The new WNBA season has started and it’s shaping up be a good one with Caitlin Clark’s debut generating a lot of hype for the league. But for Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard, though, Las Vegas Aces rookie Kate Martin is another female ball fans should know more about.

Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard

Feb 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Milwaukee Bucks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
This year, though, marked the first time Lillard wore a different NBA uniform when the Bucks acquired him from the Portland Trail Blazers by trading Jrue Holiday and other assets. The Bucks star played a total of 11 seasons for the Western Conference team after drafting him in 2012.

Milwaukee Bucks, Damian LillardMay 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) catches the ball while Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Since then, Lillard has started in 73 regular season games and averaged 24.3 points on 35 percent shooting from beyond the arc, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per contest. However, a lackluster cast around him and All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, and a coaching change midway through the season prevented Milwaukee from rising to the top of the Eastern Conference.

The misfortune would continue in the playoffs after the Bucks matched up against Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. After six games, Milwaukee exited the postseason, ending Lillard’s disappointing first year with the team in the process.

Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard Drops Massive Support For Las Vegas Aces Rookie Kate Martin

Las Vegas Aces, Kate MartinApr 1, 2024; Albany, NY, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kate Martin (20) cuts the net after defeating the LSU Lady Tigers in the finals of the Albany Regional in the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Although the season is over for the Bucks’ starting point guard, the WNBA is just getting started. For his part, Lillard expressed his support for the Aces’ top pick in the recent draft, Kate Martin, which can be seen in a screenshot of his social media post.

 

While his first four years playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes isn’t remarkable, Martin’s final campaign there saw the guard/forward increase her numbers to 13.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. And though she didn’t play in the Aces’ first match of the season against the Phoenix Mercury, there’s still a lot of chances for the rookie to make her mark in the league.
Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard, NBA Playoffs, NBA InjuryApr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
While more eyes are on Clark these days, there’s enough reason to keep monitoring Martin’s progress in the WNBA. Add Lillard’s shining endorsement of the rookie and the former Iowa star will surely go places in her career.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana PacersApr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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