In a significant blow to the Portland Trail Blazers and their fans, star guard Damian Lillard will miss the entire upcoming NBA season. The seven-time All-NBA selection is sidelined due to a torn left Achilles tendon, an injury sustained during the previous postseason. Lillard is now channeling his efforts into a meticulous rehabilitation process while simultaneously taking on a mentorship role for the Blazers' promising young squad.
Lillard's Road to Recovery: Patience and Progress
The injury occurred during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers. Despite the severity of the setback, Lillard maintains a remarkably positive outlook. In a recent conversation with Allie Clifton on the Road Trippin' Show for NBA on Prime, the 35-year-old guard opened up about his current rehabilitation phase.
"It's going great," Lillard stated. "I think it's just one of those injuries where you've got to take your time—you know, it takes what it takes. The initial phase, maybe the first couple of weeks to two or three months, is frustrating because your movements are so limited. But with patience, giving yourself grace, and sticking to the necessary work, you eventually start to see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Lillard, who signed a three-year, $41.6 million contract to return to Portland, made the conscious decision to sit out the entire season rather than rush back. He expressed increasing confidence in that choice as his body responds to therapy.
A Strategic Decision for Long-Term Success
"I feel great about it — even better now than I did when I made that decision," Lillard revealed. "Just getting further along and seeing that everything is coming back… My main concern was how I’d move after this, and now that’s improving. I’m working on unpredictable movements, some contact, picking up the pace, being in the air, landing, and not overthinking it."
This past year presented multiple challenges for Lillard, including the Achilles tear, a serious blood clot issue, and his departure from the Bucks after the season. However, his return to the Blazers' environment has reshaped his perspective. He now sees his recovery period as an opportunity to contribute in a different capacity.
"Now that I've gotten to that point, I feel better about the decision to give myself the maximum amount of time," he explained. "Also, looking at our team and the type of growth that we've had, I know if I'm able to do this and come correct, we'll have a great shot next season."
Mentoring the Next Generation in Portland
Lillard's optimism is fueled not just by his physical progress but also by the potential of the young players around him. He is actively involved in coaching and guiding the Blazers' emerging talent, which includes:
- Deni Avdija, who has been performing at an All-Star level.
- Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson (who himself has been out with an injury).
- Toumani Camara and rookie Donovan Clingan.
This group, potentially complemented by veterans like Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant, forms the core that Lillard is committed to developing. His presence, even off the court, is seen as invaluable for the team's foundation.
While the absence of a superstar like Lillard is always a setback, the Portland Trail Blazers are framing this season as a strategic building year. With Lillard fully dedicated to a patient recovery and a hands-on role with the team's youth movement, the franchise is quietly laying the groundwork for a powerful return in the 2025-26 NBA season.
