When you hear the term “Dame Time” you just know something special will happen. But that reputation somewhat took a hit last season due to Damian Lillard’s ordeals. Lillard’s first season with the Milwaukee Bucks ended with him in mental and physical pain. His custody battle for his kids also put Lillard off his game. But there’s no time for Dame to feel sorry about it and his spontaneous activities in his Beaverton camp proved Damian Lillard is back in the game.

Just like every year (barring the pandemic), Damian Lillard was in his Oregon camp. His jersey was different this time, but apart from that, not much changed with excited kids from the neighborhood joining. What else hasn’t changed? Lillard’s ability with a basketball, at least that’s what he believes.“I understand that I wasn’t the best version of myself. I showed up – and I was productive,” Lillard said in an interview with Jim Owczarski of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

“There was a lot of change, a lot of stress… I think now, having an opportunity to get myself in order and kind of start pushing forward to next season…I don’t participate in weak-minded sh*t. So I’m going to go out there and keep showing up.”

The 8-time All-Star averaged 24.3 points per game last season but recorded his lowest numbers from beyond the 3-point arc (35.4%) barring his injury-hit 2022 season. Despite that, the Bucks were 3rd seed in the East. He had his fair share of criticism due to the franchise’s failure to progress beyond the first round of playoffs, but Lillard is ready to replicate his Portland Trail Blazers form.

“I’m not a player that’s breaking down. I live a clean, good, healthy life, so I can do it. I can do the same (expletive), I did two, three years ago. I can do it right now,” the 34-year-old further added.

Next season Damian Lillard will look to salvage his reputation on the court as one of the top names in the league. With a whole summer to rest up and renewed resolve, the guard is hopeful for success in Milwaukee. But does the franchise have enough to compliment him in their title chase?

Does Damian Lillard have enough backup to guide Bucks to success?

After the Bucks’ playoff slip, Lillard’s future in Milwaukee faced a major question- will he stay with the franchise? Discarding all those doubts, Lillard clarified his intentions to remain with the Green and Cream. Sure, they have Giannis Antetokounmpo, an MVP-calibre player. But what else do they offer? A salary cap of $17 million over the first luxury tax apron is not ideal for team-building. So the Bucks had to resort to free agency.

Gary Trent Jr. and Stanley Umude came in as free-agent transactions. Trent Jr. seamlessly slots into a backup role to Khris Middleton and Taurean Prince in the wings. Umude, on the other hand, brings reliable shooting with 44.4% accuracy from the deep and 43.5% from the field. He will also provide depth to the shooting department unless the franchise decides to ship him to the Wisconsin Herd. Doc Rivers is looking to execute the multiple-shooter play implemented widely in the league and that means the emphasis will be on forwards rather than traditional centers. 

Brook Lopez is linked to a move away from the franchise so that means Bobby Portis Jr. will be the primary option to start with Giannis in forward roles. Lillard will keep his PG slot, running the offense for the team just like last season when he assisted 7 times on average.

With that said, will that be enough for the Bucks to land their first title since 2021? Thoughts!