Lillard's Practice Shooting Display Signals Strong Comeback
Damian Lillard is preparing to return from a torn left Achilles tendon that sidelined him for the entire 2025-26 season. In a recent practice session, he converted 1,100 of 1,168 shot attempts, a 94.2 percent success rate. The Portland Trail Blazers guard appears to have his jump shot fully intact as the new NBA season approaches.
Lillard’s practice numbers reflect a high volume of repetitions, with his 94.2 percent conversion rate spanning over a thousand attempts. The session marks his first extended on-court work since the Achilles injury, which cost him the entire 2025-26 campaign. Team staff have not yet announced a minutes restriction or a target date for preseason debut, but the shooting display suggests his mechanics remain unchanged. The Trail Blazers, who played last season without their franchise guard, will likely integrate him back into a lineup that has since added younger pieces. His return is expected to be a central storyline as training camp opens.
Lillard’s comeback could shift the Western Conference balance, as his scoring and leadership may elevate Portland’s playoff chances. Fans and fantasy basketball participants may see his practice performance as a positive indicator, potentially influencing expectations for the season. However, Achilles injuries carry long-term risk, so his durability remains a question. The broader impact could be on team morale and ticket sales, with renewed interest in a franchise that struggled without its star.