'Damian Lillard Embraces Intensive Training to Unleash Authentic Self Against Bucks'
Just a few days after celebrating one year since Damian Lillard was traded to the Bucks, the eight-time All-Star began his 13th season with the team.
Lillard, who turned 34 in July, took a different approach to his offseason this year. He stayed in touch with his Milwaukee teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they did not train together during the summer.
Instead, Lillard focused on his nutrition and basketball training, and also added a new element to his preparation.
"We all worked together to make sure I was in top shape," Lillard said. "I've been in touch with David Goggins for a couple of years now, but we could never find the time to work together. After finishing my elite camp in Phoenix, we finally got together and I went straight to work."
Last season, Lillard ranked 16th in the NBA for scoring with an average of 24.3 points per game. This was his first season playing for a team other than the Portland Trail Blazers, who drafted him sixth overall in 2012.
The Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, with Antetokounmpo out due to a calf injury. Lillard also missed two games and played through an Achilles injury in Game 6.
Enter Goggins, a well-known name in the world of ultrarunning and endurance sports, known for his tough motivational tactics and mental toughness. The former Navy SEAL has completed multiple grueling elite-level races, including a 240-mile second-place finish in the Moab ultra.
In August, Goggins documented his workouts with Lillard on social media, following a 38-hour plan called "Hell Week." In previous videos, Goggins used a similar workout routine that reportedly brought multiple UFC fighters to tears.
"The biggest challenge for me was not the physical aspect, but the mental challenge," Lillard said. "I think that was my biggest takeaway. It showed me that I have more mental strength than I thought. Even when I was exhausted and struggling during the training, I was able to push through and come out stronger on the other side."
Lillard also mentioned that he feels his teammates and coaches have not yet seen the "true Dame," and he was motivated during the offseason to show them his authentic self this season.
"My teammates and coaches will see the real version of me this year," he said. "I had a great summer of preparation and they will see the real me."
The Bucks are aiming to compete with the reigning champion Boston Celtics and other teams who made significant changes to their rosters during the offseason. This includes the New York Knicks, who acquired versatile wing Mikal Bridges and are reportedly in talks to trade for Karl-Anthony Towns.
When asked about the Bucks potentially reaching the Eastern Conference finals, Antetokounmpo said the team needs to prove themselves first.
"Conference finals? Finals? We need to get out of the first round first," he said. "Let's start there."
