(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks has been through a lot of changes recently, moving to a new city, joining a different NBA franchise, and experiencing massive adjustments in his personal life.
Speaking with Yahoo Sports, via NBACentral, Lillard said that basketball isn’t the sort of mental and emotional sanctuary that it once was because of everything going on in his life.
“People say, ‘When I hoop I ain’t thinking about nothing,’ but I’m not 21. I got three kids. I’m tight with my family and I’m going through a divorce,” Lillard said.
Damian Lillard reveals that he has a lot on his mind
“People say, ‘When I hoop I ain’t thinking about nothing,’ but I’m not 21. I got three kids. I’m tight with my family and I’m going through a divorce.”
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 3, 2024
Since coming to the Bucks, Lillard has put up 25.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.
As strong as those numbers are, they are a dip down from his last season with the Portland Trail Blazers and it has some Bucks fans concerned that Lillard can’t be the man he was when playing for his former team.
But adjusting to a new unit takes time and Lillard deserves patience.
Additionally, it sounds like he has a lot on his plate when it comes to his divorce and family situation, which will of course have an impact on his mindset.
When Lillard was traded to the Bucks, many people expected them to immediately become Finals contenders.
They are playing quite well and have a 32-16 record and the second seed in the East but things haven’t been perfectly smooth for Milwaukee.
Lillard has been inconsistent at times and they recently let go of their head coach, Adrian Griffin.
He was replaced by Doc Rivers, who is still trying to settle into his new position.
The Bucks have lost their last two games but Lillard was recently selected for his eighth All-Star appearance.
He might be battling with a lot more than basketball opponents, but Lillard still clearly has a strong presence in the league.
The post Damian Lillard Gets Honest About Struggles This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.