Damian Lillard cherishes his Portland homecoming, leveraging his Bucks exit to rehab and reunite with family amid career pause.
Damian Lillard has returned to Portland, the city where he played the first eleven years of his NBA career, to recover from an Achilles injury while spending time with his family. After the Milwaukee Bucks waived Lillard, allowing him to receive $112.6 million over five years through the waive-and-stretch provision, he is using this period to focus on rehabilitation without rushing into joining another team. This unexpected turn, while initially appearing difficult, seems to have become a fortunate opportunity for the sharpshooting guard.
Former Teammate Jabari Walker Moves On with Heartfelt Farewell
As Lillard settles back in Portland, Jabari Walker, his former rookie teammate, is preparing to leave the city and start a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-way contract. Walker expressed deep gratitude on Instagram, writing,
“Thank you for three of the most meaningful years of my life. You all took a chance on a young kid from Inglewood California and gave me an opportunity to live out a dream that I’ve held since I picked up a basketball.”
—Jabari Walker, Forward
In response, Lillard showed his support by sharing Walker’s post and adding a simple yet encouraging message, “Keep goin Bari,” accompanied by a photo of himself guiding the young forward during his rookieseason. Walker’s time in Portland showed promise, averaging 6.2 points and nearly five rebounds over three years, although injuries hampered his last season, limiting him to 60 games with reduced statistics.
Despite these challenges, Walker expressed enthusiasm about joining the Sixers, stating,
Image of: Damian Lillard
“PHILLY, WHAT UP! I’m here, I’m hungry, and I’m ready to get to work. Let’s get it @sixers.”
—Jabari Walker, Forward
Insider Suggests Lillard’s Wish to Rehab in Portland Influenced Bucks’ Decision
According to respected insider Chris Haynes, Damian Lillard’s preference to conduct his rehab in Portland may have contributed to the Bucks deciding to waive him. Haynes shared a report detailing communication between Lillard’s agent and the Bucks:
“Aaron Goodwin, Damian Lillard’s agent about a month ago reached out to the Bucks and informed them that Dame would like to rehab back home in Portland and stay with his kids… and I was told that some people within the Bucks did not approve of that.”
—Chris Haynes, NBA Insider
Haynes continued,
“I think that might have gotten the ball rolling or at least put some ideas in the heads of the Milwaukee Bucks that kind of led to this decision.”
—Chris Haynes, NBA Insider
This report indicates tension within the Bucks organization regarding Lillard’s desire to spend his recovery time away from the team‘s facilities, which may have hastened their move to waive him despite his value to the club.
Future Possibilities for Damian Lillard After Rehab in Portland
While Lillard continues his rehabilitation in Portland, multiple teams have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the star guard this offseason. Prior to his injury, Lillard demonstrated strong performance, averaging 24.9 points and over seven assists per game. Now, with the waive-and-stretch financial arrangement, interested teams could pursue him without heavy salary cap consequences. This situation opens the door for Lillard to potentially join a championship-contending team aligned with his ambitions and family needs.
The interest around the league shows that despite his injury and unique contract status, Lillard remains highly valued as a Top 75 NBA player and a proven leader. His decision to rehab in Portland, close to his loved ones, might provide the stability necessary for a successful comeback and next phase of his career.
Significance of Lillard’s Return to Portland Amid Changing NBA Landscape
Damian Lillard’s unexpected return to Portland underscores the complex interplay between player health, personal priorities, and organizational decisions. His situation reveals how injury management can impact both team strategy and player careers, especially for elite athletes balancing family life and professional pressures. Lillard’s rehab period has already affected key team dynamics, including the departure of promising rookie Jabari Walker.
As Lillard recovers with the support of Portland’s community, the NBA waits to see where he might land next. His professional future remains uncertain but filled with potential, as franchises eye his proven abilities coupled with the chance to negotiate favorable contracts. This story illustrates how resilience and adaptability are essential as players navigate unforeseen challenges in their careers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who has a crush on Damian Lillard?
A. During the spring, something appeared to be developing between Damian Lillard and Glorilla. As the NBA season was wrapping up, the rapper expressed her attraction to Lillard. She revealed her crush on the Bucks player and wore a customized GloLillard jersey to demonstrate her admiration.
Q. Is Damian Lillard loyal?
A. Lillard is a unique basketball player who values staying true to his city and team. He doesn’t mind waiting for his team to become champions.
Q. Why did Damian Lillard choose 0?
A. When basketball player Damian Lillard chose the number 0 for his jersey, he meant it to symbolize the letter “O.” This was to honor three significant places in his life: Oakland, where he grew up; Ogden, where he went to college; and Oregon, where he currently plays basketball.
Q. How many 70 point games does Damian Lillard have?
A. Damian Lillard scored over 70 points in one game.
