When news broke about Damian Lillard’s return to the Trail Blazers, fans’ imaginations went wild. LILLARD IS BACK! “Dame Time” has returned to Rip City.
I envision him hitting deep, last-minute threes and reigniting memories of his prime. But beyond the emotion, there’s a strong case to be made that this move makes actual basketball sense for Portland.
First, Portland is in the middle of a rebuild. Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and now Yang Hansen give the Blazers a young core that needs a steadying force. Lillard can be just that. In fact, this year, he can only be that, because he’s not likely to return to action until the following season (due to his recent Achilles tear).
Regardless of his Achilles injury, Lillard is determined to recover and come back strong. Dame is not the MVP candidate he once was, but he’s still a top-tier shot-creator and floor-spacer. Bringing him back accelerates the development of the kids, giving them the chance to play next to a Hall of Fame guard who knows how to win at a high level.
Second, the roster construction actually fits Lillard better now than it did in his final years here. Hansen projects as a passing hub who can take playmaking pressure off Dame. Henderson’s speed allows Portland to play faster, and Sharpe provides the kind of athletic wing scorer Lillard never truly had during his first run. Instead of being asked to carry 35% usage every night, Dame could slide into a more efficient, balanced role.
Third, culture matters. Lillard has always been one of the league’s best leaders, and Portland’s youth movement needs leadership. Too many rebuilds stall out because young teams lack accountability. Dame’s presence, even if his minutes and touches are dialed back, will anchor the locker room and give Henderson a living blueprint for how to lead a franchise. Who better to mentor the young guys than the great Blazer of all time? Maybe this will be just what the young guys need to develop chemistry, desire, fire, focus, and the mindset of a champion. That’s basketball value, not just sentimental value.
How did the Pacers almost win a championship without a “big three?” They didn’t have a super-team. They did it because they had depth, chemistry, and discipline, rather than top-heavy star power. Maybe bringing Dame back will help create a similar situation.
Finally, think about the Western Conference. Portland isn’t contending for a title tomorrow, but with Lillard back in the fold and potentially on the court next season they’re suddenly not a pushover either. A competitive team that sneaks into the play-in gives young players real playoff reps, which matter more than another year in the lottery. In that sense, Dame’s return could be the bridge between the Blazers’ future and their present, transforming what looks like a nostalgic reunion into a legitimately strategic basketball move.