Damian Lillard is officially returning to the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2026-2027 NBA season after missing a full year. His comeback is backed by a viral offseason workout where he hit 1,100 of 1,168 three-point attempts, a stunning 94.2% clip. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green says the league should be scared of what's coming. The Blazers, who lost their last three games and finished the 2025-26 season with a 114-95 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on April 29, 2026, desperately need his offensive firepower.
Why Should NBA Teams Fear Damian Lillard's Return?
Draymond Green didn't hold back when assessing Lillard's potential impact. "I can't say that I've ever seen anyone hit 1,100 out of 1,168," Green said. He acknowledged Lillard will need time to get his legs back after a torn left Achilles tendon. But Green is convinced the league isn't ready for the shooting display Lillard will put on. That injury happened in April 2025 during the playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard then sat out the entire 2025-2026 season to fully rehab, targeting this specific return.
His last active season in 2024-2025 showed he was still a top performer. Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. He shot 37.6% from three-point range on 9.0 attempts per contest. Now 36, he ranks fifth all-time with 2,804 career three-pointers and is poised to climb higher. His return transforms a Portland backcourt that features Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson. You can track the team's progress and his stats on our stats page.
Why Did Damian Lillard Return to the Portland Trail Blazers?
Lillard's 2025 signing with the Blazers surprised many, but not him. After three seasons in Milwaukee, he simply wanted to come home. "It never felt right, not being home," Lillard explained. "This decision wasn't hard at all." NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed family was the biggest factor. Being back in Portland with his three kids made the choice obvious. Lillard's primary residence is a custom home he built in Tualatin, Oregon.
This homecoming allows him to restart the championship mission he pursued for over a decade in Portland. The Blazers' recent form, with just one win in their last five games (LLLWL), highlights the need for his leadership and scoring. Returning to a familiar city and a revamped roster gives Lillard a clear path to make an immediate impact. His presence will be vital as the team looks to improve its standings position next season.
What Can the Blazers Expect When Lillard Returns?
The immediate expectation is an elite shooting threat that defenses must plan for every night. Lillard's ability to stretch the floor and hit deep threes will create space for Morant to drive and for Holiday to operate. His playoff experience and late-game confidence are assets a young team needs. Integrating him into a new-look backcourt will be a key storyline during training camp and preseason.
Fans should expect a player motivated by family and unfinished business. The year off for rehab might have preserved his body for a strong final chapter. While he'll be 36, his shooting touch, as the viral video proved, remains legendary. The Portland Trail Blazers' offense, which struggled at times last season, gets a monumental boost. His return is the most important development for the franchise as they build their roster for the future.
