Damian Lillard’s waiver was one of the offseason’s biggest surprises. Milwaukee moved on after his playoff ACL tear, but despite the abrupt exit, the Bucks still honored him with a video tribute on Monday, baffling NBA fans. The Bucks offered Lillard a tribute video during the Portland Trail Blazers’ visit to the Fiserv Forum. The clip was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Hoop Central. Thanks for the submission! “Milwaukee Bucks tribute video for Damian Lillard. 🙌👏,” Hoop Central captioned the post. 70% Win (110-25-1) 70% Win (110-25-1) 70% Win (110-25-1) Unlock Free tips from our Experts Get Picks Now This video caught the attention of fans who were left puzzled by the tribute, considering the All-Star only played two seasons in Milwaukee. Although some fans questioned Milwaukee’s choice to honor him, many still felt Lillard deserved his flowers. Dame joined the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, following a successful campaign with the Trail Blazers, where he averaged 32. 2 points per game. He made an immediate impact in Cream City, dropping a 39 points in his debut, a franchise record. Lillard kept shining in his first season with Milwaukee, breaking several records and earning a spot as an East starter at the All-Star Game. He capped it off by winning All-Star MVP and taking home the three-point contest title. Despite his strong year, Lillard and the Bucks were knocked out in the first round by the Pacers. His numbers dipped the following season, but he still helped Milwaukee win the NBA Cup, securing the first title of his career. However, the NBA Cup win stood as his biggest moment in Milwaukee. Lillard battled injuries all season and, despite another All-Star nod, his year ended with an Achilles tear in the playoffs. He was waived in the offseason and later re-signed with Portland, where he’s yet to make his second debut. Damian Lillard responds to the Bucks’ tribute video with a show of gratitude Damian Lillard returned to Milwaukee on Monday as the Trail Blazers beat the Bucks 115-103. Despite Portland’s win, the spotlight was on Dame, who received a tribute video from his former team honoring his two years in Milwaukee. Although the nine-time All-Star was on the court during the tribute, he later acknowledged the gesture on Instagram with a grateful response. “🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼,” Dame wrote re-sharing Bucks’ tribute video. In his two years with Milwaukee, Lillard played 138 games for the franchise, averaging 24. 6 points and 4. 8 rebounds, while making two All-Star appearances.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-damian-lillard-receiving-bucks-video-tribute-2-season-stint-baffles-nba-fans