of holding in.

The 8x All-Star’s move to “Cream City” came as a shock, especially with Lillard naming his preferred destination as Miami. But Portland was determined to trade him to a place where they believed he would reach his goal. And Milwaukee ended up being the final choice. Add to it the comeback of the viral tweet where Dame said that he believed Giannis would be the guy who would get him his ring.

Under such circumstances, Damian Lillard decided to make the best of his situation and focus on his ultimate goal – a championship. The man averages 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and a team-high 6.8 assists per game this season. He has also missed just five games out of the 59 Milwaukee has played. Yet, it didn’t come without its own set of problems. Sitting down for an interview with Sports Illustrated before the All-Star Break, the California native opens up about the change.

A family man through and through, the biggest challenge for Dame was being more than 2000 miles away from his family. Having played 11 seasons for the same franchise, Lillard had hoped to retire a Blazer. But his wish of getting a ring wasn’t one the Trail Blazers could fulfill in their current situation. “In Portland, my life was set up,” he said.

Everyone he held dear was just across the street or next door. His children also attended school there. He had a life in Portland. “My whole life was set up perfectly right there. It was a great situation. So just leaving that behind alone is a lot,” he added. Add in the heavy responsibility he was walking into, Damian Lillard was in a proper cul-de-sac.

Damian Lillard gets honest about his place on the team

Lillard admitted that he thought Milwaukee would take off like how Boston is right now. But suffice it to say that the Bucks’ season was rough. Dame did not come to a team that was already established. The coach was new, the style of play was different, the players were different, and then there was the eagerly anticipated Dame-Giannis dream duo partnership.

Damian Lillard Sheds Light on His “Cancer” Personality: “I’m Loud, Sometimes I’m Quiet”

By the time he fell into a rhythm, managing to figure out his pairing with the “Greek Freak” as well, there was the mid-season coaching change. “I haven’t completely settled into finding who am I on this team. And that’s kind of a tough thing,” he admitted. Of course, the reason that led to such a resounding change is a whole other subject, but that is for another day. Despite it all, Dame believes in his team 100%!

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He believes that his team can come together and compete at a high level. And he also trusts in himself and his process. After all, the Bucks are working with the goal of a championship in mind!