{"id":194513,"date":"2026-05-08T15:20:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T19:20:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=194513"},"modified":"2026-05-08T15:20:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T19:20:12","slug":"damian-lillards-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/05\/08\/damian-lillards-return\/","title":{"rendered":"How Damian Lillard’s Return Will Improve The Trail Blazers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Damian Lillard<\/a> sat out the 2025-26 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the 2024 playoffs. Now, he is ready to be the star again, making Portland’s future even brighter. With the Blazers’ coach not decided just yet, at least fans can always look forward to Lillard’s return.<\/p>\n

How Damian Lillard’s Return Will Improve The Trail Blazers<\/h2>\n

The Portland Trail Blazers are coming off a promising season. They faced plenty of problems, including an early-season coaching change. Tiago Splitter took over and led the Blazers to their first postseason appearance in five years.\u00a0 Now, they can keep building on their success<\/a> in the 2026-27 campaign.<\/p>\n

While the decision for the Blazers’ coach is still left in limbo, Lillard’s return is an exciting part of Portland’s future. He has been the franchise’s biggest star in the modern era, so his presence is quite welcome. Despite his prolonged absence, he should be able to help the Blazers when he takes the floor again.<\/p>\n

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Lillard’s Return Is Most Impactful On Portland’s Offense<\/h3>\n

The Blazers had a good ’25-26 campaign because they relied on Deni Avdija<\/a>‘s rise to stardom. At the same time, the Blazers improved their defense, thanks to Donovan Clingan<\/a> and Toumani Camara<\/a> serving as leaders. They have become much more well-rounded, which is a huge step in the right direction.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Portland struggled on offense outside of Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe<\/a>, and Jrue Holiday<\/a>. Thankfully, getting Lillard back helps the Blazers because he is an offensive engine on his own. Of course, he will need to adjust after an Achilles injury, but he is ready to lead the charge.<\/p>\n

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"We had a great season, in my opinion… There were a lot of opportunities for us to fold and we didn't."- Damian Lillard<\/p>\n

— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) April 30, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n