Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has unveiled that Damian Lillard entered the 2023-24 NBA training camp out of shape, awaiting his trade from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Rivers revealed on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” that Lillard confided in him about his lack of offseason training, citing fear of injury amid trade speculations.
According to Rivers, Lillard stated, “This is the worst shape I’ve ever been in” (h/t Chicco Nacion of The Score). Rivers explained that Lillard admitted to only doing light running and shooting with no one in the gym, avoiding any intense workouts.
Lillard’s honesty about his condition is one of the reasons Rivers appreciates him.
Rivers joined the Bucks during the All-Star break, taking over from first-year head coach Adrian Griffin. Despite high preseason expectations, the Bucks finished third in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee was eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers.
This past season, Lillard averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7 assists in 35.3 minutes per game.
