In a high-stakes move during the 2023 offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks traded All-Defensive guard Jrue Holiday—who had helped secure their first championship in five decades—for veteran star Damian Lillard. The goal was to extend Giannis Antetokounmpo’s title window, but the decision is now looking questionable. At 34, Lillard has struggled to maintain his former All-NBA level of play, battling significant injuries for three straight seasons. Now, he faces a serious setback as a blood clot in his right calf has sidelined him indefinitely, just weeks before the 2024-25 playoffs begin.
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Lillard is being treated with blood thinners for deep vein thrombosis. The condition has had mixed outcomes in the past, with some players returning to action while others, like Chris Bosh, were forced into early retirement. If Lillard is ruled out for the postseason, the Bucks’ championship hopes will likely evaporate. Even with him, Milwaukee was already an underdog in the East, where powerhouse teams like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers dominate both ends of the court. Without Lillard’s shot-making and playmaking, the Bucks’ late-game offense could collapse.
Lillard’s absence leaves Milwaukee relying on backup Ryan Rollins, who provides stronger defense but lacks offensive versatility. Giannis needs a skilled secondary scorer, and neither Kyle Kuzma nor Brook Lopez can fill that role effectively. While the Bucks’ defense remains formidable, their ability to create offense in crucial moments will suffer without Lillard. Even during Holiday and Khris Middleton’s peak years, offensive stagnation was a concern, which is why GM Jon Horst pursued Lillard despite his massive contract.
This season, Lillard has appeared in 58 games, averaging 24.9 points on .448/.376/.921 shooting, along with 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds. Head coach Doc Rivers will attempt to piece together an offensive strategy in his absence, but replacing a superstar-caliber guard—especially one known for his clutch performances—will be an uphill battle. Milwaukee’s ability to compete in the playoffs is now in serious jeopardy.
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