It hasn’t been a fun season for Damian Lillard or the Portland Trail Blazers. The star point guard has been sidelined since Jan. 3 with an abdominal injury and recently underwent surgery. This isn’t a new issue, it’s been bothering him all season, so he decided to go under the knife.
But not all hope is lost, Lillard is set to be re-evaluated in roughly 5-7 weeks and could still return yet later this season. Lillard reportedly initially suffered the injury during the Olympics and that he’s received some advice from a couple of fellow athletes that have experienced similar injuries in their career.
Damian Lillard return dependant on Trail Blazers record
Yet, he also made it seem like he wouldn’t hesitate to shut it down if the Blazers are positioning themselves for a draft pick instead.
“I mean, if we’re going to play for a draft pick, it wouldn’t make sense for me to [play]. Because I’m not gonna play for no draft pick. I’m just not capable of that.”
Damian Lillard talking about a potential return late in the season
For what it’s worth, the Blazers are 19-26, with 37 games to go, in 10th place of the Western Conference, which would be good enough for the final spot in the play-in tournament at the end of the regular season. Lillard’s return timeline would suggest he could have a chance to return around the 62nd game for the Blazers on the early side, and the 66th game on the latter end of the window.
Then, he still likely has to get back in game shape which could take a bit longer, and that’s if there aren’t any unforeseen setbacks during the rehab and recovery process. For his part, Dame expects to be able to begin ball handling and shooting drills once again in about three weeks. Blazers fans can hardly wait.
