The Damian Lillard trade has been extremely successful outside the court. While we still have to wait to see how he performs for the new franchise in the regular season, his first preseason appearance was a success. Additionally, what generates more interest in this case is Lillard’s link-up with another superstar of the game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the biggest star on the Milwaukee Bucks roster. For him to get a partner of Lillard’s caliber can be a great sign for the Bucks. The duo is already getting shoutouts from veterans of the game even before they take their talents to the hardwood. Recently, 6x NBA All-Star made a declaration for the Freak Time that might not sit well with some in the league.

Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are a formidable duo

There are several great duos in the league. The nature of the game is such that every great athlete will require an equal partner to put out winning performances. Ever since the beginning to until now, that aspect of the game has remained intact. So when a freshly formed duo is getting GOAT-like shoutouts from fans and veterans alike, it might rub some the wrong way.

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Fans will need to wait and witness how that goes and whether any rivalry will be created out of this, but for now, the Giannis-Antetokounmpo duo is a real deal in the league.

Recently Amar’e Stoudemire, a 6x NBA All-Star, cleared out an important position for the Freak Time to take. In his latest appearance on the Knuckleheads Podcast, Stoudemire said that Lillard is a “silent assassin” and coupled with the Bucks superstar, they will be a problem for every team. Talking more about the duo, the 40-year-old said that they’re going to be a “force to be reckoned with” in the league this season. So, how spot on Stoudemire is on his assessment, we’ll get to know in time.

For now, Lillard has taken center stage for the Bucks in preseason and the results are showing only the good signs.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard against the Lakers

The first game for Lillard in the Bucks jersey went as planned. Going against the LA Lakers, the Milwaukee franchise dominated the game and ended up winning 108-97. More importantly, the highly talked about duo took charge of the game and were able to impress one another and the fans at the same time. “I?ve never seen anybody been double-teamed from the first possession of the game,” Antetokounmpo said about his new teammate’s impact.

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