‘Newly married’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and ‘boxing fan’ Damian Lillard have to win it all next season, says ex-player

Milwaukee Bucks stars Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo gets stern challenge from Kendrick Perkins ahead of the new season.

‘Newly married’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and ‘boxing fan’ Damian Lillard have to win it all next season, says ex-player

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard

As the new league season draws closer, basketball stars and their teams continue to ramp up preparations. As such, former NBA veteran Kendrick Perkins has identified two players that will need to step up next season. Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have now been singled out by him.

Speaking recently on the NBA Today show, Perkins was sharing his workout and boxing activities of late, which then reminded him of Lillard’s love for boxing. At that, he talked about how Lillard and the newly married Antetokounmpo need to do better for the Bucks in 2024-25. 

We talked about Damian Lillard all last offseason right... Going to join Giannis Antetokounmpo, arguably the most dominant player in the game right now, one of the most dominant ever. Now, you're getting a fresh start, training camp under Doc Rivers, the pressure is on Damian... But when you have a guy like Giannis Antetokounmpo, just making it into the playoffs or the conference finals is not enough.
Kendrick Perkins said

According to Perkins, it’s high time for Damian Lillard to rise up to the occasion for the team. He pointed out that other teams in the Eastern Conference, like the Boston Celtics, have already gotten much better. Therefore, there’s no reason for the Milwaukee Bucks to be complacent next season.

FS Video

He further asserted that with a top teammate like Giannis Antetokounmpo, the duo should be winning the NBA championship. This will be the Year 2 of the Lillard and Antetokounmpo partnership, and Perkins feels they are already running off excuses. Moreover, he believes that Lillard must be held to the same standard as other superstars in the league. Especially now that he has plenty of help in this Bucks roster.

RELATED
NBA veteran gets honest about Julius Randle jersey shutdown in New York situation
Julius Randle

Damian Lillard was absent at Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wedding

Giannis Antetokounmpo and his longtime partner Mariah Riddlesprigger got married in a private ceremony in Greece. Several big names in the sports world attended, including LeBron James and Serena Williams. But teammate Damian Lillard was noticeably absent, which led to speculation of a fallout between both players.

Thankfully, the rumors were dispelled as it was disclosed that Lillard was actually attending another wedding. The Bucks star attended the wedding of his former Portland Trail Blazers teammate Moe Harkless, on the same day. Meanwhile, others like Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton and Wes Matthews attended Giannis’ wedding, where Middleton served as the best man.

RELATED
“Has to get better as basketball player,” Charles Barkley FIRES SHOTS at Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks
Charles Barkley and Giannis Antetokounmpo

The “Greek Freak” will likely enjoy his honeymoon with one mind, knowing the expectations fans have on him. The Milwaukee Bucks begin the season with a tough game away at the Philadelphia 76ers. As such, with much to prove, Antetokounmpo will be eager to prove doubters wrong this time.