Damian Lillard’s Return to Blazers Will Encompass More Than Just Playing

The heartwarming homecoming story of Damian Lillard‘s return to the Portland Trail Blazers deserves cheers and applause. Everyone knows of Lillard’s devotion to the city of Portland, and his loyalty to the Blazers was always what kept him from demanding a trade or leaving for another franchise. And after a two-year stint with the Milwaukee Bucks—which never appeared to be a good fit for either party—Lillard’s return to the Blazers is the feel-good NBA story of the year. However, considering Dame’s current injury situation, and despite likely missing the 2025-26 season, head coach Chauncey Billups still has plans for Lillard’s involvement with the team. 

Damian Lillard’s Return to Blazers will Encompass More Than Just Playing

Portland Trail Blazers HC Chauncey Billups plans to use Damian Lillard’s wealth of experience to motivate the young stars

The Blazers are one of the youngest NBA squads in the league, sharing that category with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson lead Portland’s youth charge, with more key young players following. With the franchise in the process of building a championship-contending team, Portland has done a solid job in the draft over the last three years, and Billups, who recently received an extension to coach the team, is the right man for the job. 

That said, several indications suggest that the Blazers are actually endeavoring to compete this next season and contend for a playoff spot. With the acquisition of Jrue Holiday and the offloading of Deandre Ayton, the moves signalled a change of direction. Now, with Lillard coming home, Billups expects the beloved Blazers icon to be instrumental in the further growth and improvement of the young stars, all while the Blazers attempt to be competitive this year, after showing signs last season that they could. 

Making an impact from the sidelines

Portland will enter next season with Lillard taking a seat on the sidelines, and almost certainly not just as a spectator. No, Billups believes that Lillard’s presence and daily input can lead to significant growth for players like Sharpe and Henderson, considering it would come from a veteran and one of the greatest players ever to wear a Trail Blazers jersey. During a recent press conference, Billups spoke about Lillard’s return and his vision for the upcoming season.

“I want to see Scoot [Henderson] and Shaedon [Sharpe] take a step this year. I coach these guys very hard, but it’s always different when you’re getting that mentorship from a guy who’s wearing that jersey,” Billups said, and also joked about Dame’s role in another session, this time with Lillard in attendance. “This year, he’s gonna be the highest-paid assistant coach in league history. Because I’m going to be putting him to work every day.”

Whether Lillard will truly conduct himself as a full-time assistant coach remains to be seen. That said, with him on the sidelines, talking to the players from the bench during timeouts and engaging in conversations with players like Sharpe and Henderson throughout the games, the benefits could be advantageous, and Billups projects them to be.