‘With all due respect’… Carlos Boozer reacts to Damian Lillard news and Milwaukee Bucks title chances

The Milwaukee Bucks star has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his right calf. Acknowledging the life-threatening risks, the ball club decided to shut him down indefinitely.

This serves as the latest unwanted complication being dealt with by an NBA player this season, following the unfortunate season shutdown made by the San Antonio Spurs for Victor Wembanyama, in similar circumstances.

The Bucks’ road to the championship became even narrower with Lillard’s absence according to Carlos Boozer

With Lillard sidelined on an indefinite basis, the Bucks are about to embark on the hardest road ahead.

As their superstar guard is out, the Bucks’ chances to compete for a title has taken a huge step-back.

Considerably, Milwaukee still has plenty of optimistic to think of as Giannis Antetokounmpo is there to lead the charge. Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and two other key important players are left to embrace the challenge.

But out of Lillard’s untimely absence and the level of competition they are about to face, it’s difficult to think they they can go deep and win the championship.

Former NBA star Carlos Boozer feels even with Lillard, they were a long shot to win it.

He told NBA Today: “I feel like it’s going to be an uphill battle for Milwaukee with Dame, and I mean that with all due respect.

“I know they trying to win a championship over there with Giannis and those guys, but I see Boston as the cream of the crop in that conference, Cleveland’s got the best record, and without Dame, I might even say Indiana might get by Milwaukee.”

He added: “I do think Milwaukee has some dogs over there, obviously Giannis has been unstoppable all year, he’s kind of been that quiet guy we haven’t talked about but he’s still averaging over 30 points a game and 12 rebounds, being the dominant Greek Freak that he is.

“I just think it’s an uphill battle especially if they don’t get Dame back.”

Should Lillard return, Kendrick Perkins picks the Bucks as his 2025 Playoff dark horse

Across 58 games, Lillard has been averaging 24.9 points (44.8 percent shooting from the field) with 7.1 assists and 4.7 boards. He helped the ball club clinch 40 wins thus far this season, putting them at the No. 5 spot of the Eastern Conference.

There were reports that there is still a likelihood that Lillard will be able to return to the Bucks amid the complicated recovery that he has to take from blood clots.

While this matter is yet to be seen, Kendrick Perkins already identifies the Bucks as his underdog playoff pick should Lillard return.

“I still have Boston winning the Eastern Conference, but Dame comes back with Giannis as underdogs, they my dark horse in the Eastern Conference to come out,” the ex-NBA veteran said.

For now, even if the odds are against their favor with Lillard shelved in an uncertain timeline, the Bucks have to try to adapt without him and see what they are capable of.