After being waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard chose to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sparking excitement within the team, especially from rookie Yang Hansen. The Blazers’ young center, acquired as the 16th pick in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, has impressed fans and analysts alike with his play during the Summer League, with many drawing comparisons between him and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Following Portland’s victory over the Houston Rockets, Hansen demonstrated his enthusiasm for Lillard’s return by recreating the star guard’s famous “Dame Time” celebration during a media session. Despite his excitement, Hansen will likely wait before sharing the court with Lillard, who is expected to miss a large portion of the 2025-26 season recovering from an Achilles injury sustained during the postseason. Lillard plans to conduct his rehab in Portland, staying close to the team as he recovers.
Building a Balanced Roster with Veterans and Young Talent
Portland’s recent signings of Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday have shifted the team’s trajectory away from a full rebuild, creating a roster mix of promising young players and seasoned veterans. This blend brings mentorship opportunities for the younger players, a key factor in successful team development. Former <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA player Steve Smith expressed optimism about the Blazers’ future, praising the veteran leadership present in the locker room.
“You talk about grown men who understand how to play the game the right way, live the right way in the community, do the right things,” Smith said. “That’s Chauncey Billups, Jrue Holiday, and also Damian Lillard.”
“In the next two years, I think the Portland Trail Blazers will be a team we start to talk about.”
This veteran presence, coupled with the development of young talents like Hansen, positions Portland to become a competitive force in the Western Conference if Lillard can return to form following his injury.
Lillard’s Return: A Personal and Professional Homecoming
Beyond basketball, Damian Lillard’s decision to return to Portland holds personal significance. It allows him to be closer to his family while potentially concluding his NBA career in the city where he rose to stardom. Although his immediate playing time is limited due to injury, his ongoing presence with the team could provide valuable leadership and inspiration for the Trail Blazers’ young core.
With the combination of experienced veterans and emerging players, the Portland Trail Blazers aim to rekindle their competitive spirit in the seasons ahead, making them a compelling team to follow in the NBA landscape.