8:05pm: A league source tells The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm that there is “a great deal of optimism” that Lillard will return this season.
7:48pm: Bucks star guard Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and is out indefinitely, ESPN’s Shams Charania tweets.
Lillard is on blood-thinning medication, which has stabilized the blood clot, and will continue with regular testing.
Speaking with NBA Insider Chris Haynes (Twitter link), Lillard said, “It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up. Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety. As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I’m grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this. They’ve been supportive and proactive throughout this process. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career.”
According to Bucks general manager Jon Horst, Lillard is unlikely to experience a reoccurrence of this blood-clotting issue once he recovers, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype tweets.
“Damian’s health is our No. 1 priority,” Horst said. “We will support him as he moves through this weekly process of strict criteria to ensure that it is safe for him to return to play. Doctors have indicated that his situation is very unlikely to occur again. We are thankful that this was identified and medicated quickly, which helps with the recovery.”
If Lillard can’t return this season, it will be a massive blow to the Bucks’ postseason hopes. They’re currently battling Indiana and Detroit for the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.
Lillard is averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per night in 58 games this season. He’ll now be ineligible for any NBA postseason honors. His last appearance was a 16-point outing against Golden State a week ago.
Lillard’s absence will put even more pressure on Giannis Antetokounmpo to put up monster numbers. Ryan Rollins has been starting in Lillard’s place and will likely continue to do so, with Kevin Porter Jr. taking on extra minutes in the second unit and Andre Jackson Jr. also moving up the depth chart.
That is one of my worst nightmares. If you fly on a plane and not know you have it, you can die from this. Get well soon Dame!
I’m more worried about Gino’s health his blood pressure will be thru the roof with this news…
Why would he come back this year?
To lose in the first round again.
Time to dig deeper into this. Top flight athletes in superb cardiovascular condition shouldn’t develop blood clots.
I know about this, it can occur to anyone at any time. A local newsreader (F/27) had it one time and everyone was scared because she tried to fly with it and they had to get her off the flight at the last minute.
“Top flight athletes in superb cardiovascular condition shouldn’t develop blood clots.” – except they do, all the time. Are you new here?
Well even basketball players are human. They have vices. Remember Dwight Howard use to love candy and peanut butter jelly sandwiches. Maybe Dame is into some foods with high cholesterol. Even if you stay in good physical condition you need to monitor the levels. Perhaps he likes greasy French fries after a game. So he should be punished?
I don’t think that his ineligibility for any NBA postseason honors should be a concern for him.
Get well soon sir.
That’s the most important thing to these guys except the money
Other then his kids and family.
Miles Bridges and Kevin Porter would have choked you out for that comment
Yeah, cuz all NBA players are like Bridges and Porter.
There are scumbags in every profession.
These are not fun as your calf hurts like hell until they resolve the blood clots and I’m unfortunately speaking from personal experience. Feel bad for Lillard…get better soon
Bucks just have no luck. Makes you just go full rebuild. Dame doesn’t have much time left. This is awful news. Was looking forward to Bucks vs Pacers showdown. Geeeezzzzz. Get well Dame.
How are they not lucky the team just won a championship a few years ago.
If you need explaining. Then I need to stop paying attention to you. Go back to the future.
I told you all
Traded Jrue for Lillard, traded Middleton for Kuzma
Lottery soon. Get to greedy and this will happen
What a fail that whole Portland trade is becoming for everyone
Signing Rollins and trading for Kevin Porter and I warned you about bad karma coming for getting these two right after the crimes. Surprised they didn’t trade for Miles Bridges too. Way to go Bucks management. Need help?