Last season, Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard suffered a brutal postseason injury with the Milwaukee Bucks, which prevented him from contributing further to the team’s success.

During Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round matchup against the Indiana Pacers, Lillard suffered a non-contact left calf injury, which an MRI later revealed was a torn Achilles tendon.

With the star guard sidelined for a considerable time, the Bucks opted to move on and waived him. He’d spent two seasons playing for Milwaukee.

That allowed Lillard’s former team, the Trail Blazers, to sign him to a three-year, $42 million deal, in the hope that he could eventually improve their situation.

Lillard spent the first 11 seasons of his career playing in Portland. However, the nine-time All-Star is still in recovery mode from his brutal injury.

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Due to the nature of his serious injury, it seemed to bring serious speculation about when he could actually return to the hardwood.

Social media celebrity iShowSpeed recently linked up with Lillard for a workout in Portland, Oregon. During their conversation on YouTube, questions about Lillard’s workouts and his return from injury arose.

“S***, probably the start of next season. That Achilles, you can’t f*** around with that. I just got to get all the way right,” he told iShowSpeed about when he could be back.

Unfortunately, that continues to suggest that fans won’t get to see Dame suit up and participate in NBA games for the Blazers’ upcoming season. He’s one of several key NBA stars set to miss most or all of the season due to an Achilles injury. The Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and the Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton are also on the sidelines this season.

Speed also asked Lillard how often he works out every week, and the NBA star’s answer revealed the brutal nature of coming back from such a tough injury.

“Right now, that’s all I’m doing. I got my rehab for my Achilles, [in the] weight room, getting shots up,” Lillard told him.

The Trail Blazers guard said they’re starting training camp next week, with the NBA preseason and season around the corner.

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Although Lillard is unable to play this season, the Blazers acquired former Boston Celtics point guard Jrue Holiday in the offseason. Additionally, they’ll return key roster members, including guards Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, forward Deni Avdija, and center Donovan Clingan.

“I’m going to be on the sideline, bro. I’m coaching this year,” Lillard told Speed, referring to the role he’ll embrace until he’s healthy and contributing his skills on the court.

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