Milwaukee, WI – The city of Milwaukee erupted in excitement as thousands of fans gathered outside Fiserv Forum on Saturday to welcome their newest superstar, Damian Lillard. The Milwaukee Bucks held a grand welcome rally for Lillard, who was acquired in a blockbuster three-team trade, solidifying the team’s commitment to pursuing another NBA championship.
New Logo Lillard 🦌 pic.twitter.com/AeA6BuXfyw
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 1, 2023
Bucks fans eagerly welcome Damian Lillard as “Dame Time” arrives in Milwaukee
Fans patiently waited for over three hours, braving the anticipation to catch a glimpse of Lillard arriving and making his way into the arena. The atmosphere was electric, with chants of “Dame Time” echoing through the crowd, a testament to Lillard’s reputation for delivering clutch performances.
In the multi-team trade, the Bucks sent Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers, while Jusuf Nurkic was dealt to the Phoenix Suns. The deal involved a total of eight players and three draft picks, highlighting the significant effort made by the Bucks’ front office to secure Lillard’s services.
Once inside Fiserv Forum, Lillard had the opportunity to familiarize himself with his new surroundings and donned his new Bucks jersey, symbolizing a fresh chapter in his illustrious career. The acquisition of Lillard represents a major coup for the Bucks and serves as a clear statement of their intent to compete at the highest level.
Welcome to the 4️⃣1️⃣4️⃣#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/2lqAhA6u2J
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 1, 2023
Milwaukee Bucks acquire superstar Lillard in a blockbuster trade, signaling a commitment to championship aspirations
Bucks general manager Jon Horst expressed his excitement about the acquisition, acknowledging Lillard’s elite status in the league and the impact he will have on the team’s chances of winning another championship. Horst praised Lillard’s character, competitiveness, talent, and experience, highlighting how they complement the existing group of players and create new possibilities for success.
Lillard joins the Bucks after a stellar season with the Trail Blazers, where he averaged an impressive 32.2 points per game. His incredible scoring ability, combined with his clutch performances and leadership qualities, has earned him seven All-NBA selections and a place on the NBA’s prestigious 75th Anniversary Team.
The arrival of Lillard also holds significant implications for the Bucks’ superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo. During the summer, Antetokounmpo expressed his desire to see the team’s commitment to pursuing another championship before considering a long-term extension. With the acquisition of Lillard, the Bucks have demonstrated their determination to build a championship-caliber roster around their two-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
As the new NBA season approaches, expectations in Milwaukee are soaring. The pairing of Lillard and Antetokounmpo has the potential to create a dynamic duo that could dominate the league for years to come. Bucks fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the season, brimming with optimism and excitement for what “Dame Time” will bring to the team.
While the road to an NBA championship is never easy, the Bucks have made a resounding statement with the acquisition of Damian Lillard. With their passionate fan base and a roster stacked with talent, Milwaukee is poised to make a serious push for basketball glory. The arrival of “Dame Time” in Milwaukee has set the stage for an exhilarating season as the Bucks embark on their quest for another NBA title.