The combination of Lillard and Antetokounmpo failed in the first season, but there are still some highlights next season

On June 9, on the NBA stage, the stay and departure of players often touched the hearts of countless fans. In June 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks ushered in two major news: Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo both announced that they would stay behind the team. This decision not only gave Bucks fans a reassurance, but also added new variables to the NBA pattern next season. Although their first collaborative season failed to meet expectations, the future of this supercombination is still full of possibilities. The combination of Lillard and Antetokounmpo was highly expected at the beginning of the 2023-2024 season. Lillard's joining is regarded as the last puzzle for the Bucks to hit the championship. His outside firepower and Antetokounmpo's inside dominance can theoretically form a perfect complement. However, reality is often more skinny than ideals. At the beginning of the season, the team experienced obvious pain in running-in. Lillard needs to adapt to the role transition from the absolute core of the Trail Blazers to the Bucks’ tactical deputy, and Antetokounmpo is also adjusting his play style to try to have a better chemistry with the new teammate. Although both of them have shown high professional qualities, basketball is a team sport after all, and it takes time to establish tacit understanding. The regular season record fluctuated. Although the Bucks remained at the forefront of the Eastern Conference, their dominance was obviously not as expected. Lillard's personal data has declined, with average scores per game dropping from 30+ in the Trail Blazers period to around 25 points, and his three-point shooting percentage has also fluctuated. Antetokounmpo continues to maintain his MVP-level performance, but his decision-making ability at critical moments is still criticized by the outside world. The arrival of the playoffs has further amplified these issues. Faced with more targeted defense, Lillard and Antetokounmpo's cooperation has been repeatedly set. The Bucks failed unexpectedly in the Eastern Conference semi-finals and failed to achieve their goal of returning to the finals. After the end of the season, there were endless doubts about the pair. Some analysts believe that Lillard and Antetokounmpo's styles are not compatible. The former requires a lot of ball holding, while the latter also requires space to hit the basket. Some people even speculate that if they still cannot win the championship next season, the two may part ways. However, Lillard and Antetokounmpo's left-behind declaration completely shattered these rumors. Lillard publicly stated: "I believe in our combination and believe in this team. Failure is only temporary, and we will get better." Antetokounmpo also emphasized: "Milwaukee is my home, and I still have unfinished careers here."

So, what are the highlights of the Bucks next season? First, the adjustment of the coaching staff is crucial. It is reported that the Bucks are looking for an assistant coach who is better at coaching offense to optimize the tactical cooperation between Lillard and Antetokounmpo. Secondly, the strengthening of role players cannot be ignored. The Bucks had insufficient firepower on the bench last season, especially in terms of outside projection. Management has targeted the signings on several experienced shooters. In addition, Lillard and Antetokounmpo's offseason training plan has also attracted much attention. The two plan to practice together in the summer, focusing on improving the efficiency of pick-and-roll cooperation and tactical execution at critical moments.

From a technical perspective, the combination of Lillard and Antetokounmpo still has strong theoretical advantages. Lillard is one of the league's top pick-and-roll ball holders, and Antetokounmpo's threat is historically rated. If the two can find a better pace, their pick-and-roll combination can destroy any defensive system. On the other hand, Antetokounmpo's defensive coverage can make up for Lillard's shortcomings on the defensive end, and Lillard's key ball ability is the help Antetokounmpo has always been eager for. As long as the running-in problem can be solved, the power of this combination will be immeasurable.

History also tells us that the first season of the Supercombination is often full of ups and downs. The three Heat Big Three suffered a finals defeat in the first year of their establishment, but then completed two consecutive championships; Durant's first season with the Warriors also went through a running-in period, but eventually created a dynasty. The Bucks' current situation is quite similar to these cases. Failure is not terrible, the key is how to learn from failure. Lillard and Antetokounmpo are both players who have experienced troughs, and their professionalism and desire for victory will be the key to the team's re-emergence.

Next season will be a promising journey for Bucks fans. The team's core framework remains stable, and the coaching staff and management have also shown their determination to solve the problem. The competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference is changing, and competitors such as the Celtics and the 76ers are also facing their respective challenges. As long as Lillard and Antetokounmpo can stay healthy and further improve the chemistry, the Bucks have a full chance to return to the ranks of champion contenders. The charm of basketball lies in its unpredictability. The failure of last season may be the basis for success next season. Lillard and Antetokounmpo's staying behind is not only a trust in each other, but also a persistence in the dream of a championship. Their story is far from over, and the next chapter is likely to be the moment of glory belonging to Milwaukee.