NBA player Damian Lillard believes he's progressing faster than expected, yet he's cautious about rushing his recovery.
Damian Lillard Set to Transform Role After Injury, Aiming for Secondary Creator Role
Damian Lillard, the star point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, is expected to undergo a significant role change following his return from a torn Achilles injury, according to Eastern Conference coaches and executives.
After a successful stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged 24.6 points and 7.0 assists, Lillard is expected to relinquish his primary ball-handling duties. Instead, he may adopt a role similar to Mike Conley's, serving as a secondary creator and veteran presence on the court.
This role adjustment is seen as a significant mental hurdle for Lillard, who has been accustomed to running the offense for most of his career. One Eastern Conference coach pointed out the mental challenge Lillard will face in giving up the primary ball-handling role, a departure from his traditional role.
Another Eastern Conference executive suggested that Lillard might need to play more off the ball, functioning more as a secondary playmaker and floor leader, similar to how Mike Conley plays. This mental adjustment is considered a tough challenge for Lillard.
Lillard himself has expressed confidence in his rehab progress and returning to form, but he acknowledged the reality and challenges of this injury and the potential change in his playing style. He may use the comments as motivation to "return to form" and prove doubters wrong.
The outcome of the next season or the following one ('26-27) for Lillard's future is uncertain. The development of young players such as Scoot Henderson will be significant for the Blazers' future plans. Additionally, Jrue Holiday's tenure in Portland will also influence the team's future.
Mike Conley's role with the Minnesota Timberwolves is used as a comparison for Lillard's potential new role. Conley, a veteran point guard, has successfully transitioned into a secondary creator role, providing valuable leadership and playmaking skills.
As Lillard prepares for this new chapter in his career, fans and analysts eagerly await to see how he will adapt to this role change and lead the Trail Blazers to success.
In the following seasons, Damian Lillard might draw inspiration from Mike Conley's successful transition into a secondary creator role with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Having served as a primary playmaker in the past, Lillard may face a mental challenge as he adopts a similar role, aiming to provide assistance and leadership on the court like Conley does currently. As he returns from his injury, Lillard is expected to play more off the ball in the NBA, contributing as a secondary creator and floor leader, based on comparisons with Conley's current role.
