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"You know, you don't really know when it is going to click" – Damian Lillard on working the pick-and-roll with Giannis Antetokounmpo
The synergy between superstars doesn't happen overnight, if at all. In the case of Milwaukee Bucks teammates Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the fit between the two had appeared seamless from the outside looking in, the former revealed their partnership remains a work in progress a quarter into the season.
Going to take time
In as much as the two superstars are trying to figure out how to execute this offensive staple flawlessly, opposing defenses are just as eager to find ways of disrupting the duo's connection.
It's a process that is still very much in development as both players continue to learn how best to take advantage of their respective strengths.
The seven-time NBA All-Star guard shared his thoughts on the matter, emphasizing patience when it comes down to getting it all just right for the Bucks:
"Myself and Giannis are just still trying to figure out how we can be in more actions together and take advantage of some of these defenses together," Lillard said in a talk with The Athletic's Eric Nehm.
"So it's just going to take time. You know, you don't really know when it is going to click. It just, it just happens. And I think when that day comes, everybody will be able to look at it and say, 'They're starting to put it together how we expected.'"
Figure out how to make it work
Through Milwaukee's first 17 games, the pick-and-roll action involving the two superstars has not been the unstoppable weapon many expected, as it produced just 0.98 points per possession—roughly the league average. The last four games have been better for the duo, as their pick-and-roll has generated 1.53 points per possession, which would rank as the league's best.
Giannis explained that he and Lillard continue to try and work on their chemistry, building a rhythm that can allow them to take full advantage of their talents.
"He's different. He's a different player. I've never played with a guy like this, and I don't think he's played with a guy like me," Antetokounmpo said.
"We have to figure out how to give Dame space because he's different. He's not a traditional player. He has way more range to shoot the ball, so we've got to give him way more space to operate."
