Pat Connaughton of the Milwaukee Bucks pointed out one major similarity between his teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo and Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard. The All-Star guard appreciated the comparison and gave Connaughton one big shout out.

Via Twitter, Lillard thanked Connaughton, calling him by his nickname. For those unaware, Connaughton was a member of both the basketball and baseball teams of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Connaughton actually spent his first three seasons with the Blazers, where Damian Lillard took him under his wing. So he definitely knows Lillard on and off the court.

In an old interview, the Bucks swingman shared that when he was a rookie, Lillard made sure that he knew the ins and outs of the NBA.

“That was really cool for me,” Connaughton said. “He’s a star in the league. For me being a second-round guy fighting to make a name for myself, being known as a ‘baseball guy,’ he took me under his wing right then and there. He’s an All-Star and he’s taking the time to talk to a baseball guy. It’s not just about basketball with him. We’ve developed a friendship.”

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton with the Bucks arena in the background, NBA Playoffs injury Pacers

David Yapkowitz ·

Damian Lillard and Stephen A. Smith

Benedetto Vitale ·

Giannis Antetokounmpo saying "Who knows?" next to Doc Rivers and Damian Lillard

Brett Siegel ·

Connaughton and Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, seems to have formed a similar friendship. The stories about their bond are legion. Reports reveal that their conversations revolve around basketball and non-basketball matters, such as professional wrestling. They even mustered enough courage to challenge Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to a weightlifting match.

Indeed, in just four years in the league, Connaughton has forged a bond with two of the best players in the league. That alone speaks volumes of who he is as an athlete and a person.