Damian Lillard is taking a patient approach in his rehab from a torn Achilles, with expectations to miss the entire 2025-26 season. But when he returns, don't be surprised if he's at least close to form. History doesn't favor Lillard returning as 100% of the superstar-level player he was prior to the injury, given his age (35) and the severity of the injury. He doesn't seem to care.
"It's obviously a tough injury, but I know how I'm going to approach the whole rehab process, taking my time," Lillard said in his introductory news conference. "I think I'm going to return to form.