Damian Lillard says recovery from Achilles tear ‘going great,’ excited to return to Portland next season

Damian Lillard is out this season, recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.

Don’t forget about him. The seven-time All-NBA guard is working hard on his recovery and is mentoring a young Portland Trail Blazers team that is showing promise. Lillard recently joined Allie Clifton for an episode of the Road Trippin’ Show and had this to say about his rehabilitation so far (Hat tip to Real GM).

Announcement

“He’s doing great. I think it’s one of those injuries where you have to take your time, you know, it takes what it takes. The first couple of weeks or maybe two or three months are a little frustrating because you’re so limited. But with patience, giving yourself grace and doing the things necessary to keep progressing, you get to a point where you start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Lillard chose to take a year off and not push to return this season at age 35. He said he’s happy with that decision, the growth he’s seen from the Trail Blazers and where that could lead next season.

“I feel great, even better now than when I made that decision. To move forward and see that everything is coming back…

“Now that I’ve gotten to that point, I feel better about the decision to give myself as much time as possible. Also, looking at our team and the kind of growth we’ve had, I know that if I’m able to do that and be correct, we’ll have a great chance next season.”

Announcement

Deni Avdija played like an All-Star in Portland this season, it will be interesting to see what the Trail Blazers might look like next season with him, Lillard, Shaedon Sharpe, Donovan Clingan, Scoot Henderson (who has yet to play this season due to injury), and perhaps Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant (although trade talks on these two will heat up next summer). Portland is starting to build something and Lillard wants to be a part of it.