Damian Lillard Returns to Portland With Something to Prove

A return after Achilles rehabilitation

Lillard suffered the injury during Milwaukee’s first-round playoff series against Indiana two seasons before the NBA report. He said he feels fully healthy after his extended time away from play.

In his final season with the Bucks, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists, appearing in 58 games. The NBA report also noted that deep vein thrombosis limited his availability that season.

A new Portland backcourt

Portland has added Ja Morant, giving the team four point guards alongside Lillard, Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday. The report described questions around how Morant and Lillard, the Trail Blazers’ all-time leading scorer, would share the backcourt.

Their first preseason game together came in a 123-118 Portland victory over Golden State. Lillard and Morant each played 19 minutes; Lillard scored 15 points, while Morant had eight points and five assists.

Lillard embraces multiple options

Lillard said he was not concerned about defining roles, describing the possibility of advancing the ball to Morant or Deni Avdija and receiving passes for three-point attempts. He emphasized playing the right way and making use of the opportunities that arise.

Morant, a two-time All-Star, said he wanted a fresh start and praised Lillard’s leadership and work ethic. According to the NBA report, Morant has averaged 22.4 points over his career but played 79 games across the previous three seasons because of injuries and suspensions.

A different stage of Lillard’s career

Lillard has career averages of 25.1 points and 6.7 assists, according to the NBA report. At 36, he said he did not feel obliged to carry the Trail Blazers as much as he had earlier in his career.