Damian Lillard picks Giannis Antetokounmpo as a player he can build a team around with

Lillard explains why he chose the Bucks' MVP as his go-to pick when it comes to building a team.

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Damian Lillard has been a Milwaukee Buck for a little over a month, but he’s seen and experienced enough to recognize he must have two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as a teammate if he were to build his own team.

Lillard was the guest of the Knuckleheads Podcast of former NBA players Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles. The duo asked him who he would pick as teammates to build a team around, and Lillard didn’t hesitate with his answer, naming the “Greek Freak” to be part of a loaded frontcourt.

Frontcourt forces

The seven-time All-Star named Giannis to be the team’s power forward. Although he’s quite familiar with the Greek star’s game, it wasn’t until he got to Milwaukee to be part of the Bucks that he really got to know him behind the scenes. Even though Milwaukee got off to a rocky start, they have since gotten a rhythm, winning five straight games to stand at 10-4.

Lillard also named three former Blazers to be part of his quintet: Carmelo Anthony, LaMarcus Aldridge, and longtime backcourt-mate CJ McCollum.

Giannis takes flight off the Damian Lillard assist ✈️ pic.twitter.com/bev3awfT3o

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 30, 2023

Blazer greats

Aldridge spent the first nine seasons of his long and decorated career playing in Portland. He and Lillard played three seasons together and developed a potent two-man game in the process.

Meanwhile, Carmelo spent two of his last three seasons with Lillard on the Blazers. Even though he arrived towards the tail-end of his career, Carmelo was still a reliable scoring option who provided leadership and mentorship to Lillard.

McCollum is by far the Blazer Dame is closest to on the list. He played with Lillard for nine seasons, forming one of the most consistent and successful backcourts in the NBA. However, their on-court partnership ended in 2022 when McCollum was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Damian Lillard says trust is crucial in partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo