Bucks Coach Doc Rivers Opens Up on Difficult Damian Lillard Call

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By: Mike

The Milwaukee Bucks recently inked a four-year deal with center Myles Turner, valued at $107 million. In a move to free up salary cap space, they subsequently released point guard Damian Lillard, spreading the $115 million remaining on his contract across the next five years.

At 34, Lillard will not participate in the forthcoming NBA season due to an Achilles tendon injury he sustained during the last playoffs. Despite his absence, his release from the team is viewed as a significant loss. Doc Rivers expressed this sentiment strongly.

“Damian is more than just an outstanding player,” stated Rivers during an ESPN interview at the NBA Summer League. “He’s a tremendous individual and has consistently met every expectation laid before him by the franchise, especially in our quest for victory. Even though he wouldn’t have been able to play this season due to his injury, losing him affects us beyond just his presence on the court. It’s a serious blow to lose such a person from your team.”

Rivers’ complete interview can be viewed here:

During his two-year tenure with Milwaukee, Lillard maintained impressive averages of 24.6 points, seven assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, earning All-Star selections in both seasons. Now a free agent, he is free to sign with any team as he continues to recover from his surgery.

Meanwhile, the Bucks are focused on building a strong team around their key player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who reportedly was displeased with the decision to waive Lillard.


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