Damian Lillard Reportedly Could Return 8-10 Months After Injury amid Giannis Rumors

After suffering a devastating torn Achilles injury in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Damian Lillard reportedly could be back on the court in less than a year.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on The Stephen A. Smith Show on Tuesday that it's possible for the Milwaukee Bucks star to be back by next season's playoffs.

"There has been some optimism that potentially he could be back within that 8-10 month period," Charania said (9:40 mark).

Lillard suffered the injury in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Indiana Pacers at the end of April and had surgery just a few days later. While the recovery time varies, it's a good sign that there's even a possibility of Lillard returning to the court next season.

Lillard's injury comes amid reports about his co-star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, possibly seeking a trade this offseason. If there is certainty around Lillard's status for next year's playoffs, Antetokounmpo might be more inclined to stay in Milwaukee with the hope of having a championship-caliber team.

But even if Lillard can return to action next season, how effective he will be is to be determined. Lillard will be 35 next season, and an injury like the one he suffered could greatly impact his quickness and mobility at this stage of his career.