Landon Buford
Earlier this month, Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. The news sent shockwaves through the basketball community, and Ro Parrish, the renowned sports commentator, shared his unfiltered reaction to the blockbuster trade.
Parrish began by expressing his astonishment at the Bucks’ ability to retain key players, notably Khris Middleton, in the deal. The Bucks managed to pull off a significant move without compromising the core that secured them the NBA championship. Parrish acknowledged the intricacies of such transactions, recognizing that giving up talent is inevitable when acquiring a player of Lillard’s caliber.
“Number one, I was shocked that the Bucks could not include [Khris] Middleton in the deal. It was amazing that the Bucks could pull that off and still keep those two key cogs. Now, Jrue Holiday is a dog. He’s amazing. I hated seeing him go, but of course, you must give up something to get something. Damian Lillard, who I love, is one of my favorite players, if not my favorite player in the league,” said Parrish.
“I was so happy to see that it was Milwaukee. Obviously, the trade rumors early were from Miami. I love the Miami organization, and if he had gone there, I would have been happy. Initially, years ago, before this even happened, we sat on set Greg Anthony, [I] and a number of other players. We had conversations about where Dame would fit best; I always said if we could put him with Giannis or with [Joel] Embiid, those were the only two places.
I felt like it would be a great fit because it would be a balance, a big and a little together, and somebody with that Killer Instinct like dang man, I mean, come on, you know, when you put him with someone like Giannis who has that Killer Instinct that doesn’t subscribe to the notion that a lot of players do today they want to be buddy and friends like they’re dogs they’re going out there and ready to eat at all times so to answer your question I feel like it’s going to take some time obviously to see how the chemistry comes together.”
He added, “Still, there is no reason why Milwaukee should not find themselves in the Eastern Conference Finals. I know Boston is retooled and reloaded. They have a strong Core Group there; shouts out to Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who I just saw in Colorado who’s super focused right now, but Dame is different and pairing him with Giannis. You still got the bigs there, you know I’m. I can’t wait to see what Milwaukee does this season.”
Jrue Holiday’s departure, another integral part of the Bucks’ championship run, was bittersweet for Parrish. Holiday’s contributions were lauded, and parting with him was a tough pill to swallow. Yet, Parrish understands the dynamics of the NBA, where sacrifices are made to usher in new possibilities.
The excitement in Parrish’s voice surged as he transitioned to his thoughts on Damian Lillard. He described Lillard as one of his favorite players, if not the favorite, in the league. The prospect of Lillard donning a Bucks jersey brought genuine joy to Parrish, who had previously envisioned ideal pairings for the star guard.
In the past, discussions among basketball pundits and players, including Parrish himself, had revolved around the best fit for Damian Lillard. Parrish consistently highlighted Milwaukee as a potential destination, particularly due to the synergy that could be created by pairing Lillard with Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid. His vision materialized with the recent trade, and Parrish couldn’t hide his enthusiasm.
Parrish praised the Killer Instinct shared by both Giannis and Lillard, contrasting it with the contemporary trend of camaraderie among players. He emphasized the dog mentality, the relentless pursuit of success, and the readiness to compete at the highest level—a mentality he believes will define the Bucks’ dynamic moving forward.
While acknowledging that it might take some time for the team to establish chemistry, Parrish firmly asserted that Milwaukee should position itself as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference. He recognized Boston’s retooling efforts but placed confidence in the potential powerhouse duo of Lillard and Giannis to propel the Bucks to the Eastern Conference Finals.
As the NBA season unfolds, fans and analysts alike eagerly await the synergy between Damian Lillard and the reigning champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, setting the stage for what could be a transformative chapter in the league’s narrative. Ro Parrish’s excitement reflects the broader anticipation surrounding this high-profile move and its potential impact on the NBA landscape.
