Since joining the NBA in 2012–13, Bucks guard Damian Lillard has established himself as one of the league’s most renowned basketball players. It turns out that he has reached that level through other sports. In a recent feature article, ESPN’s Eric Woodyard emphasized how the six-time All-Star’s exposure to boxing had improved his basketball skills.

The training Lillard put in in the ring is responsible for many of his signature skills, including his pull-up jumper from more than thirty feet. According to Lillard, his intense workout regimen makes his legs stronger come game time.

He remarked, “I feel like I train in the ring so much that my legs are a lot stronger.” “My legs don’t deteriorate as quickly.

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“You have to stay moving when boxing.” You’re raising your arms. I believe that my wider shoulders have made it easier for me to shoot the ball from a distance. This is tough, therefore I’m stronger up top. You can feel how difficult it is to keep your hands raised. I believe it has probably contributed in little ways like that.

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He also provides an overview of Lillard’s training regimen, which focuses on power, strength, and conditioning.

When Lillard is in training mode, he starts lifting and conditioning as early as 7 a.m. He then puts on the gloves and uses them for eight to ten rounds of three minutes each. Lillard concentrates on using his feet, operating at various angles, combination punching, and delivering accurate jabs. He’s practicing counterpunching by feeling how it feels, punching with his hips, launching and maintaining his jabs, and packing punches into his shots.

As Lillard notes, the boxing conditioning has also been beneficial psychologically in cultivating a never-say-die mentality, especially in situations where the Bucks trail in games. The piece also sheds light on Lillard’s childhood, the popularity of boxing in his family when he was a child, and his interactions with current heavyweight champions.