The Portland Trail Blazers have welcomed back Damian Lillard this summer, signing him to a three-year, $42 million contract after two seasons away with Milwaukee. Although Lillard is not expected to play during the upcoming season as he recovers from a torn Achilles, his return is anticipated for the 2026-27 season, marking a significant moment for the franchise’s future.
Deni Avdija Shares Excitement About Lillard’s Comeback
Forward Deni Avdija, who joined the Blazers last year after a trade from Washington, expressed his enthusiasm about Lillard’s comeback. Avdija highlighted Lillard’s deep connection to the city and the team, hoping for a swift recovery. Although Avdija does not know Lillard personally, he described him as a great teammate and looked forward to achieving success together once Lillard is back on the court.
“Excited for him because I know how important the club is to him and how much he loves the city and its fans. Hope he recovers as quickly as possible,”
—Deni Avdija
“I don’t know him personally, but he seems like a great guy who’s fun to play with – hope we do great things together.”
—Deni Avdija
Lillard’s Leadership and Its Influence on Avdija and the Team
Avdija acknowledged Lillard’s leadership role over the years, navigating the pressures of leading the Trail Blazers through difficult periods. He expressed his hope that Lillard’s experience would provide him with valuable guidance and tools to improve his own game. Lillard’s scoring ability is seen as a key element for the team’s offensive strength once he is fully healthy.
“He had a lot of responsibility, he led the team for years, endured difficult times with the club,”
—Deni Avdija
“He dealt with all the pressure, so I hope he will give me the tools.”
—Deni Avdija
Lillard’s Return and Its Potential Impact on Portland’s Young Core
As one of the few veterans on a predominantly young roster, Lillard is expected to play a crucial role alongside other experienced players like Jrue Holiday, who recently won a championship in 2024. Lillard’s presence is likely to create more scoring opportunities for teammates like Avdija by drawing defensive attention, which in turn will help elevate the performance of the Blazers’ emerging core.
During last season, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, while Avdija contributed 16.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, reflecting his growing role within the team.
Outlook for the Trail Blazers Moving Forward
With Damian Lillard’s return expected to bolster the team’s offense and leadership, the Blazers are hopeful for a resurgence in competitiveness. Avdija’s excitement about learning from a veteran leader indicates a positive environment for player development. As Lillard recovers and eventually returns to action, the Trail Blazers will likely see new opportunities to advance in the playoffs and strengthen their core for the future.