For the first time, Lillard opened up about his ongoing recovery from Achilles injury.
Damian Lillard remains in good spirits as his healing process continues within the Portland Trail Blazers.
Speaking to Allie Clifton on NBA on Prime, the star guard opened up about his current Achilles rehabilitation and recovery.
"It’s going well," he said. "I think it’s one of those injuries where you just have to take your time. The first few weeks to a couple of months can be frustrating because you’re so limited, but with patience, giving yourself grace, and doing what’s necessary to keep progressing, you eventually start to see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Lillard notably suffered from a torn left Achilles tendon in Game 5 of last postseason's Eastern Conference 1st round between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers.
He was subsequently announced unavailable to return to the series, in which he is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season.
Lillard remains compelled to take everything slowly and follow his recovery timeline in order to be ready for next season with the Blazers.
"I feel great about it—actually even better now than when I made the decision," Lillard said about his recovery direction. "I’m getting further along and seeing that everything is coming back. My main concern was how I’d move after this, and now that’s improving. I’m working on unpredictable movements, some contact, picking up the pace, being in the air, landing, and not overthinking it.
"Having given myself the maximum time, I feel good about the decision. Looking at our team’s growth, if I can come back right, we’ll have a great shot next season."
This year has been simply rough for Lillard. Beyond enduring a grinding Achilles injury, he also fought a life-threatening situation from blood clots. And right after the season, the Bucks decided to move on from him.
But Lillard is optimistic about what lies ahead, knowing that he reconnected with the Blazers and is ready to continue helping the franchise build its foundation with several young talents like Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson and Donovan Clingan.
"I’ve learned that when things go sideways, I feel the weight of it, but I always find a way," Lillard said about what he learned in this unfortunate 2025. "Over the past year, I’ve faced a lot—dealing with a blood clot, tearing my Achilles, being waived, being away from my kids and family—but I kept my head down and pushed forward. God has been faithful, and through His grace, we’ve made it here.
"Now, I move forward with my head held high, still in one piece, and I’m really excited about what’s ahead, especially being back home in Portland."
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