Blazers' Damian Lillard Eyes Return from Achilles Injury for 2026-27 NBA Season

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard has put a target date on his return from a torn Achilles.

Appearing on IShowSpeed's YouTube channel (h/t SportsCenter on Instagram), Lillard said he will "probably" be back for the start of the 2026-27 season.

The final month of the 2024-25 season was devastating for Lillard and dramatically altered the course of his career. It started on March 26 when the Bucks announced he had been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and he would go on blood-thinning medication.

There was good news on April 17 when the Bucks announced Lillard was medically cleared of the deep vein thrombosis. He missed Milwaukee's first playoff game against the Indiana Pacers before returning for Game 2 on April 22.

Lillard struggled in his first two games back, then suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 against the Pacers. He had surgery to repair the injury on May 2, with no set timetable for his return to action.

The Achilles tear ended another injury-plagued season for Lillard. He made 58 starts for the Bucks, marking the third time in the last four seasons he has played fewer than 60 games.

Milwaukee made the drastic decision to use the stretch-and-waive provision to move on from Lillard, despite owing him $113 million. The Bucks are still on the hook for that money, but they can pay it out over five years instead of over the next two seasons.

The Bucks used those savings to sign Myles Turner, hoping he can get them back to being a title contender in the East. Lillard, meanwhile, opted to return to Portland on a three-year, $42 million deal that includes a no-trade clause.

It was a surprise move because the Blazers aren't regarded as a title contender right now, but Lillard's comfort and familiarity with the organization and city will almost certainly make it easier for him to go through injury rehab as he works his way back.

When Lillard does play, he's still a valuable contributor. The nine-time All-Star averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game in 2024-25.

Portland will be hoping to get the remaining great years of Lillard's career, with the goal of getting back to the playoffs with arguably the most beloved player in franchise history leading the way.

Even though Lillard's declaration that he likely won't play this season is a bummer for Blazers fans eager to see him back on the court wearing their jersey, his confidence in being ready for the start of 2026-27 gives them something to look forward to.

It's also possible the Blazers could be ready to make a move up the Western Conference standings by that point if Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, Scoot Henderson and Donovan Clingan make positive strides in their development this season.