According to Crickex Affiliate, while the Milwaukee Bucks replaced Jrue Holiday with Damian Lillard, it remains uncertain whether the team’s overall strength has truly improved. Lillard is a seven-time NBA All-Star, compared to Holiday’s two appearances. However, what sets Holiday apart is his elite defensive skill — he’s made the NBA All-Defensive Team five times, while Lillard has yet to earn that recognition. It’s no exaggeration to say Holiday’s defense played a pivotal role in Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run.

Now that Holiday is gone, Bucks center Brook Lopez has voiced his concerns. The two grew up together in California and even faced off in high school. Just this summer, Holiday attended Lopez’s wedding — a sign of how close they are. “He chose his path, and there’s no regret in that,” Lopez said. “I love Jrue, but if I have to watch him guard all five positions for Boston and turn our night into a nightmare, that’s going to be tough to swallow.”

While often overlooked on offense, Holiday’s versatility and defensive focus make him more complete than Lillard in that area. In Holiday’s three seasons with the Bucks, their team defensive rankings were 9th, 14th, and 4th in the league. Over the same period, Lillard’s Trail Blazers ranked 29th, 29th, and 28th in defensive efficiency — near the bottom of the NBA.

Still, Crickex Affiliate reporters believe the Bucks’ strong team defense may help cover Lillard’s defensive gaps. Offensively, the Lillard-Giannis pairing could be lethal — a “pick your poison” scenario for any opponent. “You can’t afford to stumble while in your prime,” the saying goes. Lillard is well aware of the scrutiny and doubts about his defense, but he’s not backing down.

At 33, Lillard insists he’s improved year after year. He understands how to position himself, switch on defense, and play within a team system. “I’m not here to be Jrue Holiday,” he said. “But I am one of the best perimeter defenders in my own way.” He also pointed out that in Portland, his focus was heavily skewed toward offense. But in Milwaukee, with proven scorers like Giannis and Khris Middleton, he can now devote more energy to the other end of the court.

“Ask anyone who’s played against me,” Lillard added. “I’m not someone you beat easily.”

There’s another layer to Lillard’s transition. By joining the Bucks, not only did he say goodbye to the “one-man, one-city” identity, but perhaps also to the idea of “one love for life.” Every bold new beginning comes at a price — and this one has been deeply personal. Crickex Affiliate confirmed that Lillard filed for divorce from his wife shortly after the trade. While his legal team declined to comment, the star guard is currently in Milwaukee, focused on preparing for the new season in Bucks training camp.