Look at Durant! Lillard consults KD for rehabilitation experience: Goal to restore All-Star level

Trail Blazers star Lillard is currently actively undergoing rehabilitation training. He has tried to shoot one-legged and sit-in shots and believes that his recovery has exceeded expectations. He admitted that when he was young, he would be eager to make a quick comeback this season. But he also knows that the NBA's game schedule is not good for him—this young impulse may end up doing more harm than accelerating a comeback.

"This is obviously a serious injury, but I know how I will take it slowly and complete the whole recovery process," Lillard said. "I think I will get back to shape." Lillard is ready to miss the entire 2024-25 season, and everything is to restore the level before the injury after his comeback.

Lillard said he consulted other NBA players with torn Achilles tendon, including Kevin Durant and Rudy Guy, as well as NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers. These exchanges, coupled with his consultations with physiotherapists and doctors, gave him confidence to return to the All-Star level.

Durant returned after suffering from an Achilles tendon tear and still scored at the All-Star level. Durant missed a whole season and then returned strongly. Lillard's role models are Durant and Dominic Wilkins. Wilkins tore his Achilles tendon in 1992, but he was selected twice as an All-Star. Wilkins returned after recovering from injury for 10 months, played 71 games in his comeback season and ranked fifth in the 1993 MVP vote. Wilkins was 32 years old when he was injured, while Lillard was 35 years old.

"Lillard's biggest challenge is how many years older than those players who have returned strongly from serious Achilles tendon injuries," the executive said. So, Lillard needs to be more cautious about his comeback. Lillard is confident that he will return to his All-Star level.

"This is Damian. I know Damian," said agent Aaron Goodwin. "I know his desire, I know his hard work, I know how hard he works. I don't think it will end his career. It may even extend his career because he tried his best and needed to give his body a break."

The Trail Blazers showed high sincerity during the negotiations for Lillard's return. The Trail Blazers expressed their interest after Lillard was cut as a free agent.

According to ESPN sources, Trail Blazers General Manager Cronin went to Lillard's home in Portland to meet in hopes of seeing the superstar's condition with his family and to learn about his mental and physical condition during his recovery from the tear of the Achilles tendon. During the conversation, the two respectively explained their vision for the team's future.

"The conversation didn't last long and I quickly talked about it because our relationship had never been bad and we never hated each other," Lillard said. Lillard stressed his willingness to trust the Trail Blazers again, including playing with young talented players like Scott Henderson and seeing the team sign veterans like Ju Holiday.

However, Lillard also needs to be prepared for his role change. The Trail Blazers have entered the reconstruction period, and the team will vigorously train young players. After Lillard returns, the ball will be weakened. "The biggest challenge for him will be a psychological barrier, he has been used to playing with the ball throughout his career, but he may have to overcome the dilemma of no longer being the main ball handler," said an Eastern Conference executive.

"He might need to play a role like Mike Conley (Timberwolves player)," said another Eastern Conference executive. "Let someone else take the ball and then be the backup offensive initiator and veteran on the court. It's psychologically difficult to overcome." But anyway, it's a good thing for the Trail Blazers to sign Lillard back, and he can be a mentor to the Trail Blazers' young players.