Damian Lillard has built his career on fearlessness, from pulling up from 35 feet in the playoffs to carrying franchises on his back. But when it comes to his latest challenge, the nine-time All-Star is showing a different kind of courage: patience.
Speaking in a recent livestream appearance, Lillard gave his most direct update yet on his recovery from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered during last season’s playoffs with Milwaukee. His message was blunt and honest:
“Sh*t, probably the start of next season. That Achilles, you can’t f**k around with that. I just got to get all the way right.”
The injury occurred in April during Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round series against Indiana. Lillard collapsed while chasing a rebound, immediately clutching his left leg. The diagnosis, a torn Achilles, ended his postseason and, as it turned out, his tenure in Milwaukee.
In a surprising offseason twist, the Bucks waived Lillard, stretching the remainder of his contract. Weeks later, he signed a three-year, $42 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, the franchise where he spent his first 11 seasons and became the face of Rip City.
Achilles tears are among the most daunting injuries in sports, often requiring 10–12 months of recovery. Lillard, now 35, is determined not to rush the process. At six months post-surgery, he has already resumed controlled workouts, but he’s made it clear that he won’t step back on the court until he feels like himself again.
“I’m not returning as a shell of myself. I plan to return to be myself,” he said earlier this month.
Head coach Chauncey Billups has emphasized that the organization will not pressure him to accelerate his timeline.
“We want Dame back when he’s ready, not a day before,” Billups said. “He’s earned that.”
Lillard’s candid words also highlight a broader issue in today’s NBA: the growing prevalence of Achilles injuries. From Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum, stars have seen their careers interrupted by the same devastating setback. Lillard himself pointed to the speed and physical demands of the modern game as contributing factors.
“The game is getting super fast and you dealing with like extremely high-level athletes,” he explained. “All of those things, plus changing direction and stopping at the level we compete at, it’s hard on your body.”
While fans may not see Lillard on the court this season, his sights are already set on 2026. If his recovery continues on track, he could return at the start of next year’s campaign, a full-circle moment in Portland, where his legend began.
