Damian Lillard has had a tough couple of seasons.
After being drafted sixth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers, Lillard spent his first 11 years in Portland and became one of, if not the, most popular players in team history. Lillard was just the fourth player to be unanimously named ‘Rookie of the Year’ and brought the Blazers to heights they hadn’t reached in years, leading them to the Western Conference Finals in 2019.
Lillard’s Blazers career was filled with excitement, including some of the most incredible playoff performances we’ve ever seen, specifically in the form of game-winning shots.
Damian Lillard’s Time in Milwaukee Did Not Work Out
Despite that run in 2019, the Blazers never felt like a true championship contender. In 2023, they decided to start over, trading Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks to pair him with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Things did not work out, however. The Bucks suffered first-round playoff losses at the hands of the Indiana Pacers in each of Lillard’s two seasons with the club, culminating in Lillard suffering a torn Achilles that may cost him the 2025-2026 season.
Following the season, Lillard was bought out by the Bucks using the stretch provision and became a free agent for the Bucks to make room to sign center Myles Turner away from the Pacers.
Lillard, who clearly loved his time in Portland, had several suitors, but ultimately decided to return to Portland on a three-year, $42 million deal. His return to Portland has been questioned by some but lauded by many, and at least one current Blazer recruited Lillard to join him.
Portland Trail Blazers Guard Damian Lillard Shares Recovery Update Via Social Media
“It never felt right not being home,” Lillard admitted. “Through it all, I found my way back,” said Lillard. “It all just feels right.”
Now that Lillard is back in Portland for the foreseeable future (and possibly the remainder of the 35-year-old’s career), he is focused on one thing: Getting back on the court.
Lillard has been rehabbing his torn Achilles and took to Instagram (@DamianLillard) to show his progress. You can find a shot of Lillard’s workout below.
Lillard also posted a video of one of his songs, Da One, featuring Lil Wayne, and showed a little more of his rehab as well.
View this post on Instagram
Obviously, Lillard’s hard work may still not get him back on the court next season, but seeing him pull out all of the stops in an attempt to suit back up for the Blazers is highly encouraging.
Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games for the Bucks in the 2024-2025 season.
