When the Milwaukee Bucks replaced Jrue Holiday with Damian Lillard, they were making a bet: a one-way superstar has a better chance of winning a championship than a two-way All-Star. But this bet has implications that could extend beyond the Bucks. It raises the question of whether players like Trae Young, who excel offensively but struggle defensively, can truly contend for championships. Historically, scoring point guards who are weak defenders have not been successful in achieving championship success. This puts greater responsibility on Lillard to prove that players with his defensive limitations can still win titles.
Lillard has always been known as a poor defender, but this was often overlooked in Portland. However, in Milwaukee, his defensive shortcomings have become more apparent. The Bucks currently have the worst defense in the league in terms of points allowed per possession. This raises concerns about whether Lillard’s defensive struggles could hinder the Bucks’ championship aspirations.
The Bucks’ defensive system, implemented by coach Adrian Griffin, does not align well with the team’s personnel. This has led to the Bucks being constantly out of position, giving up open 3-pointers and easy drives to the rim. Lillard, along with other players like Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton, are not suited to the high-paced, chaotic style of defense that Griffin wants to play. Furthermore, Lillard’s lack of effort on defense has been particularly troubling. He has been lazy and lackluster in his defensive efforts, which is unacceptable for a player with championship aspirations.
Video analysis shows numerous instances of Lillard’s defensive lapses, including being beaten on drives, failing to close out on shooters, and providing little disruption as a pick-and-roll defender. These lapses highlight Lillard’s lack of engagement and effort on the defensive end. If Lillard wants to compete for a championship, he needs to work harder and improve his defensive performance.
Ultimately, Lillard’s defensive struggles raise important questions for the Bucks. If Lillard cannot improve his defense and lead the team to a championship, it casts doubt on the notion that players with defensive limitations can be adequately covered for in a championship context. This has implications for players like Trae Young, whose defensive shortcomings may limit their championship viability. Lillard’s performance in the Bucks series could have far-reaching consequences beyond just this matchup.
