The reunion between the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard is now complete. This Blazers return is great news for the fans, especially since Lillard is an icon in Portland. Now, he will serve as a mentor to Scoot Henderson and be “the most expensive assistant coach” for the 2025-26 season.
Lillard’s Blazers Return Was Not A Hard Decision To Make
The Trail Blazers will be a dark horse in the 2025-26 NBA season. They have a stronger lineup than before with a more mature young core alongside Jrue Holiday. Lillard’s Blazers return will consist of him being a loud voice on the sidelines.
Chauncey Billups is ecstatic about this development, as he sees Lillard as a fantastic leader. They have worked together from 2021 to 2023, and since Lillard left for Milwaukee, the Blazers have made massive improvements. Now that he is back, the Blazers icon can see the much-improved roster.
The Letter O is back in Portland, and he is glad to be back. His decision feels right, considering this has become his home over the past decade or so.
A Long-Awaited Blazers Return For Lillard And The Blazers
Despite moving to Milwaukee in 2023, Lillard has always kept an eye on the Blazers. He never severed his connection to Portland, as he knew he would end up there again. Of course, the sudden buyout from the Bucks accelerated that process. However, the 35-year-old guard is glad he is back home in Rip City.
Even after he played games for the Bucks, he kept watching Blazers games. That proves he remained connected to the organization and the city. Not only was his family keeping him connected to Rip City, but the team was always on his mind. He has seen the team’s development, especially with Billups’ top-tier defensive schemes.
Damian Lillard:
“I was able to watch a lot of games. I watch closely, I watch the Trail Blazers specifically. I’m always looking how do I fit in? To me…this is who I’ve always seen myself with. I saw how they competed, cheered for each other” pic.twitter.com/2h8w2sMrtb
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 22, 2025
“The city of Portland and the Trail Blazers as an organization is just important to me. It’s never been I tried to go out and do, and make myself something. I go off what I feel. It’s always genuine in my first 11 years, and it was always organic,” Lillard said in his press conference.
Lillard Is Ready To Do His Best During His Recovery
Despite the blockbuster Blazers return, the 2025-26 season will be a time for recovery for Lillard. It will be tough being on the sidelines, but he will be with the team often. He might not make it to every game, but he will stay with the Blazers as much as he can.
Coach Billups already alluded to Lillard being the highest-paid assistant coach ever. The nine-time All-Star has always been a leader for the Blazers. He might not be the most vocal, but he will be in his teammates’ ears.
“It’s a tough injury, but me personally, I know how I will approach the rehab process. Taking my time, a lot of trust in the people around me, and the surgeon I went to. I think I will return to form,” Lillard continued.
The former Weber State standout knows he can return to form for the 2026-27 season. It will take a while, but he is as excited as the fans. However, that is a year away, and the focus is on Lillard helping the team in any way he can as a mentor. Billups will also get a leader who will maintain his vision.
Henderson Has Two Fantastic Mentors Moving Forward
A significant part of the discourse around Lillard’s arrival is what it means for Henderson. Thankfully, Lillard shut down any bad rumors by highlighting how he will be a mentor to the young guard. Lillard sent in his trade request after Portland selected Henderson.
Now, they will finally be together, and the young guard will learn a lot from the veteran. Holiday will also be a big part of Henderson’s development, which is a good sign for the future.
“My investment in the team will be the same as if I’m playing”
Damian Lillard on his role with Blazers
“Having a young, rising point guard like Scoot, Toumani, Deni, Shaedon…being able to pour into them and be a part of their continued progress is something that elevates me” pic.twitter.com/kUsJTNxjip
— Orlando Sanchez (@orlandokgw) July 22, 2025
“With this being a younger team, there are a lot of things I can share without being on the floor. That will be my main job this year, like Chauncey said, I will be like an assistant coach, my investment in the team will be the same as if I was playing,” Lillard said about being a leader.
Everyone is excited for what is to come in Portland, and Lillard is a big part of that. While he likely won’t be on the court for the 2025-26 season, everyone will feel his presence.
Photo credit: © Candice Ward-Imagn Images
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