Why You Should Bet on Damian Lillard This Year

Key Points:

• Damian Lillard, a top 75 NBA player known as "Dame Time," is making a comeback with the Portland Trail Blazers after recovering from a severe Achilles injury sustained in the 2025 playoffs.
• Lillard channels adversity into motivation, using setbacks as "wood on the fire" to fuel his performance, and is expected to lead the Blazers with renewed intensity in his age-36 season.
• New head coach Micah Nori, an underdog with a strong work ethic, joins forces with veteran assistant Jay Triano to implement an offense tailored to Lillard’s strengths, focusing on pick-and-roll plays.
• Big man Donovan Clingan will be a key pick-and-roll partner for Lillard, providing strong screens, rebounding, and defensive presence, though his response to playoff struggles remains a question.
• The Blazers' improved defense, bolstered by players like Jrue Holiday and Deni Avdija, aims to complement Lillard’s offense, while Avdija’s aggressive style offers a counter to opponents’ defensive blitzes against Lillard.