Doc Rivers Breaks Silence on Decision to Waive Damian Lillard

The Milwaukee Bucks made one of many hardest calls of their offseason once they waived Damian Lillard to clear cap house, and head coach Doc Rivers is aware of simply how huge the loss is.

“Dame [is] only a nice dude,” Rivers advised ESPN throughout NBA Summer time League on Thursday. “Overlook the basketball half. He’s executed all the things proper all through his profession. He’s executed something a franchise can ask for a man when you’re attempting to win … Clearly, we weren’t gonna have him this yr arising, with the harm, however you don’t simply lose the participant, you lose the individual. And in order that’s a tricky loss in your franchise whenever you lose that.”

The 34-year-old, was launched after Milwaukee signed Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract.

The transfer stretches the $115 million left on Lillard’s deal over 5 seasons, giving the Bucks extra monetary flexibility shifting ahead.

Over two years in Milwaukee, Lillard averaged 24.6 factors, seven assists, and 4.5 rebounds per recreation whereas making two consecutive All-Star appearances. His time with the Bucks, nonetheless, ends with uncertainty as he recovers from a torn Achilles suffered in the course of the playoffs.

In the meantime, Giannis Antetokounmpo was reportedly “not happy” with the choice to waive Lillard, including much more intrigue to the Bucks’ subsequent steps, in keeping with NBA Insider Chris Haynes.

Lillard is now a free agent and can deal with his rehab whereas contemplating his subsequent transfer.

As for the Bucks, they’re all-in on constructing round Antetokounmpo, however Doc Rivers admits dropping a presence like Lillard gained’t be simple to switch.

READ MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo Addresses His Future With the Bucks