Over two months after finalizing his reunion with the Portland Trail Blazers, star point guard Damian Lillard shed light on his Achilles recovery timeline.
Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers on April 27. The devastating setback cut his second postseason run with the aspiring Eastern Conference contender short after just three appearances, and he later underwent reconstructive surgery on May 2.
When Is Damian Lillard Expected To Return From His Achilles Tear?
In the fallout from the injury, Milwaukee used the stretch-and-waive provision to part ways with Lillard this offseason despite still owing him $112.6 million. That set the stage for the nine-time All-Star to return to Portland, where he spent his first 11 seasons, on a three-year, $42 million contract in mid-July.
However, it appears Trail Blazers fans will have to wait a while before seeing the beloved franchise icon back in action. Speaking with IShowSpeed on Thursday during the streamer’s Portland stop, Lillard candidly addressed his Achilles rehabilitation and offered a sobering update on his expected return date.
“Sh*t, probably start of next season,” Lillard said. “Like, that Achilles, you can’t f*ck around with that. I just gotta get all the way right.”
A comeback during the 2026-27 campaign would mark Lillard’s age-36, giving him an uphill battle to reclaim his status as an elite offensive guard. Even so, the 13-year veteran, who is taking a patient approach to his rehab, doesn’t plan on settling for being a compromised version of himself.
“I’m going to take my time to get all the way back, get it fully healed, get it strong, and feel confident on it,” Lillard told reporter Andy Katz on Sept. 14. “I want to get my body all the way back in shape, so that when I return to the floor, I’m not coming back as a shell of myself. I plan to return and be myself.”
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Over 58 appearances in a secondary role with the Bucks last season, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 3.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 44.8% overall and 37.6% from deep. If he can deliver similar production for Portland upon his return, his relatively cheap signing would mark a steal for the organization.
The Trail Blazers’ young squad, spearheaded by forward Deni Avdija, is looking to build on its 23-18 run to close the 2024-25 campaign, during which it thrived defensively. Lillard’s mentorship is expected to pay dividends in the development of the team’s prospects, particularly guards Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, amid his long road to recovery.
