Damian Lillard is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season while recovering from a torn left Achilles, and league insiders are already debating what his on-court responsibilities might look like once he returns to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2026-27.
Lillard will be 36 when he is projected to suit up again. One Eastern Conference executive told ESPN the veteran may need to adopt a role similar to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley, acting as a secondary playmaker while another ball handler initiates the offense. “It’s a tough thing to get over mentally,” the executive said.
The six-time All-Star suffered the injury on April 27 during the playoffs. Afterward, the Milwaukee Bucks waived and stretched his contract on July 6, spreading the remaining $113 million due over five seasons. Less than two weeks later, the guard returned to Portland on a three-year, $42 million deal that allows him to rehab closer to his children and the franchise where his career began.
Selected No. 6 overall by the Blazers in 2012, Lillard owns 17 franchise records and remains one of the organization’s most decorated players. During his lone season in Milwaukee, he started 58 games and averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists while shooting 44.8 percent from the field, 37.9 percent from three and 92.2 percent at the free-throw line.
A member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Lillard has accumulated nine All-Star selections, seven All-NBA nods and a Rookie of the Year award. He ranks fourth all-time in made three-pointers and carries career averages of 25.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists between Portland and Milwaukee.
Imagem: Sam Amico via hoopswire.com
Agent Aaron Goodwin expressed confidence that the Achilles setback will not derail his client’s career. “It’s Dame. I know the desire. I know the fight,” Goodwin said, adding that the forced break could ultimately extend Lillard’s time in the league.
Source: Hoops Wire
