Damian Lillard Returns to Portland with Championship Aspirations
Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard is focused on returning to the court and leading the team to success, despite a recent Achilles tendon injury. Lillard, currently rehabbing, has made it clear that his return isn’t simply a farewell tour.
A Future in Portland
Lillard addressed Blazers fans during a recent television appearance, stating, If I had to say one thing to Blazers fans, it’s that This represents absolutely not a farewell tour. I’m not coming back to Portland just to move home and do one last lap. I really like our team. We know what we are capable of. I love wearing this jersey and representing this franchise […]and I think we can go where we haven’t been for a lot of years.
The Blazers have a promising core of young players, including Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Donovan Clingan, and Scoot Henderson. Veterans like Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant are also expected to play key roles.
Building a Contender
Lillard expressed confidence in the team’s progress, saying, I see the progress of the guys since my return, I see that they are more and more comfortable in their role, that they understand better and better how to win matches. Some people are really finding their place in the league, and it’s great to see. We perceive the full potential of this team. I also see how I can fit into this group, how I can assist it take a step forward, and I can’t wait to be part of it.
He believes the team’s current construction aligns with the modern NBA, emphasizing the importance of wing players and bench depth. When we look at the league as a whole, we see that what wins today is having a lot of wingers capable of defending, taking outside shots, and bench depth. Our team is built with this in mind.
A Deep and Versatile Roster
The Blazers boast a deep roster with multiple players at each position, including Caleb Love, Vit Krejci, and Sidy Cissoko. Lillard acknowledged the challenges this presents for the coaching staff, stating, When I look at our bench, I tell myself that it’s going to be complicated to distribute minutes to everyone next year. We have a lot of depth and a lot of guys capable of making their contribution. But these are decent problems.
Looking Ahead
Despite currently holding a 31-35 record, the Blazers are still in contention for a play-in tournament spot. Lillard emphasized the importance of gaining experience in high-pressure situations for the team’s younger players. It’s very important to play these kinds of high-tension matches. I really hope that we will finish the season strong enough for our players to be able to have this type of experience. We see essential to see our young people confronted with this adversity, with this requirement, to gain irreplaceable experience.
Lillard also stated, I really think we have what it takes to win.
Damian Lillard Career Stats
| Damian Lillard | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | To | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2012-13 | BY | 82 | 39 | 42.9 | 36.8 | 84.4 | 0.5 | 2.6 | 3.1 | 6.5 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 3.0 | 0.2 | 19.0 |
| 2013-14 | BY | 82 | 36 | 42.4 | 39.4 | 87.1 | 0.4 | 3.1 | 3.5 | 5.6 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 2.4 | 0.3 | 20.7 |
| 2014-15 | BY | 82 | 36 | 43.4 | 36.8 | 86.4 | 0.6 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 6.2 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 21.0 |
| 2015-16 | BY | 75 | 36 | 41.9 | 37.5 | 89.2 | 0.6 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 6.8 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 3.2 | 0.4 | 25.1 |
| 2016-17 | BY | 75 | 36 | 44.4 | 37.0 | 89.5 | 0.6 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 5.9 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 2.6 | 0.3 | 27.0 |
| 2017-18 | BY | 73 | 37 | 43.9 | 36.1 | 91.6 | 0.8 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 6.6 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 2.8 | 0.4 | 26.9 |
| 2018-19 | BY | 80 | 36 | 44.4 | 36.9 | 91.2 | 0.8 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 6.9 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 25.8 |
| 2019-20 | BY | 66 | 38 | 46.3 | 40.1 | 88.8 | 0.5 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 8.0 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 2.9 | 0.3 | 30.0 |
| 2020-21 | BY | 67 | 36 | 45.1 | 39.1 | 92.8 | 0.5 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 7.5 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 3.0 | 0.3 | 28.8 |
| 2021-22 | BY | 29 | 36 | 40.2 | 32.4 | 87.8 | 0.4 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 7.3 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 2.9 | 0.4 | 24.0 |
| 2022-23 | BY | 58 | 36 | 46.3 | 37.1 | 91.4 | 0.8 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 7.3 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 32.2 |
| 2023-24 | MIL | 73 | 35 | 42.4 | 35.4 | 92.0 | 0.5 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 7.0 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 2.6 | 0.2 | 24.3 |
| 2024-25 | MIL | 58 | 36 | 44.8 | 37.6 | 92.1 | 0.5 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 7.1 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 24.9 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
FAQ
- What is Damian Lillard’s current injury status? He is currently rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon.
- What team does Damian Lillard currently play for? The Portland Trail Blazers.
- Has Damian Lillard won any championships? He won the NBA Cup in 2024.
- How many times has Damian Lillard won the 3-Point Contest? He has won the 3-Point Contest three times (2023, 2024, 2026).
Stay tuned for further updates on Damian Lillard’s recovery and the Portland Trail Blazers’ progress.