NBA
Published June 14, 2024 at 2:06 pm ET
Doc Rivers said it was “really difficult” to deal with Damian Lillard’s personal situation after arriving midseason to coach the Bucks.
Lillard, who spent 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers before being traded to Milwaukee last September, admitted he was out of shape while dealing with his divorce from ex-wife Kay’La Lillard.
“That was really difficult,” Rivers said during an appearance on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” on Thursday, adding that it was difficult to help Lillard keep his spirits up. “I didn’t even realize that Dame was traded two or three days before training camp.
“We were having dinner and he said, ‘Coach, I didn’t work out all summer. It’s the first time in my life that I haven’t exercised. I was really afraid of getting injured while exercising.’ He knew they were going to change him.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers talks about Damian Lillard’s first season with Milwaukee during an appearance on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.” Milwaukee Bucks TODAY Sports
“Then he said, ‘You know, I ran a little bit. I did some shots with no one in the gym. But I didn’t go at all. He said, ‘I’m out of shape,’ and he was honest about it, and that’s one of the reasons you love him because he’s honest. He said, ‘This is the worst shape I’ve ever been in.’”
Lillard, 33, struggled on the offensive end last season, with his efficiency from beyond the arc and his scoring plummeting from the previous season’s marks.
Damian Lillard and Kay’la Hanson. Damian Lillard/Instagram
Rivers explained that Lillard was never in full shape for the season.
“When you start camp like that you never get in shape. You never catch up and he felt that way,” Rivers said. “It’s funny, I start insulting him, like joking with him talking about his weight and his weight.”
Lillard used that experience as motivation to get in shape for the 2024-25 season and is already working toward that goal.
“All summer long, he (tells me), ‘I’m working twice a day,’” Rivers said. “He is very proud to be in great shape right now, which is incredible.
Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball as Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during Game 3 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 26, 2024. Trevor Ruszkowski -KeynoteUSA Sports Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) watches during warmups prior to Game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on April 30, 2024. Jeff Hanisch-KeynoteUSA Sports
“I shared this with him last week and said, ‘It’s amazing that you’re playing twice a day right now and the Celtics and Mavericks are still playing.’ He just tells you how long the journey is to win a championship. “Half the league is back up and running for next season and we still have two teams playing.”
Lillard filed for divorce from Kay’La, his college sweetheart, less than a week after being traded from the Trail Blazers to the Bucks.
The couple married in September 2021 and have three children together: son Damian Jr., 5, and 3-year-old twins, daughter Kali and son Kalii.
Damian Lillard and Kay’la Hanson with their children. Damian Lillard/Instagram
Despite his declining shooting, Lillard earned his eighth All-Star nod in February, when he became the first player to earn All-Star Game MVP honors and win the 3-Point Contest in a final. of week.
The Bucks finished last season with a 49-33 record and were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs, for the second consecutive year, by the Pacers.
Lillard missed two games in the postseason after aggravating an Achilles tendon injury, which he suffered during the Bucks’ regular-season finale.
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