A very limited quantities of Damian Lillard Bucks jersey available at the Bucks Pro Shop at Fiserv Forum. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Bucks fans get their first look at Damian Lillard

By Jack Knowlton | Last updated 9/30/23

Milwaukee Bucks fans are, understandably, the happiest in the NBA at the moment.

The Bucks' blockbuster trade for disgruntled Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard on Wednesday has the Milwaukee hype train going full steam ahead as Lillard is set to pair with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks hosted a rally Saturday at the popular Deer District outside of Fiserv Forum for Lillard's arrival, which let fans welcome Milwaukee's newest superstar.

Lillard arrived just after 5:30 p.m., fans had been gathered since 2 p.m.

Damian Lillard has arrived. pic.twitter.com/VvGjU4Stgp
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) September 30, 2023

While Bucks fans waited for over three hours to see Lillard take a short walk into the arena, it's unlikely their excitement, nor expectations for the 2023-24 season wavered.

The Lillard saga was the story of the NBA offseason. The seven-time All-Star showed interest in being dealt to the Miami Heat, with the hope of winning an NBA title. The deal never materialized, however, and the Bucks were able to swoop in.

While Lillard didn't land at his first destination, Saturday's event should serve as security for Bucks fans who might have been nervous that Lillard only wanted a move to South Beach.

Lillard joins a team with clear championship aspirations that match his own. His tantalizing fit alongside Antetokounmpo makes the Bucks a heavy favorite to challenge for another championship after they defeated the Suns in 2021.

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