The story of Damian Lillard’s return to the Portland Trail Blazers lineup will intensify over the next 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 the clear a rebuild was the only way forward.
Two years later, the beloved point guard rejoined the Blazers on a mid-level deal after suffering a left Achilles tear with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks subsequently stretched and waived the remainder of Lillard’s
contract in order to sign former Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner.
Whether that was the right move for the franchise remains to be seen, but it has allowed the Blazers to reunite with a favorite son while owning the Bucks’ first round draft assets between 2028 and 2030.
During his last season playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lillard averaged 24.9 points on 37.6 percent from three, 44.8 percent from the field, 4.7 boards, 7.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.8 turnovers in 36.1 minutes. Not his best season, but not far away.
With the Achilles tear depriving him of a whole season, the chances of Lillard being the same All-Star-level talent aren’t great. But there are degrees we should keep an eye out for when Lillard takes the court in October.
Wilkins, Durant … Tatum
Before we go any further, I just want to point out three players who appear to have put the injury behind them.
Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins tore his Achilles in January 1992, in a period when the injury often proved career-ending. By his return at the beginning of the 1992–93 season, the athletic wing didn’t miss a step, averaging almost 30 points that season.
Current Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant suffered an Achilles rupture during Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals as a member of Golden State Warriors. He played his next game for the Brooklyn Nets in December 2020. Since his return, he’s achieved four All-Star appearances and three All-NBA Second Team nods. He’s yet to fall below 26 points a season and is an extremely adept offensive player, despite inching closer to his 38th birthday.
Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles rupture during the 2025 playoffs. He returned to play towards the end of the 2025-26 season, contributing in the Boston Celtics’ one and only playoffs series. In six games, Tatum averaged 23.3 points on 36.5 percent from three, 47.5 percent from the field, 10.7 boards, 6.8 assists and 1.2 steals.
Some were never really the same after an Achilles, including the late Kobe Bryant in 2012-13, Demarcus Cousins in 2017-18, Wesley Matthews in 2014-15 and Klay Thompson in 2020-21.
Degrees of Dame
When we talk about prime Lillard, there are a number of campaigns we can choose from. For the purposes of this piece, 2022-23 was his most productive, earning All-Star and All-NBA Third Team honors. He actually made First team in 2017-18, averaging 26.9 points on a better team.
But individually, 2022-23 is probably more impressive statistically. Through 58 games, Lillard averaged 32.2 points on 37.1 percent from three, 43.9 percent from the field, 4.8 boards, 7.3 assists and 0.9 steals and 2.8. While the Blazers weren’t winning many games, Lillard bent opposing defenses to his will.
In Lillard’s return to the Blazers, we need to consider the fact that he will probably be playing with a more diverse group. He will not be relied about to be the sole source of offensive creation with Deni Avdija and Jrue Holiday equipped to shoulder the load. This hopefully leads to a little more efficiency with opposing defenders now having to think about other Blazers.
In my mind, there are three possible levels of contribution.
Same old Dame
Stats: 27 points, 38% 3pt, 4 boards, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers
Anything above 90 percent of prime Lillard is a steal for the $13.4 million he’ll be earning this year. This is Lillard proving all doubters wrong and returning to the All Star game, serving as co-offensive lead with Deni Avdija.
The man who hasn’t missed a step, launching flame throwers from the logo and charging at the rim with elite accuracy and fervour. He’s the player the Bucks had hoped to continue meshing with Antetokounmpo on the way to another title in Milwaukee.
Weekly dose of Dame Time
Stats: 21 points, 36% 3pt, 3 boards, 7 assists, 2 turnovers
At 75 percent of his prime, Lillard still has those big nights but it’s not every night. On the night’s he’s not on, he’s deferring to teammates, hitting open shots and helping the team but not taking over games. These are the nights his focus is on being a playmaker while ensuring he’s not a complete liability on the defensive end.
Dame’s out there in some version
Stats: 15 points, 33% 3pt, 2 boards, 4 assists, 3 turnovers
Lillard is 50 percent or below of his prime self. He might show up for a 30-plus night once a month but the off nights discussed above are the norm. Bad nights where he fails to hit shots and turns over the ball may occur. He’s the team’s third best player but still generating enough gravity to draw defenders.
Conclusion
It will be interesting to see how Lillard, Tatum and the Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Halliburton return from their respective Achilles injuries this season. Lillard gave us a glimpse of the competitor he is by winning the three point competition at this year’s All Star weekend.
But playing games of NBA basketball is a different proposition. My hope is that we get close to Same old Dame but the reality probably sits closer to Weekly does of Dame Time. If the veteran point guard can play 65-70 games at that level this season, the franchise should be supremely happy with the player they get.
I doubt Dame flails in the bottom category but we can’t rule it out if his recovery stalls or is unable to return to the full pace of the league at the age of 36. Whatever happens it’ll be special seeing Lillard back in Blazers colors. Let’s hope it’ll end up being to the benefit on the playing group.
What’s your prediction for Lillard’s production when he returns? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
