BREAKING NEWS: “You know, you don’t really know when it is going to click” – Lillard on working the pick-and-roll with Giannis

Superstars don’t work together in unison very often, if at all. Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, teammates for the Milwaukee Bucks, acknowledged a quarter into the season that their partnership is still developing, despite the fact that it had seemed to fit well from the outside looking in.

It will require time.

 

As much as the two superstars are attempting to perfect this offensive mainstay, opposing defenses are also keen to find methods of severing the duo’s bond.

Both players are still learning how to best utilize their individual strengths, so the process is still very much in its early stages.

In his thoughts on the subject, the seven-time NBA All-Star guard emphasized patience in getting everything just right for the Bucks:

Lillard stated, “Myself and Giannis are just still trying to figure out how we can be in more actions together and take advantage of some of these defenses together,” in an interview with Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

Thus, it will simply require time. As you can imagine, you have no idea when it will finally click. It simply transpires. I also believe that everyone will be able to look at it and say, “They’re starting to put it together how we expected,” when that day arrives.”

Determine how to make it function.

The pick-and-roll movement between the two superstars has not been the unstoppable weapon many had anticipated through Milwaukee’s first 17 games, as it has only produced 0.98 points per possession—roughly the league average. The pair’s pick-and-roll has produced 1.53 points per possession over the last four games, which would rank as the best in the league.

Giannis clarified that in order to fully utilize their skills, he and Lillard are still working to improve their chemistry and establish a rhythm.

“He is unique. He is an alternative player. Antetokounmpo remarked, “I’ve never played with a guy like this, and I don’t think he’s played with a guy like me.”

“Dame is unique, so we need to figure out how to give him space. He isn’t your typical player. We need to give him a lot more room to maneuver because he can shoot the ball at a much greater range.”