Damian Lillard, the ten-time NBA All-Star, suffered a devastating non-contact injury during Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. According to the diagnosis, Lillard has a complete tear of his left Achilles tendon. This injury will likely cost him a huge chunk of the upcoming season. At 34 years old, this injury severely hampers expectations for his long-term value. It endangers his partnership with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lillard’s injury comes after an almost unbearable season. He averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists, and that was good enough to rank him tenth in both categories league-wide. Lillard fought deep vein thrombosis in his right calf earlier this season but made an impactful return to the court. He failed to perform at his typically explosive level in the post-season. He was brutally ineffective against the Pacers in their three-game mini-series, averaging a paltry 18.3 points and 9.3 assists. This performance is a staggering departure from his incredible 31.3 points per game last year during the playoff series against that same team.
The Achilles tear not only threatens Lillard’s future availability, it casts doubt on how well he and Antetokounmpo will complement each other in the long run. Together as teammates, the past two seasons, they’ve played in a total of three playoff games together. The possible end of this dynamic duo would mean major changes for both player and franchise in the future.
“To think that I’m here under such a sad context,” said Doc Rivers, head coach of the Bucks, alluding to Lillard’s crushing injury. It further highlights the precariousness of injury in professional sports and the cost it all takes on athletes’ careers.
In his reaction to this most recent obstacle, Lillard was defiant. Given the current buzz surrounding the word revolution, if you’re not familiar with the flash point that ignited that word, let me take you back just a year.
Fans and analysts continue to speculate on Lillard’s recovery timeline and when he’ll possibly return to the court. This injury is undoubtedly the most significant turning point in his career. There’s a very real chance that Lillard and the Bucks could be in for a rough ride. He now faces the prospect of missing most of next season.
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