Damian Lillard is making immense progress on his recovery from the Achilles tear during the playoffs, leaving fans stunned.

Monday marked the return of Portland’s favorite son, as Lillard met with the media to discuss an earlier-than-anticipated homecoming. Last week, the nine-time All-Star announced he was returning to the Rose City two years after requesting a trade that took him 2,000 miles from the only NBA home he’d ever known.

Damian Lillard's journey since injuring his Achilles in the playoffs has been tough. As the guard reflected on his journey with recovery, he shared how much of the process has been mental.

Milwaukee Bucks player, suffered a major Achilles injury during the 2025 NBA Finals. The injury occurred in Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers. He also had a Deep Vein Thrombosis in Game 2. Lillard posted an Instagram update about his recovery.

Lillard and Tatum tore their Achilles tendons during the 2025 playoffs, drawing comparisons to Durant's infamous injury years prior

When the Milwaukee Bucks traded Jrue Holiday away to acquire Damian Lillard via trade, many thought that they had found a perfect recipe to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo rooted to Wisconsin for the rest of his career.