Key notes: Lillard, Nembhard, Thompson

dollar All-Star Point Guard Damian Lillard is preparing for his second season in Milwaukee, Eric Nehm of The Athletic writes. The 6-foot-2 veteran had a disappointing start to his tenure with the 2023-24 team.

The 34-year-old, who officially ended his 13th season on Wednesday, reflected on his reputation in the league and talked about winning a title alongside the All-NBA Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo could have an impact on his legacy.

“You would think if I won there would be nothing they could say, but I think people know how damn good I am.” Lillard said. “People know – at least the people who know what they’re seeing – otherwise I wouldn’t have been on the 75th anniversary team. When you talk about fans and people on TV just randomly giving their opinion, it's like, 'All right.'”

There's more from the Central Division:

• Versatile Pacemaker Combo protection Andrew Nembhardwho signed a contract extension with the team this offseason, is looking forward to being an all-rounder in Indiana and switching between the bench and the starting lineup in his two seasons so far, writes Dustin Dopirak Indianapolis Star (subscriber link). “He’s our Swiss army knife. He can play point guard if Ty (Tyrese Haliburton) is put under pressure,” Reserve guard TJ McConnell said. “He can be both of them. He can even be the three-pointer and guard any position. He was incredible and he just keeps getting better.”
• Second year Pistons wing Ausar Thompson has been ruled out of the club's 2024-25 regular season opener on Wednesday night as he continues his comeback from a blood clot that ended his rookie season early, according to Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (Twitter link). Sankofa tweeted that Detroit is still waiting for official approval from the league as to when Thompson will be allowed to play again. The 6-foot-2 swingman played 63 games for Detroit, averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
• In case you missed it, the Bulls decided not to sign the newly acquired point guard Josh Giddey to a contract extension in time for the end of the pre-season preparations. He will be a restricted free agent next summer.