Damian Lillard Says He’s ‘Walking Comfortable’ Amid Injury Recovery

This has been a dramatic summer so far for Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard. In a bizarre series of developments, the Bucks cut him and then re-signed him back to his original team. This has been overshadowed by the current recovery procedure of a devastating Achilles injury and has stoked scepticism over his preparation and fitness for the new season.

During an recent interview with Duane Rankin, as relayed by NBA Retweet, Damian Lillard went into details of his recovery. “You feel like you ain’t really growing and then, you know, two weeks go by and it’ll be like, oh man, I walk comfortable,” he explained. That positive perspective implies that Lillard continues on the path of improvement, though he has not been specific regarding his current level of rehabilitation or his anticipated return date.

The Blazers were hoping that Damian Lillard would be ready to play from the first opener of the new season, but it might not be very possible considering the situation. Since Lillard will be 35 years old and has also experienced strains in the past seasons, his return becomes a bit risky. Everybody within the franchise is eager to see him back on the floor, but they know very well that it will not be possible for him to return in full strength right away. Still, they know that Lillard continues to provide so much worth to the team. In his last season as a Bucks player, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. The Blazers want his offensive output but also believe his experience is necessary in defining the future of their lineup, which has many young players. Lillard’s basketball acumen is something that will determine the future of the team. Reading the game and guiding young talents will be a plus on his part.

There is no question that the success of the Blazers this season is intertwined with Lillard’s performance on the court. While the team has made adjustments and improvements, they recognize that his presence is vital for not just scoring points but also for building a cohesive unit. The camaraderie and leadership Lillard provides could very well determine how far the team can go this year.

In the meantime, though the doubt regarding an instant return of Damian Lillard persists, the Blazers hold on to hope. They stand prepared to facilitate his recovery process as an effort towards regaining his status as one of the best talents of the league. With the onset of the new season, all focus will be on the return of Lillard and his journey back into playing condition.