Damian Lillard will make his official return for the Portland Trail Blazers against the Phoenix Suns on October 21, 2026. The nine-time All-Star is cleared to play after missing the entire previous season with a torn Achilles tendon, an injury that led to his departure from the Milwaukee Bucks and a period of deep uncertainty. His comeback follows a preseason where he averaged 17.3 points in three games, including a 128-118 loss to the Golden State Warriors on October 16.
Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles tendon on April 27, 2025, while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA playoffs. The Bucks later waived the veteran guard, ending his two-year stint with the team. That moment created what Lillard called the "darkest day" of his career. He was suddenly a franchise icon without a team for the first time as a professional.
He considered sitting out the next season to fully recover. Retirement even crossed his mind, though he says that thought was more about wanting time with his kids than fear about the injury. Instead, Portland offered a three-year, $42 million contract, bringing him back to the city that drafted him in 2012.
Yes. Lillard is healthy and expected to start in the season opener. He was not on Portland's initial injury report and has already seen preseason action. Beyond the loss to Golden State, the Blazers had preseason wins over the Sacramento Kings (110-98 on October 13) and the Golden State Warriors (123-118 on October 7).
Head coach Micah Nori has expressed strong confidence in Lillard's recovery, noting his shooting touch remains sharp. Lillard himself avoided rushing back, spending a full year on rehab to rebuild trust in his body. His first regular-season home game in Portland since March 2023 is set for Wednesday night.
The team Lillard returns to looks very different. Portland finished 42-40 last season and made the playoffs behind All-Star Deni Avdija. The backcourt now also features two-time All-Star Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson. This depth means Lillard won't be the sole offensive initiator on every play.
Coach Nori plans to use him more off the ball to hunt for open shots. This strategic shift could help preserve Lillard's longevity and efficiency. Adapting to a supporting role, rather than carrying the entire offensive load, is the next challenge for the 36-year-old guard as he aims to extend his career.
The immediate focus is the home opener against the Phoenix Suns. After that, the Blazers' schedule gets busy. Integrating Lillard into a crowded, talented backcourt will define Portland's early season. His veteran presence and scoring punch, if managed well, could raise the team's playoff aspirations in a competitive Western Conference.
