When the Milwaukee Bucks traded for star point guard Damian Lillard, they were expected to make a big splash in the NBA title fight. Milwaukee took a big risk signing two-way forward Jrue Holiday, but they believed Lillard’s upside would push them aside.

However, the opposite happened and the Bucks now found themselves in a world of trouble. Lillard played well for the most part, but the team performed completely below expectations.

He teamed up with star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to form an explosive duo for the Bucks. The two players had strong moments as teammates, but they couldn’t quite put all the pieces together on the field.

Milwaukee lost in the first round of the playoffs last year, in part because of injuries to both star players at inopportune times. However, they did not have a good start this year either and entered the new season with a 1-4 record.

The two players didn’t quite come together in the way Milwaukee management expected when the trade went down.

Lillard described the problems he and Antetokounmpo have seen together so far. He especially stated that the two stars should be responsible for each other throughout the season.

“Me and him have to be able to hold each other accountable, and that doesn’t mean yelling at each other all the time.” Lillard said. “It just means that I should be able to say things to you, and you should always be able to say things to me.”

For the Bucks to achieve their championship goal, both Lillard and Antetokounmpo will need to be at their best. The Eastern Conference is much busier this season, so Milwaukee could be in danger of falling behind if they’re not careful.

The two stars have a talented team around them, but it may take more time for them to come together. But the Bucks don’t have the luxury of time to figure things out as the clock is ticking.

If they can’t turn the year around, big changes are likely to occur within the Bucks organization in the offseason. Even if neither star is present, one could be moved and the entire roster could be disrupted.

Lillard and Antetokounmpo are the leaders of the team, and if they can’t find a way to adapt, the season may already be over for Milwaukee.

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