The first exercise with Damian Lillard was hectic and frustrating in Milwaukee. The group never found an effective collective balance, particularly in defense where it struggled. Then, injuries weighed down the Bucks at the worst time: in the playoffs.
It is therefore logical that Doc Rivers mentioned health as one of the most important elements for the success of the coming season. The coach, who arrived during last season, then added another key: continuity.
A “training camp” far from families and friends
“It’s about the connection of our team. The more continuity we have during training camp, during the season, the better.”, asserts the 2008 NBA champion, who insisted that the Bucks travel and go to California to prepare for their season.
“That’s why we decided to do a training camp far from Milwaukee. It’s essential for us”continues the coach. “I think we have what it takes, but it will only work if we do it collectively, with the same state of mind. I decided this literally ten days after arriving here. I'm not kidding. We needed to get away. »
Why is this so important? “I often use this example. I think of Damian Lillard. He is transferred, he arrives the day before training camp, he trains. Then, what does he do afterwards? He returns to the hotel. Giannis goes home, Khris Middleton too. Everyone does it and there is no connection,” he laments. “It’s important that they travel by car, go to training or eat, spend time together. I wish it would last longer, but the longer you can do it the better. It's good that our first match is away too: no families, no friends. Just us. It's good for our team. »
Lillard and Giannis 'spent the summer talking to each other'
Brook Lopez agrees with his coach's analysis. “This week, we will be together, whether in the gym, at the hotel, in the restaurant, whatever the activity […] Spending as much time together as possible, I think it’s beneficial”estimates the pivot.
In addition to the entire Bucks collective, these moments will also benefit the duo Giannis Antetokounmpo – Damian Lillard. The two stars tried to adapt to each other last season, without always succeeding. There, they had a season and an offseason to get to know each other. Precious time.
“We had a lot of conversations on this subject and even more when we got to the end of the season”says the former Blazers. “One moment, in the playoffs, during Game 4 in Indiana I think, we were both injured. Everyone was warming up and we were both in the locker room. I told him that no matter what, we had to be able to connect. He agreed. After this moment, the discussion was totally different, more open. From there, we spent the summer talking. And that's more important, I think, than going on the field or training. »
