Damian Lillard‘s career trajectory has seen a massive shift since getting injured in the first round of the playoffs. After tearing his Achilles, Lillard was bought out by the Bucks, an event that paved the way for his return to the Portland Trail Blazers.
While being reintroduced as a member of Portland‘s team at a recent press conference, Lillard reflected on his recovery process as well:
“When I tore my Achilles, I felt. I was sitting on the floor, and I grabbed it. I rolled over and I sat up, and the first thought I had was how I’m about to come back from an Achilles. That was literally my first thought.”
“When the doctor said, ‘You tore your Achilles,’ I think everybody else had more pity for me than I did. I had PTs about to cry, all that stuff. I didn’t cry. Even when I got by myself, I didn’t cry. And it wasn’t like a prideful thing. My mind just automatically went to, ‘I got to fight for something.’ I know it’s going to be a long journey, and it’s a challenge mentally. I kind of shifted right there.”
Lillard continued by saying the experience involved learning more about the injury and how to optimize his recovery. He said, “It was just learning more about it, talking to Aaron Rodgers, KD, and Rudy Gay, all these guys that experienced it and handled it differently.”
“But this one I know is like, probably the biggest one in my career,” he continued. “It’s a mental battle. I don’t lose those. If it’s physical, it’s possible. But a mental battle, I’m just not going to lose.”
Lillard’s return to Portland will be marked by a year-long absence, as he continues with the process of recovery. Regardless, the reunion brings sentimental value, along with significant upside for the Blazers’ future.
After being bought out by the Bucks, several questioned the value the 9x All-Star could bring to the table. While many overlooked him, the guard showed immense faith in himself, going so far as to call himself the “jackpot” to prove doubters wrong.
Doubting Lillard’s ability to contribute after the season he had is surprising. Although his absence was a deterrent in drawing interest in free agency, Lillard was phenomenal when he was on the court.
In 58 games for the Bucks, the 35-year-old averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc.
Although the Blazers will be shorthanded in the immediate context, having a player like Lillard will be huge for their morale, while also presenting a positive outlook for their future.
Given the quality of young talent on this team, blended with the recent influx of veteran leadership, Portland could be formidable once the 9x All-Star returns to the floor.
Currently, however, the Blazers are likely to see Lillard take on a mentoring role with the team. With the task of guiding and nurturing the talented young prospects on this team, Lillard is effectively investing time in cultivating his future squad’s strength.
