Damian Lillard’s Secret Weapon: Boxing!
Alright, hoop heads, gather ’round! Let me tell you about Dame Time’s off-court secret that’s got him prepped and ready to tear it up in Milwaukee this season.
Dame’s Unconventional Training
So, Damian Lillard, our favorite clutch shooter, has been throwing punches in the boxing ring for over a decade with his trainer, Cem Eren. Yeah, you heard that right. This summer, he even went back to Oregon, where he spent 10 years with the Trail Blazers, just to keep this unique tradition alive.
Dame finally spilled the beans on why he’s so into boxing: “It’s good for your legs, for strengthening your body. You have to keep your hands up. You have to move. I think it’s good for that. It’s good for your conditioning,” he said. And honestly, I think he’s onto something.
But it’s not just about staying fit. “I really do it just to release a little bit,” he added. “And for reasons of personal defense. In the world we live in today, man, you have to be able to defend yourself and protect yourself properly.” Makes sense, right? Gotta be ready for anything, both on and off the court.
Boxing workouts are preparing Damian Lillard for the upcoming Milwaukee Bucks season
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The Mental Game
What’s super cool is that Dame’s not just about the physical grind; he’s all about that mental edge too. “I think it’s more the mental part than anything else,” he said. And you know what? That makes total sense. Boxing is a mental challenge, a test of endurance and focus. It’s no wonder he’s built a potential Hall of Fame career.
And get this, he’s even got his kids into it. “Putting my kids in and letting them learn that too, and building that discipline and confidence as people. That’s really it,” Lillard explained. Talk about a family affair!
Trainer’s Take: More Than Just a Player
Cem Eren, Dame’s trainer, sees him as more than just a basketball player. “I say Damian Lillard is a fighter who plays professional basketball, you know what I mean?” Cem said. And he’s got a point. Dame’s got that fighter’s spirit, always pushing through, always grinding.
“I don’t think he’s a basketball player,” Cem continued. “He’s a fighter who plays. When you look up the definition of fighter in the dictionary, it’s someone who overcomes things, who fights for something. Fighting doesn’t necessarily mean hitting someone. I’m fighting right now, to put food on the table, or to keep everything together. That’s a fight.”
Looking Ahead: Season Two in Milwaukee
As Dame gears up for his second season with the Bucks, he’s looking to improve on last year’s numbers: 24.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 73 games. Not bad, but we all know he can do better. Cem believes that boxing’s focus on detail is key. “Boxing is that one punch, that difference that can change everything,” he said. “That’s why you never win in boxing until it’s over. That’s why being ‘focused’ is not the same (as in other sports). It’s just not the same. You can’t mimic it because you need to live it.”
So, what do you think? Will Dame’s boxing regimen give him the edge to lead the Bucks to glory this season? Or is this just another quirky offseason story? Let’s hear your thoughts!
