The Milwaukee Bucks made one of the toughest calls of their offseason when they waived Damian Lillard to clear cap space, and head coach Doc Rivers knows just how big the loss is.
“Dame [is] just a great dude,” Rivers told ESPN during NBA Summer League on Thursday. “Forget the basketball part. He’s done everything right throughout his career. He’s done anything a franchise can ask for a guy if you’re trying to win … Obviously, we weren’t gonna have him this year coming up, with the injury, but you don’t just lose the player, you lose the person. And so that’s a tough loss for your franchise when you lose that.”
The 34-year-old, was released after Milwaukee signed Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract.
The move stretches the $115 million left on Lillard’s deal over five seasons, giving the Bucks more financial flexibility moving forward.
Over two years in Milwaukee, Lillard averaged 24.6 points, seven assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game while making two consecutive All-Star appearances. His time with the Bucks, however, ends with uncertainty as he recovers from a torn Achilles suffered during the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo was reportedly “not pleased” with the decision to waive Lillard, adding even more intrigue to the Bucks’ next steps, according to NBA Insider Chris Haynes.
Lillard is now a free agent and will focus on his rehab while considering his next move.
As for the Bucks, they’re all-in on building around Antetokounmpo, but Doc Rivers admits losing a presence like Lillard won’t be easy to replace.
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