Sports
Damian Lillard’s Rehab Journey: Will He Return to Form?

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Damian Lillard is taking a careful approach in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, as reports indicate he will likely miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season. Despite the tough road ahead, Lillard remains optimistic about his return, stating during a recent news conference, “It’s obviously a tough injury, but I know how I’m going to approach the whole rehab process, taking my time. I think I’m going to return to form.”
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Now 35, Lillard’s situation mirrors that of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who faced challenges after suffering a similar injury at a comparable age. While critics note that Lillard may not regain his previous superstar status, advances in medical technology could offer him a better chance at recovery.
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NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Lillard has returned to shooting in Portland and had an impressive session where he couldn’t miss from beyond the arc. “Damian Lillard got out on the floor in Portland, too, and was just blistering from deep in a shooting drill,” Fischer stated. “These guys are all just able to come back from this stuff; it’s a much simpler process than it used to be.”
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In a surprising offseason move, Lillard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, reportedly to make space for Myles Turner. This decision allowed him to rejoin the Blazers, where he has spent most of his career and built his Hall of Fame legacy. Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million deal with a rare no-trade clause, ensuring he can rehab in Portland close to family.
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The Blazers are expected to benefit significantly from his eventual return. Should Lillard regain 90-100% of his former abilities, Portland would have acquired a valuable asset at a time when the team is ready to compete for a playoff spot.
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This season, head coach Chauncey Billups will also be navigating lineup changes as the team prepares for its upcoming preseason games. Lillard’s absence places even more importance on the performance of younger players like Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara, both poised for breakout seasons after impressive showings in the first game against the Golden State Warriors.
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Amidst the team’s transitions and starting unit experiments, the consensus remains: if Lillard can fully recover, the Blazers could surprise many with their competitiveness in the league.