{"id":151516,"date":"2025-07-22T08:30:52","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T12:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=151516"},"modified":"2025-07-22T06:28:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T10:28:20","slug":"lillards-blazers-return-was-not-a-hard-decision-to-make","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/07\/22\/lillards-blazers-return-was-not-a-hard-decision-to-make\/","title":{"rendered":"Lillard’s Blazers Return Was Not A Hard Decision To Make"},"content":{"rendered":"

The reunion between the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard<\/a> is now complete. This Blazers return is great news for the fans, especially since Lillard is an icon in Portland. Now, he will serve as a mentor to Scoot Henderson<\/a> and be “the most expensive assistant coach” for the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n

\"Damian
Feb 26, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball past Houston Rockets small forward Jae’Sean Tate (8, left) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lillard’s Blazers Return Was Not A Hard Decision To Make<\/h2>\n

The Trail Blazers will be a dark horse in the 2025-26 NBA season. They have a stronger lineup than before with a more mature young core alongside Jrue Holiday<\/a>. Lillard’s Blazers return will consist of him being a loud voice on the sidelines.<\/p>\n

Chauncey Billups is ecstatic about this development, as he sees Lillard as a fantastic leader. They have worked together from 2021 to 2023, and since Lillard left for Milwaukee, the Blazers have made massive improvements. Now that he is back, the Blazers icon can see the much-improved roster.<\/p>\n

The Letter O is back in Portland, and he is glad to be back. His decision feels right<\/a>, considering this has become his home over the past decade or so.<\/p>\n

A Long-Awaited Blazers Return For Lillard And The Blazers<\/h3>\n

Despite moving to Milwaukee in 2023, Lillard has always kept an eye on the Blazers. He never severed his connection to Portland, as he knew he would end up there again. Of course, the sudden buyout from the Bucks accelerated that process. However, the 35-year-old guard is glad he is back home in Rip City.<\/p>\n

Even after he played games for the Bucks, he kept watching Blazers games. That proves he remained connected to the organization and the city. Not only was his family keeping him connected to Rip City, but the team was always on his mind. He has seen the team’s development, especially with Billups’ top-tier defensive schemes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Damian Lillard:<\/p>\n

"I was able to watch a lot of games. I watch closely, I watch the Trail Blazers specifically. I'm always looking how do I fit in? To me…this is who I've always seen myself with. I saw how they competed, cheered for each other" pic.twitter.com\/2h8w2sMrtb<\/a><\/p>\n

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 22, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n