Damian Lillard’s Well being Places Milwaukee Greenbacks Playoff Hopes in Doubt

“Dame Time” may no longer practice to the Milwaukee Greenbacks creating a deep postseason run.

The Greenbacks are in a digital tie for 5th position with the Detroit Pistons within the Japanese Convention with 11 video games left within the common season.

The Pistons being tied with Milwaukee is an indication of an enormous upward thrust for Detroit. However the Greenbacks being knotted with the Pistons is an indication of decline for Milwaukee.

The most recent sign that issues are going to be tricky for Milwaukee is the inside track that Damian Lillard used to be recognized with deep vein thrombosis in his proper calf.

Having a blood clot anyplace is a significant clinical factor.

Lillard is taking blood-thinning medicine in hopes of resolving the problem, however there is not any transparent timetable for his go back. The Greenbacks have no longer introduced an expected go back date for Lillard.

Thus far, Lillard has ignored 3 video games for the Greenbacks (40-31), who had been anticipated to contend for the highest spot within the Japanese Convention this season.

As an alternative, Milwaukee is 17 1/2 video games at the back of the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard as a stellar combo, a 50-win marketing campaign appeared most likely.

But presently, Milwaukee looks as if a squad that may be going through a 3rd instantly first-round go out.

The percentages of an early go out build up if Lillard does no longer regain his well being.

San Antonio Spurs celebrity Victor Wembanyama used to be recognized with a blood clot in his shoulder proper after the All-Famous person destroy in mid-February and used to be instantly close down for the season.

Possibly probably the most obtrusive case of blood clots within the NBA concerned Chris Bosh, who performed his ultimate sport at age 31 because of a couple of episodes. Bosh, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Famer, no doubt would have most well-liked to retire on his personal phrases.

As for Milwaukee’s struggles, don’t overlook that the Greenbacks received the NBA identify within the 2020-21 season beneath trainer Mike Budenholzer.

Two seasons later, Budenholzer used to be fired after a 58-win season by which top-seeded Milwaukee misplaced to the eighth-seeded Miami Warmth within the first around.

The next season, Milwaukee fired trainer Adrian Griffin with a 30-13 document and put in Document Rivers as head trainer.

The Greenbacks looked as if it would regress beneath Rivers, going 17-19 within the common season. Then they went down within the first around once more, falling to the Indiana Pacers in six video games.

Rivers had a complete offseason to enforce his plan, so there will have to be no excuses. He has Antetokounmpo and Lillard on his roster. Each gamers are nine-time All-Stars, and each and every trainer would really like a duo like that.

It’s secure to mention Giannis isn’t the issue. The 2-time MVP is averaging 30.2 issues, 12.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists whilst at all times giving a top-notch effort.

Lillard is lower from the similar fabric. He’s averaging 24.9 issues, 7.1 assists and four.7 rebounds.

However a lot more is at stake for Lillard. Giannis has his ring.

Lillard pressured his approach out of Portland after 11 seasons when the Path Blazers had been transitioning to a more youthful roster. He asked a business after Portland used the 3rd total select within the 2023 draft on Scoot Henderson as a substitute of buying and selling it for a veteran.

Lillard’s largest purpose is profitable an NBA identify. He has earned numerous cash and accolades. He’ll ceaselessly be remembered for his 36-foot, buzzer-beating 3-pointer that eradicated the Oklahoma Town Thunder from the 2019 playoffs. He scored 50 issues that evening.

Portland used to be ultimately eradicated within the Western Convention finals — the furthest development of the Lillard generation.

Lillard turns 35 in July, and enjoying 35-plus mins according to sport won’t closing ceaselessly.

He for sure does no longer need to make every other transfer. He’s on a workforce with Antetokounmpo, a participant who enhances his taste.

For no matter explanation why, the Greenbacks aren’t clicking. Possibly Rivers isn’t pushing the best buttons with the remainder of the roster.

Possibly issues beef up in the following couple of weeks. Possibly Lillard returns to complete well being. You by no means know.

However presently, it’s not taking a look like “Dame Time” in Milwaukee this season.