Damian Lillard’s surprising return to the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason has stirred fresh debates about his place among the franchise’s all-time greats. After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks due to a torn Achilles injury that sidelined him at the start of the 2025 playoffs, Lillard signed a modest three-year, $42 million deal to rejoin the team he long called home. This move has reignited discussions focused on Lillard’s status, particularly comparisons to Trail Blazers legend Clyde Drexler.
Appreciation for His Time with the Bucks Despite Challenges
While Lillard’s tenure in Milwaukee was brief and met with mixed results, he has expressed gratitude for the experience. Reflecting on his decision to leave Portland for a chance to win in Milwaukee, Lillard has stated that he harbors no regrets about the move. His focus has since turned back to Portland, where fans eagerly anticipate his return to the court and leadership role for the Trail Blazers.
Knicks Stars Discuss Lillard’s Impact and Legacy
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart of the New York Knicks recently spoke about Lillard’s homecoming during an interview on their Roommates Show podcast, sharing their perspectives on his influence within the franchise. Hart suggested a deep respect for Lillard’s contributions, remarking,
“Dame should have a practice facility named after him or something,”
to which Brunson replied with playful skepticism,
“Of all things, a practice facility?”
Hart countered with an elevated tribute,
“He got to get something, bro. He’s gonna get his jersey retired. He should get a statue.”
Brunson Raises the Controversial Question: Is Lillard Better Than Drexler?
The discussion quickly shifted to one that basketball fans in Portland and beyond eagerly debate: whether Lillard is a superior player to Clyde Drexler, the ten-time <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA All-Star who led the Blazers from 1983 to 1995. Brunson candidly shared his view, highlighting the complex nature of the comparison:
“I think as a basketball player, he’s better than Clyde Drexler. But Clyde has a championship,”
Recognizing Drexler’s championship came with the Houston Rockets rather than Portland, Brunson later emphasized his belief in Lillard’s superiority as a player amidst the evolving nature of the NBA.
“I think Dame is a better basketball player just because of the way the game has grown. The game’s just getting better and better. So Dame’s a better basketball player, but Bill Walton won a ring for Portland. That means a lot,”
he added, underlining the nuances involved in measuring greatness beyond individual skill alone.
The Ring Debate and Lillard’s Undeniable Connection to Portland
While the discussion around Lillard’s lack of an NBA championship persists—given how much emphasis ring counts carry in player legacies—it is impossible to discuss the Portland Trail Blazers without acknowledging his immense contributions. Lillard has delivered numerous unforgettable moments, including clutch playoff three-pointers that have become staples in NBA highlight reels.
Sharing his feelings about coming back to Portland, Lillard expressed deep personal satisfaction in reconnecting with his roots, saying,
“Just knowing that I’m going to be back home for all parts of my life, with my kids, playing for the Trail Blazers, driving on the same streets that I’ve driven on pretty much my entire adulthood, my whole family being here, my mom, my brother, my sisters, all my friends around the city of Portland. All of those things count. I wasn’t expecting it to happen so soon,”
Potential Honors for Lillard and What Lies Ahead
The question of whether Lillard deserves a statue—a symbol of ultimate franchise honor—remains subjective and will likely depend on his ability to bring a championship to Portland before retirement. Many believe retiring his jersey and possibly naming a street after him would already signify his importance to the city, paralleling honors given to Drexler. If Lillard leads the Blazers to a title, formal recognition on an even grander scale may follow.
Known for his electrifying style and leadership, Lillard’s much-anticipated return will energize the Trail Blazers and excite NBA fans nationwide. His comeback is expected to bring an emotional boost comparable to Klay Thompson’s return after a long injury layoff. When he steps back onto the court, Portland basketball and the league at large will once again witness the intensity and passion that define ‘Dame Time.’