1. Not going after Damian Lillard
Talk about a pick-me-up.
Yes, Milwaukee is in a much better position for Lillard to win a championship, but it's long been reported in the trades that the seven-time NBA All-Star had the Brooklyn Nets on his exclusive list of destinations. This was even AFTER the Nets let go of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant!
Lillard saw the potential that the New York market could have on his career, so he was content with coming to Brooklyn, and boy would he have been the perfect fit with the current lineup construction. He would be the clear #1 option, with Mikal Bridges returning to the #2 role that he performed well in Phoenix.
The Nets had the assets to make this trade too, after the picks they accumulated in the star trades Brooklyn made before. It would've been the perfect storm!
Instead, it's Dame Time in Milwaukee, where he's averaging 24.6 points per game. He isn't shooting well in the process, but I expect the reigning Three-Point Contest champion to find his footing real soon.
Damian Lillard's first half in Toronto:
— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2023
24 PTS, 8 AST 🔥
Bucks-Raptors | Live on the NBA App
📲 https://t.co/NVGQdLblOz pic.twitter.com/Q0ClETETq8
Let's just see if Sean Marks can find his footing soon.