What Can the Blazers Expect From Damian Lillard on his Return?
The story of Damian Lillard’s return to the Portland Trail Blazers lineup will intensify over the subsequent few months. It’s set to be emotional for the franchise, which traded away the nine-time All-Star on the eve of the 2023-24 season after it was clear a rebuild was the solely means ahead.
Two years later, the beloved level guard rejoined the Blazers on a mid-level deal after struggling a left Achilles tear with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks subsequently stretched and waived the the rest of Lillard’s contract with a view to signal former Indiana Pacers massive man Myles Turner.
Whether that was the proper transfer for the franchise stays to be seen, nevertheless it has allowed the Blazers to reunite with a favourite son whereas proudly owning the Bucks’ first spherical draft belongings between 2028 and 2030.
During his final season taking part in alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lillard averaged 24.9 factors on 37.6 % from three, 44.8 % from the discipline, 4.7 boards, 7.1 assists, 1.2 steals and a pair of.8 turnovers in 36.1 minutes. Not his greatest season, however not distant.
With the Achilles tear depriving him of a complete season, the probabilities of Lillard being the identical All-Star-level expertise aren’t nice. But there are levels we must always maintain an eye fixed out for when Lillard takes the court docket in October.
Wilkins, Durant…Tatum
Before we go any additional, I simply wish to level out three gamers who seem to have put the harm behind them.
Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins tore his Achilles in January 1992, in a interval when the harm usually proved career-ending. By his return at the starting of the 1992–93 season, the athletic wing did not miss a step, averaging virtually 30 factors that season.
Current Houston Rockets ahead Kevin Durant suffered an Achilles rupture throughout Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals as a member of Golden State Warriors. He performed his subsequent recreation for the Brooklyn Nets in December 2020. Since his return, he is achieved 4 All-Star appearances and three All-NBA Second Team nods. He’s but to fall under 26 factors a season and is an especially adept offensive participant, regardless of getting nearer to his thirty eighth birthday.
Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles rupture throughout the 2025 playoffs. He returned to play in direction of the finish of the 2025-26 season, contributing in the Boston Celtics’ one and solely playoffs sequence. In six video games, Tatum averaged 23.3 factors on 36.5 % from three, 47.5 % from the discipline, 10.7 boards, 6.8 assists and 1.2 steals.
Some had been by no means actually the identical after an Achilles, together with the late Kobe Bryant in 2012-13, Demarcus Cousins in 2017-18, Wesley Matthews in 2014-15 and Klay Thompson in 2020-21.
When we speak about prime Lillard, there are a variety of campaigns we will select from. For the functions of this piece, 2022-23 was his best, incomes All-Star and All-NBA Third Team honors. He really made First staff in 2017-18, averaging 26.9 factors on a greater staff.
But individually, 2022-23 might be extra statistically spectacular. Through 58 video games, Lillard averaged 32.2 factors on 37.1 % from three, 43.9 % from the discipline, 4.8 boards, 7.3 assists and 0.9 steals and a pair of.8. While the Blazers weren’t successful many video games, Lillard bent opposing defenses to his will.
In Lillard’s return to the Blazers, we have to think about the undeniable fact that he’ll most likely be taking part in with a extra numerous group. He is not going to be relied on to be the sole supply of offensive creation with Deni Avdija and Jrue Holiday geared up to shoulder the load. This hopefully results in a little bit extra effectivity with opposing defenders now having to consider different Blazers.
In my thoughts, there are three attainable ranges of contribution.
Stats: 27 factors, 38% 3pt, 4 boards, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers
Anything above 90 % of prime Lillard is a steal for the $13.4 million he’ll be incomes this yr. This is Lillard proving all doubters flawed and returning to the All Star recreation, serving as co-offensive lead with Deni Avdija.
The man who hasn’t missed a step, launching flame throwers from the emblem and charging at the rim with elite accuracy and fervor. He’s the participant the Bucks had hoped to proceed meshing with Antetokounmpo on the method to one other title in Milwaukee.
Stats: 21 factors, 36% 3pt, 3 boards, 7 assists, 2 turnovers
At 75 % of his prime, Lillard nonetheless has these massive nights nevertheless it’s not each night time. On the night time he isn’t on, he is deferring to teammates, hitting open photographs and serving to the staff however not taking up video games. These are the nights his focus is on being a playmaker whereas making certain he isn’t an entire legal responsibility on the defensive finish.
Dame’s on the market in some model
Stats: 15 factors, 33% 3pt, 2 boards, 4 assists, 3 turnovers
Lillard is 50 % or under of his prime self. He would possibly present up for a 30-plus night time as soon as a month however the off nights mentioned above are the norm. Bad nights the place he fails to hit photographs and turns over the ball could happen. He’s the staff’s third greatest participant however nonetheless producing sufficient gravity to attract defenders.
It might be attention-grabbing to see how Lillard, Tatum and the Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Halliburton return from their respective Achilles accidents this season. Lillard gave us a glimpse of the competitor he’s by successful the three level competitors at this yr’s All Star weekend.
But taking part in video games of NBA basketball is a unique proposition. My hope is that we get near Same previous Dame however the actuality most likely sits nearer to Weekly does of Dame Time. If the veteran level guard can play 65-70 video games at that stage this season, the franchise ought to be supremely proud of the participant they get.
I doubt Dame flails in the backside class however we won’t rule it out if his restoration stalls or is unable to return to the full tempo of the league at the age of 36. Whatever occurs it’s going to be particular seeing Lillard again in Blazers colours. Let’s hope it’s going to find yourself being to the profit on the taking part in group.
What’s your prediction for Lillard’s manufacturing when he returns? Share your ideas in the feedback part under!
