Lillard Says 2025-26 Comeback Unlikely; Portland Details Injuries, Roles at Media Day
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Speaking on the Trail Blazers’ media day Monday, Damian Lillard acknowledged he almost certainly will not play during the 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn Achilles.
“I don’t plan on it,” the veteran guard said when asked about a possible return this year. Lillard explained that medical staff and other athletes who have overcome similar injuries urged him to be patient, and he intends to focus on a full recovery that could extend into 2026-27.
Mentor Role Without a Uniform
Although sidelined, Lillard will remain on Portland’s 15-man standard roster. Head coach Chauncey Billups said that status allows the seven-time All-Star to guide the club’s younger core—specifically Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija and Scoot Henderson—from a player’s perspective rather than a coach’s.
Henderson Hamstring Setback
Sophomore guard Scoot Henderson will also miss the start of the season after a hamstring injury he called a “freak accident” and a “minor setback.” Billups described the development as disappointing after what he termed an “incredible” offseason for last year’s No. 3 overall pick.
Starting Jobs Up for Grabs
Billups told reporters multiple lineup combinations are possible and that every starter spot must be earned in camp. Forward Jerami Grant, asked whether he might come off the bench amid speculation about emerging wings Avdija and Toumani Camara, replied, “I don’t really expect that.”
Camara on Extension Talks
Camara, eligible for a rookie-scale extension, said negotiations are in his agent’s hands. “I’m just focused on basketball,” the second-year forward noted.
Clingan Targets Heavy Minutes
With Deandre Ayton no longer on the roster, second-year center Donovan Clingan said improved conditioning has him aiming for more than 30 minutes a night. Billups added that first-round pick Yang Hansen (No. 16 overall) is “right there in the mix” for front-court minutes.
Williams Still Waiting on Clearance
Big man Robert Williams, limited to 26 appearances over two seasons and coming off a March knee procedure, said he does not yet have an exact return date, though he and the medical staff have set an internal target.
Defense Sparks Optimism
Veteran guard Jrue Holiday and wing Matisse Thybulle both praised the roster’s defensive ceiling. Thybulle said imagining potential groupings featuring multiple All-Defense-caliber players was “pretty fun” and could lead to “ridiculous” defensive units.
Source: Hoops Rumors
