Tier list ranking of every Milwaukee Bucks player before 2024 preseason

Tier 2 - The second star

Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard didn't look like Damian Lillard last season for several reasons. He was dealing with the move away from Portland and family, personal issues, an awkward roster, the inability to train during the offseason because he was waiting to be traded and injuries. This offseason, things are different, and Lillard has been in the gym constantly to bounce back from last season's well-documented woes.

Who Lillard is on the basketball court needs very little introduction. He's one of the best scorers and shooters the game has to offer, and there were glimpses of that in 2023-24 despite everything that was holding him back. With a chance to build chemistry with his teammates and the coaching staff, a luxury he didn't have last offseason, Damian Lillard should be more comfortable this year.

The roster is also more well-constructed than it was last year. Lillard landed in Milwaukee just days before camp began, so the roster was built more for a defensive-minded guard like Jrue Holiday than one of the best scorers in the NBA. Role players like Taurean Prince and Delon Wright can help ease some of the defensive workload off Lillard's shoulders, allowing him to focus more on his offense.

As mentioned in the Middleton section, health will be a factor here as well, as Lillard was banged up in the NBA Playoffs. If everyone can stay healthy, there is no doubt that the Milwaukee Bucks can have a fantastic offense with three top-tier scorers. Milwaukee will certainly be getting a motivated Lillard during the 2024-25 campaign.