The Portland Trail Blazers knew they’d be without Damian Lillard in his first year back on the team. They didn’t care.
It turns out that head coach Chauncey Billups has a special role in mind for Lillard while he recovers from a torn Achilles.
At the point guard’s first press conference since signing a three-year, $45 million deal, Billups revealed that he won’t be taking it easy on his newest addition.
“This year, he’s gonna be the highest-paid assistant coach in league history. Because I’m going to be putting him to work every day,” Billups said.
Billups said it in jest, but Dame has a chance to make an impact on the team immediately as a mentor.
The Trail Blazers have young guards like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe who could use the guidance of the nine-time All-Star. Two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday is another veteran guard who will be relied on for leadership.
Damian Lillard is back #RipCity pic.twitter.com/YJXJYRPGTq
— Orlando Sanchez (@orlandokgw) July 22, 2025
Lillard won’t take the floor next season but he will be on the sidelines for the games. During timeouts and intermissions Portland’s bevy of young players will have questions for him. There’s a good chance Dame will have answers.
But once his recovery is over, the Trail Blazers expect him to return to form. He averaged 25 points a game last season with the Bucks. Portland will want more of that in the 2026-27 season.
“He’ll be back better than ever,” Billups said. “We’re really excited about that.
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