Lillard s agent bombards the Bucks: System conflict + serious injury leaving the team, return to Portland to return to root

Damian Lillard's agent Alan Goodwin made a shocking statement in an interview, pointing out that the Bucks' tactical system is the key factor that led to Lillard's performance being limited. Goodwin said: "Lillard never really got a chance in Milwaukee, playing like he did in the Trail Blazers in the first 12 years of his career. He just fought to win in the system he was in." Goodwin's remarks pointed to the tactical system built by the Bucks around two-time MVP and nine-time All-Star "Antetokounmpo" Giannis Antetokounmpo. He believes that this system failed to maximize Lillard's power on both offense and defense, limiting the performance of the super scorer.

In the 2023 offseason, the Bucks won Lillard through a heavy three-party deal, seeing him as the ultimate puzzle for the team to get rid of Eastern Conference competitors and strive for the championship. However, reality is far from the blueprint.

Although Lillard's first season with the Bucks was impressive, the team failed early in the first round of the playoffs. In the 2024-25 season, Lillard was selected as the All-Star for the second consecutive year, but the Bucks' playoff fate has not changed and they were eliminated in the first round again. To make matters worse, Lillard suffered serious injuries during the season: first there was a deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, and then a devastating left Achilles tendon tear in late April.

The disappointing playoff results for two consecutive seasons, coupled with Lillard's serious injury, prompted the Bucks management to make a major decision this summer - to sack Lillard. After regaining freedom, Lillard chose to return to where the dream began and signed a three-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers for a total of $42 million.

From the high-profile championship puzzle that was placed on high expectations to the controversy caused by system adaptation issues and eventually leaving the team sadly due to injury, Lillard's Bucks career came to an end with regret. Now that the fallen leaves return to Portland, the legendary defender will open a new chapter in his career on familiar land. The success or failure of the Bucks to build a lineup around Antetokounmpo will continue to become a hot topic in the league.