Lillard Says No Restrictions on Blazers Return After Achilles Surgery

Damian Lillard said at Blazers media day Monday he has no restrictions after missing the 2025-26 season rehabbing an Achilles torn in the 2025 NBA Playoffs with Milwaukee. The 36-year-old, entering his 12th Portland season, said the injury is not a thought when he plays and he can play free. He said he will not kill himself playing 35-plus regular-season minutes if unnecessary, citing guard depth that includes Ja Morant, Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday. The night of the tear he saw a TV segment say it was the last of Dame Lillard as we know it, which turned him up to keep fighting through rehab. Shaedon Sharpe tore his right meniscus in an August workout when his knee locked up, is out at least six months, and came to media day on crutches with a brace. He signed a four-year, $90 million extension last October. GM Joe Cronin said everyone else is healthy. Robert Williams III returns for a fourth season after signing for three years and $43.5 million in June. Preseason bookends against Golden State on Oct. 7 and 16; the opener is home vs. Phoenix on Oct. 21 at 10 p.m. ET under new coach Micah Nori. No factual disputes found among outlets.