Despite Missing NBA Preseason Opener Against the Bulls, Damian Lillard Makes His Presence Felt Through a Heartwarming Gesture

Milwaukee Bucks began their preseason by defeating the Bulls 105-102. While expert Center Brook Lopez played 12 minutes, starting Shooting Guard candidate Malik Beasley lodged 34 minutes. MarJon Beauchamp led them with 18 points while clamping eight rebounds. 24th pick in the 2022 draft, the Guard has been hungry to get a big role. He is a Wing so the possibilities are there. 

But Wing Pat Connaughton has continued to have a solid case as the backup of Khris Middleton. His persistent defense and hustle play a huge role. But what drives the Milwaukee Bucks’ engine is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Along with the newly arrived turbo booster Damian Lillard, he missed the fixture against the Windy City.

Damian Lillard sits out the opener

Resting during the opening preseason game is no surprise. LeBron James did it for the Lakers in their opener against the Warriors. This is a window that can be a great audition ground for determining rotations. That’s why Lillard and Antetokounmpo’s absence helped the coaches to bring Beauchamp and Beasley into bigger roles.

For players of Dame’s caliber, preseason is a mere formality. They are already primed to go for the upcoming 2023-24 season and will be hitting their strides then. Therefore, the value of Preseason pales in comparison to the Regular Season.

However, that doesn’t stop diehards from cheering for their team. As the Bucks played in their home Fiserv forum, the team’s fans were in the delirium of getting Damian Lillard. Despite not watching him splashing long-range bombs, many fans had a day to remember. The first-year Guard signed a ton of photographs.

He signed it for fans who had Giannis Antetokounmpo jerseys, which shows the tune-up to the upcoming season.

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Lillard and Antetokounmpo will look to wreak havoc inside-outside once the season arrives.  The team is looking to tie up some loose ends.

What will be the starting lineup?

After highly-rated Jrue Holiday’s departure, Lillard will now be the primary ball-handler. He will assume Floor General duties and with the help of The Greek Freak, he can build one of the most efficient offenses.

During 2022-23, Brook Lopez had perhaps the best season of his 15-year All-Star-level career. Middleton is an incredible off-the-catch shooter who will become even more lethal. These four positions are set.  At SG, Malik Beasley appears to be a favorite to start at the off-guard. For the Bucks, perimeter defense will be a big challenge. Their frontline has a strong defense and will have to help out a lot. How will coach Adrian Griffin frame his lineups in the upcoming season?

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