Damian Lillard recently posted a video indicating his progress on the long road to recovery. After the Milwaukee Bucks’ postseason aspirations died at the hands of Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, Bucks fans pondered whether their season would have gone differently had a healthy Lillard been on the court.
Not only was Lillard dealing with deep vein thrombosis on his right calf, but the Bucks star likely rushed his recovery process to return against the Pacers and ended up tearing his Achilles tendon. Lillard underwent surgery almost immediately, yet questions remain about when the 34-year-old might be 100% healthy.
Damian Lillard Can Finally Walk on a Rehabilitative Treadmill
All eyes turn to social media whenever any athlete is recovering from a major injury. Lillard obliged fans by posting an Instagram video showing him walking on a rehabilitative treadmill, albeit at a moderate pace and with a great deal of support.
It was a good sign for his recovery efforts. The fact that the Bucks’ organization shared the video only fueled speculation that Lillard is “making strides.” While no timeline for his return has been given, there is a chance he may not miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
Is that wishful thinking? Maybe. Either way, Lillard is progressing positively.
Dame making strides. 🙌
(via damianlillard/IG) pic.twitter.com/iyLyPO2Epg
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) June 1, 2025
Fans who watched the video were divided. Some instantly credited Lillard with already reaching this stage of recovery after injury and surgery. Others trolled him, claiming that his walking speed and issues are a grave matter of concern.
According to various medical reports, a torn Achilles tendon requires six months to a year of recovery and rehabilitation. That indicates that Lillard will not be available at the start of next season, with Sports Illustrated questioning whether he would even see the court at all during the 2025-26 campaign.
Following Lillard’s injury in Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Pacers, head coach Doc Rivers expressed optimism.
“He said two things, which I love,” Rivers said of Lillard, via The Associated Press. “The first one, he just said, ‘I can’t believe I’m here.’ Then the second one is, ‘I’m not going out this way.’ I can guarantee you he won’t, and that’s what I meant about his resolve.”
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In any case, the Bucks’ organization now has a serious decision to make this offseason. Milwaukee will inevitably have to choose between relying on Lillard to make a complete recovery or finding a way to trade him.
The other moving part is the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation after it was reported that the two-time NBA MVP was open to exploring trade options. It’s getting complicated in Milwaukee, with Bucks fans left wondering what’s next.
