Damian Lillard has consistently expressed confidence in his ability to return to form following his brutal Achilles injury -- the same mindset that carried him throughout his career, from two-star recruit at Weber State to arguably the best Blazer of all time. However, others around the league aren't quite as optimistic.
ESPN's Jamal Collier recently published an article detailing what's next for Lillard now that he's back with the Portland Trail Blazers. Collier touches on Lillard's trade request in 2023, his return to the Blazers, and what his post-Achilles career could look like.
According to Collier, an Eastern Conference coach believes the "biggest thing for him will be the mental hurdle," suggesting that Lillard must embrace a different role when he returns.