After missing the entire 2025-26 season rehabilitating a torn Achilles, Damian Lillard returned to Portland’s media day and described feeling physically and mentally renewed, with plans to manage minutes and prioritize team success alongside new backcourt additions.
He expects to play with more enjoyment and a team-first approach, accepting that some nights may belong to others.
Lillard is not under restrictions, feels he can change direction and stop-start again, and is open to a managed regular-season workload.
What Lillard said about his recovery
Lillard called the process difficult and at times discouraging, but said he "chose to fight the fight" repeatedly. He noticed a clear improvement around August, when he regained the ability to change direction, stop and start, and create separation — actions central to his game. He emphasized that he currently has no restrictions and is "able to play free." That renewed feel helps him describe playing like his younger self during pickup and drills.
Lillard said he will play with a lot of joy and intends to prioritize what's best for the team. He acknowledged there will be big moments for him and nights when others will carry the load. He also indicated willingness to manage minutes differently than earlier in his career, noting he doesn't need to routinely chase 35-plus minutes in the regular season if it's unnecessary.
How Lillard sees the new backcourt fitting together
With Ja Morant arriving in Portland and Deni Avdija also on the roster, Lillard said the guards can complement each other by making the correct play rather than worrying about individual roles. He described advancing the ball to Morant or Avdija as comfortable and said their ability to attack the paint and kick out should create three-point chances for him. He reiterated he will still be "Dame Lillard" while adjusting to the team dynamic.
Concrete indicators to watch early in the season
Lillard frames his comeback primarily as a personal milestone and says he will enjoy playing while contributing where the team needs him. He reports no medical restrictions, expects some load management in regular-season minutes, and views the new guard group as complementary rather than role-conflicting.
Ipinasilip ng Portland Trail Blazers ang workout video ni Damian Lillard habang naghahanda sa pagbabalik sa 81st NBA 2026-27. The post Damian Lillard binalandrang dehins nagbabago mga pulso first appeared on Tonite - Abante .
Throughout his three NBA seasons, Portland Trail Blazers wing Toumani Camara has emerged as one of the NBA’s better defenders.
The biggest question surrounding the new-look Blazers heading the NBA season is: how are they going fit the surplus of backcourt talent together? The team is completely flushed with guards – having Lillard and Ja Morant as starters and and their backups Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson. Lillard was asked how the team i
Toumani Camara came away highly impressed after getting an opportunity to guard Damian Lillard during offseason workouts at the Portland Trail Blazers legend’s home. Lillard invited Camara to train with him in July, with the sessions taking place on a full basketball court at the 36-year-old guard’s Portland home. Afte
Domantas Sabonis said he is entering the 2026-27 season with a renewed appreciation for basketball after missing most of last season because of a long-term injury. Speaking during Sacramento Kings media day on Monday, September 28, Sabonis reflected on the physical and emotional challenges of his first major injury and
The NBA is finalizing multiple prediction-market partnerships ahead of the 2026-27 regular season, with active deal terms already under discussion. League officials have been exploring entry into the space since before last season. Kalshi and Polymarket have emerged as the most advanced discussions since talks accelera
Loading more related stories...
Open the app view to save this story, compare related coverage, and continue from the same source.