A source close to the Portland Trail Blazers has shared concerns about the potential long-term impact of Damian Lillard’s Achilles tendon injury. The nine-time All-Star point guard, who suffered a severe tear, may face significant challenges returning to his previous All-Star level when he eventually comes back, expected no earlier than the 2026-27 NBA season.
Uncertain Outlook for Lillard’s Post-Injury Performance
Sean Highkin, a reporter for The Rose Garden Report, highlighted that Lillard, currently 35 years old and standing 6-foot-2, may never fully recover his former elite playing ability due to the injury’s severity combined with his age and physical profile. Lillard’s absence on the court is projected to extend over the next two seasons, delaying any potential comeback until the 2026-27 campaign.
Highkin observed,
“As great of a story as it would be if Lillard came back from the Achilles injury as something close to what he was before it, I don’t see how you look at the track record and come to any conclusion other than the one you did,”
emphasizing the difficulty of returning to peak form after such an injury.
Even before his Achilles injury, Lillard struggled to match the dominance he once displayed with Portland during his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks from 2023 to 2025. Despite playing alongside the star power of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lillard’s offensive production was limited, and his defense was frequently exposed.
Historical Challenges in Returning from Achilles Tears
The history of NBA players recovering from Achilles injuries paints a daunting picture for Lillard’s prospects. Highkin points out that Lillard is the same age Kobe Bryant was when Bryant tore his Achilles in 2013—a significant factor because Bryant was never able to reclaim his previous standing after the injury.
Highkin explained the differences between their situations:
“One is obviously that medical science and recovery methods have advanced in the last 12 years, and the other is that Bryant tried to come back in eight months while Lillard will likely go 18 months between the injury and the next time he plays in a game.”
While advances in treatment offer some hope, the cautionary examples remain. Most players have not returned to All-Star form after Achilles tears. Kevin Durant is a rare exception, who managed to reassert himself as an All-NBA talent after returning from his injury at a much younger age than Lillard.
Highkin added,
“Still, there are far more examples of players that come back from a torn Achilles and aren’t the same than there are players who are. Kevin Durant is an outlier in that regard, and he suffered his injury when he was five years younger than Lillard is now,”
going on to name other great talents who saw declines post-injury, including John Wall, Klay Thompson, and DeMarcus Cousins.
He also referenced younger current stars Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, who recently suffered Achilles tears during the playoffs, noting their youth compared to Lillard’s age:
“Even looking at the other two superstars who will likely miss the entire upcoming season with Achilles injuries, Jayson Tatum is 27 and Tyrese Haliburton is 25. That’s a long way off from Lillard’s age.”
Hope and Realism in Lillard’s Recovery Journey
Despite these sobering facts, optimism remains that Lillard will put forth a strong effort in rehab. Highkin credits Lillard’s dedication and competitive mindset but tempers expectations about his return’s immediate impact on the Trail Blazers’ competitiveness.
Highkin stated,
“That’s not to say Lillard couldn’t come back strong. He clearly believes he will, and anyone who knows anything about him knows he’s going to attack his rehab as hard as anybody ever has,”
before cautioning,
“I’m not going to be the one to completely write it off. But I also don’t think it’s wise on the part of fans or people in the organization to view his return to the court in a year as a sure thing that’s going to be the missing piece for this team contending. There’s just too much that’s unknown.”
This perspective reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding significant Achilles injuries at later stages of players’ careers, especially in the high-intensity environment of the NBA.
Continued Interest in Portland Trail Blazers Developments
The Trail Blazers are navigating a challenging period as they await Lillard’s potential comeback, alongside roster changes and off-season moves. Fans and observers are closely watching how the team adapts to these setbacks and what strategies they implement to remain competitive in the Western Conference going forward.
With Damian Lillard’s Achilles injury recovery a focal point of NBA discussions, the coming months will be critical in assessing not only his personal future as an elite player but also the broader implications for Portland’s ambitions and roster construction.