Damian Lillard Hyped by Blazers in Return from Achilles Injury, 'He Looks Phenomenal'

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard is heading back to the court soon enough after missing all of last season with a torn left Achilles tendon suffered during the 2025 playoffs.

He's already gotten some work in this summer with NBA players in advance of his long-awaited return.

Needless to say, folks are in awe of his efforts, per remarks relayed by Jason Quick of The Athletic.

"He looks phenomenal," Blazers head coach Micah Nori told Quick. "Every time I see him shoot the ball, I think it's going in."

Nori added: "If I never knew Dame Lillard, and I came into the building and just started watching them play basketball, I would not be able to tell he had any type of surgery.

Blazers forward Toumani Camara also had this to say.

"Impressive. Very, very impressive." He also remarked: "I think the most impressive thing for me was his first step, his speed, especially coming back from that injury. He was just very hard to guard all around."

Quick reported that Lillard has been taking part in daily runs at the Blazers' facility. In addition, Nori told Quick that he believes Lillard will fully participate (i.e. no limitations or restrictions) when training camp starts Tuesday, Sept. 29. That remark occurred after Lillard (and the rest of the team) underwent physicals last Wednesday.

The 36-year-old Lillard is a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA player who has averaged 25.1 points and 6.7 assists over his 13 NBA seasons. The 75th Anniversary Team member played in Portland for 11 campaigns before a trade request sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks for two years.

Now Lillard is back with Portland on a three-year deal as he hopes to lead the Blazers to greater heights. Portland bottomed out at 21-61 in 2023-24 but rose to 36-46 in 2024-25 before making the playoffs as a 42-win No. 7 seed last year.

The arrow continues to point up with Lillard in the mix and the addition of Nori, a well-respected and long-time assistant coach finally getting his chance as a head coach. If Lillard returns anywhere close to (or at) his old form, then that's a massive win for a Portland team that brings back a young core which got this team to the playoffs last year. The addition of Ja Morant via trade should also help matters.

Portland begins the season on Wed., Oct. 21 vs. the Phoenix Suns. By all accounts, Lillard should be starting and welcomed back with open arms by the home crowd.