Jason Burgos
If the Portland Trail Blazers can somehow upset the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals of the NBA Playoffs, a new report suggests they could get a boost from one of the greatest players in franchise history.
The Trail Blazers entered their first playoff series in several years against the Spurs as sizable underdogs. And it is understandable why. San Antonio looks like a real threat to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder because of 2026 Defensive Player of the Year and MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama.
However, in Game 2, the French phenom had a nasty spill that saw him fall on his face and incur a concussion. While he is traveling with the team, he is unlikely to suit up in Game 3, and a return in Game 4 is up in the air. After winning Tuesday’s game, and Wembayama’s return date unclear, all of a sudden this series looks a lot more winnable for the Trail Blazers.
Door opens to Damian Lillard return during 2026 NBA Playoffs
Well, if they can somehow pull off the unthinkable and advance to the next round, there seems to be a real chance they could get the addition of a certain Trail Blazers legend.
“However implausible it may seem, the franchise has not completely ruled out the possibility that Damian Lillard could make a surprise appearance in the postseason this year,” multiple sources told The Oregonian. “‘I wouldn’t rule anything out,’ a source said.”
Obviously, Lillard won’t jump in and be the player he was before he tore his ACL a year ago. However, in a potential series against the Denver Nuggets or Minnesota Timberwolves, he can serve as a decoy at the very least. But chances are he will be a rock-solid scorer and three-point threat off the bench. The nine-time All-Star won this year’s NBA Three-Point competition.
