Damian Lillard Addresses Blazers Fans on Video at Rip City Reunion Event, 'I'm Home'

Damian Lillard returned to the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason and told fans on Sunday at a welcome rally that it didn't really register fully for him until he realized he didn't need to leave his home in Portland to go elsewhere this season.

"A week ago, that would be about the time I would usually have to pick up and leave," he said. "And I was like, 'Man, I don't have anywhere to go. I'm home.' That was when it really clicked."

Lillard, 35, is a Blazers legend, spending his first 11 seasons with the team. All he did in that time was earn nine All-Star berths and lead the team to the playoffs eight times, averaging 25.2 points and 6.7 assists in his time with the organization.

His second go-around will be undoubtedly different. Lillard is no longer in his prime and likely will miss the entire 2025-26 season as he recovers from a torn Achilles. When he returns, he'll likely be as much a mentor to the team's young core as he'll be a starring man.

But he's back in Portland, where it felt like he always belonged.