Damian Lillard recently confirmed what every Portland Trail Blazers fan already expected: a return in the 2025-26 season is unlikely.
The Blazers guard recently appeared on IShowSpeed's YouTube channel, which made a stop to visit Lillard in Portland. Lillard addressed his rehab progress, saying that he will "probably" be back at the start of next season.
"I just gotta get all the way right," Lillard added.
Damian Lillard targets a return in 2026-27
It makes perfect sense for Lillard to target the opening night of the 2026-27 season as a realistic return date.