Damian Lillard returns to the Portland Trail Blazers after a 16-month rehab following an Achilles tear.
When Damian Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon during a playoff series with the Milwaukee Bucks two seasons ago, television pundits declared his career effectively finished. Lillard returns this season for the Portland Trail Blazers after spending roughly 16 months recovering from that injury.
The veteran guard recalled watching playoff highlights at home following the injury and hearing a broadcast claim that his playing days were over. That broadcast served as immediate motivation.
“Right then that just kind of turned me up, you know. Not because I feel like I need to prove something, but like I’m somebody that gets up and I’m gonna fight the fight every time.”
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers guard
Lillard rejoined the Portland Trail Blazers in July 2025 by signing a three-year, $42 million deal after spending two seasons with the Bucks. Before his stint in Milwaukee, the nine-time All-Star spent his first 11 professional seasons in Portland after the franchise selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft.
Preseason Debut and the New Backcourt Pairing With Ja Morant
The new era in Portland took its first on-court steps during an exhibition matchup against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center. Lillard logged 19 minutes in the contest, scoring 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting—including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc—alongside two steals as the Trail Blazers secured a 123-118 victory.
Morant contributed eight points, five assists, and two steals in 19 minutes during his team debut, though he committed four turnovers. Morant has career averages of 22.4 points, though he played only 79 games over the prior three seasons due to injuries and a 25-game suspension for flashing a gun on a livestream.
It’s tough because I feel like I’m a natural point guard.
Ja Morant, Portland Trail Blazers guard
Despite the initial turnover adjustments, Morant expressed optimism about how the partnership can develop with more repetitions on the floor. Lillard echoed that sentiment, noting that sharing the ball with dynamic playmakers creates natural spacing and offensive rhythm.
“If I get the ball and I’m advancing the ball ahead to Ja Morant, I feel pretty good about it. And if I’m advancing the ball to Deni Avdija, I feel good about it. And for both of those guys, if they are attacking the rim, attacking the paint, and they’re kicking the ball out to me for the 3-pointer, I think they should feel great about that,” Lillard said.
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers guard
Roster Depth and Leadership Transitions in Portland
The backcourt features substantial depth, giving Portland a total of four point guards including Lillard, Morant, Scoot Henderson, and Jrue Holiday. Lillard, who carries career averages of 25.1 points and 6.7 assists, noted that the extensive talent pool means he will not need to carry an excessive workload.
Portland enters the year following significant organizational adjustments. Splitter had assumed coaching duties last season following the arrest of Chauncey Billups in a federal gambling probe, guiding the squad to a playoff appearance. The franchise also adjusted to the ownership style of Tom Dundon, who arrived before the conclusion of last season, alongside a summer restructuring that involved laying off more than 70 staff members.
Managing minutes for veteran players will be a priority for the coaching staff as the regular season approaches. Lillard stated that logging excessive minutes during the 82-game schedule is unnecessary given the team’s depth.
“I’m capable of doing whatever I need to do. But at this stage, I don’t think I need to kill myself in the regular season, trying to play 37, 36, 35 minutes if it’s unnecessary,” Lillard stated.
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers guard
Elevated Expectations and Early Rotation Tests for the Trail Blazers
Head coach Micah Nori has set an ambitious bar for the roster, targeting a top-four seed in a competitive Western Conference. Early analyses suggest that Lillard’s perimeter shooting could provide the offensive boost the team requires to elevate its standings from their previous 42-40 campaign.
On the opposing side, the Warriors played without several established starters, including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, and Yaxel Lendeborg, handing extended minutes to their bench and G League prospects from Santa Cruz. Miles Kelly led Golden State with 24 points and six three-pointers, while Dalen Terry added 23 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and four steals in 43 minutes. Charles Bassey also contributed 13 points and six rebounds for Golden State. Despite a late tie after three quarters at 86-86, Portland utilized its size advantage to finish with a 50-40 rebounding edge and outscore the visitors 54-36 in the paint, securing the five-point preseason victory.