Damian Lillard Reflects on 'Unlucky' Bucks Stint, Addresses Achilles Injury, and Rejects 'Unfair' Criticism

Damian Lillard, now set to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, offered reflections on his two-year tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, characterizing the period as 'unlucky' and rejecting what he deems 'unfair' criticism regarding his performance. Lillard stated that the Bucks' failure to advance beyond the first round in both the 2024 and 2025 playoffs was primarily due to a lack of health, including a torn Achilles tendon he suffered last postseason, an injury that concluded his time in Milwaukee and is anticipated to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season. He defended his individual productivity during his Bucks stint, highlighting his consistent average of 24-25 points and 7 assists per game with lower usage alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, arguing that his output remained high-level despite comparisons to his more ball-dominant years in Portland.