Damian Lillard suffered an Achilles injury while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in last year’s playoffs. Now, he is set to make his comeback during All-Star Weekend.
As a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard will compete in the Three-Point Contest. This marks his fourth consecutive participation, having won the event in both 2023 and 2024, making this year’s return particularly notable.
Damian Lillard’s comeback is promising for the Blazers and Celtics
Typically, recovery from an Achilles tear can take nearly a full year. Even with extensive rehabilitation, players often deal with limitations due to the severity of the injury.
However, advancements in medical treatment might be speeding up recovery timelines. While shooting three-pointers is less demanding than playing a full NBA game, it’s impressive that Lillard is back just nine months and 11 days post-surgery, which took place on May 2 last year.
This news is also positive for Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, who tore his Achilles in Game 4 of their playoff loss to the New York Knicks and underwent surgery on May 13. The Celtics have not confirmed his return timeline, but Tatum has recently started 5-on-5 practice.
There are several factors that could allow Tatum to return sooner than Lillard. Lillard is 35 years old, while Tatum will turn 28 on March 3. Additionally, Tatum had surgery within 24 hours of his injury, which could help speed up his recovery — potentially allowing him to play in the playoffs.
Damian Lillard is the sentimental favorite in the Three-Point Contest
The Slam Dunk Contest often struggles to secure star players, but the Three-Point Contest features a strong lineup this year, including five All-Stars and the nine-time All-Star Lillard.