Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard is preparing to take part in the Three-Point Shootout during NBA All-Star Weekend, viewing the event as a meaningful step in his recovery process.
Beyond the spotlight, Lillard says he simply misses the feeling of true competition.
“I need some competition,” he said. “I’ve just been working out, not playing, so I need some type of competition. I just need a bump.”
Participating in All-Star Weekend is part of what Lillard describes as a steady and deliberate comeback.
He characterized his rehab as “progressive,” noting that he’s steadily expanding what he’s able to do physically.
“I can do a lot, that’s where I’ll put it,” Lillard said, adding that he’s focused on his own timeline rather than comparing himself to others recovering from similar Achilles injuries, such as Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics or Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers.
“I’m running my own race,” the player said. “If I was 23, 24, 25, I probably would be more (competitive) about who is doing what, but I know where I am physically. I can feel it. I’m on the court every day, and to me, it’s not about what (Tatum, who joined the Celtics G League team for practice this week) is doing.
“After the season, I’m going into a full summer to get ready for next season, and I want to make sure that I’m 1,000 percent and that I can play every year for the rest of my career as the best version of myself. So, I’m not in a hurry, especially knowing that I’ve got time. That’s the game I’m playing.”
Damian Lillard ‘Can Do A Lot’ But Won’t Rush Return To Play https://t.co/4eK2K0VUfc
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 11, 2026
