Damian Lillard vows that his career didn’t end on Sunday night, when he fell to the court due to a non-contact injury that was diagnosed as a left Achilles tear.
While the Bucks star guard and longtime All-Star could miss all of next season, he has no plans to call it quits. Lillard expressed his feelings to head coach Doc Rivers on Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
“He said two things, which I love,” Rivers said. “The first one, he just said, ‘I can’t believe I’m here.’ Then the second one is ‘I’m not going out this way.’ I can guarantee you he won’t, and that’s what I meant about his resolve.”
Milwaukee’s season ended in stunning fashion on Tuesday night, as it squandered a seven-point lead late in overtime and lost to Indiana, 119-118. The Pacers won the series, 4-1. Another early postseason flameout, coupled with Lillard’s injury, will lead to endless speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s future.
Lillard, who turns 35 in July, can’t control that. He’s instead focused on his lengthy rehab process.
“It’s amazing,” Rivers said. “He’s already talking about his return and being better and being ready. We had a long talk about that today as well.”
Lillard’s injury occurred in his third game back from a blood clot in his right calf, which sidelined him for more than a month. He’s due to make an estimated $54,126,380 next season and holds an option projected at $58,456,490 for the 2026/27 season.
Unfortunately he’s most likely done. I appreciate the sentiment but he’ll be 35 next year and has never been confused with Kobe.
Imo, he could get healthy and, at complete WORST, be a rich man’s Eric Gordon.
Lillards not done – not at all.
Let the speculation begin! What sort of package will it take together Giannis??
to get Giannis…
OKC I don’t see not having a good playoff run but if they did get surprising bounced in the next series.
Hartenstein, Topic, Kenrich Williams, 4 firsts and 4 seconds
No team is beating that kinda offer.
Hartenstein replaces Brook Lopez at centre, Topic replaces Lillard who is all but done, Kenrich is just salary matching and then a big haul of picks.
The Warriors can put anyone not named Steph or Dray on the table and beat 95% of teams packages for Giannis. Any kind of combination of players, GSW can beat almost all teams.
Without those two and Jimmy who you just resigned and can’t be traded yet, you’ve got what Kuminga who needs an extension and then scrubs. Kuminga himself is hardly even in the rotation now.
Tall order for a small guard. Wish him the best. The nba is better when Dame is a part of it…the clock will chime Dame time again I hope…and pray
With you, I enjoy watching him play. Father Time is a tough opponent…
I don’t doubt Dame coming back and putting up points, but…he was already a massive liability on D, and he’s not going to come back from an achilles tear more mobile that before.
Milwaukee has to seriously consider blowing this roster up.
Dame will be out a year. Means next year is gone for Bucks too. I believe they can sign someone for part of his salary. As a medical exception…. not sure
mabe – By Dana Gauruder can tell us.
If so —— Bucks should make Grimes an offer. If they offer 50 mill for three years. I doubt Sixers would match. How else can Bucks save next year.
Too soon to talk Giannis trade.
Get well Dame real fans know you ain’t going out like this. Still have a few bro …..
Dame is 35 real soon and will miss all of next season. Meaning he will be back on an expring 58mil deal playing at 36. Bucks are cooked.
I think Dame will be back but it won’t be the same. Age would’ve got to him and the injury, he will be a shell of himself much like Klay, DRose and John Wall. Because of his ability to shoot and rely less on athleticism and movement he should be able to atleast be an impact shooter off the bench like a prime Patty Mills.