Portland Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard shared that following the Achilles tear he suffered last spring, he has leaned on guidance from medical professionals as well as fellow players who have gone through similar recoveries.
Lillard said he sought advice from athletes such as Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Rudy Gay, all of whom have experienced major injuries during their careers, via Joe Freeman of The Oregonian.
According to Lillard, their perspectives helped him stay optimistic throughout the rehabilitation process.
He described the conversations as “more encouraging than discouraging,” adding that the support played a role in motivating him during his return to competition, including his victory in Saturday’s three-point contest.
“I do think I represent strength,” Lillard said. “We are athletes, so when we go through an injury, people act like it’s the end of the world because people are used to us being lifted up and everything being about us.
“But people go through way worse and they carry on and they continue to move forward. So, for me, it was more about representing strength for people.”
Lillard has played 13 seasons for the Trail Blazers and Bucks. He has averaged 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 900 regular-season games.
He was selected to play in 9 All-Star games, and has won the Rookie of the Year award.
Trail Blazers Notes: Avdija, Lillard, Clingan, Hansen, Arena https://t.co/sqIuH1KMGd pic.twitter.com/6upzCovdaD
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 16, 2026
