Damian Lillard isn’t one to seek the spotlight when it comes to injuries, but when it comes to the grind of coming back from an Achilles tear, he’s been quietly building a support system - and that includes Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum.
During All-Star Weekend, Lillard opened up about the bond he’s formed with Tatum as both stars continue their respective recoveries from Achilles injuries suffered last postseason. It’s not just a casual check-in here or there - the two have been in regular contact, comparing notes, sharing milestones, and pushing each other through one of the most grueling rehabs in professional sports.
“As far as [Tatum], from the very beginning, we’ve been kind of back and forth like, ‘What you doing now? How you feel about this?
Have you done this yet?’” Lillard said.
That kind of back-and-forth isn’t just friendly banter - it’s a lifeline. When you’re dealing with an Achilles injury, the mental side of the rehab is just as punishing as the physical.
The uncertainty, the isolation, the slow pace of progress - it can weigh on even the most seasoned vets. For Lillard and Tatum, having someone else who’s walking the same path has made a real difference.
“It’s been like that,” Lillard continued. “And I think over the last couple months, we’ve both just, we’ve reached a comfortable enough position to just start really focusing…”
There’s a sense that both players have turned a corner. The early stages of Achilles rehab are about regaining basic function - walking without pain, reintroducing strength.
But once you cross that threshold, it becomes about fine-tuning, rebuilding explosiveness, and trusting your body again. That’s where Lillard and Tatum are now: eyes on the finish line, putting in the work to return not just healthy, but whole.
“We’ve got a better idea of what’s happening,” Lillard added, “and [are] just trying to get to the finish line.”
It’s a rare look behind the curtain at how elite athletes support each other - not just as competitors, but as people. And as both Lillard and Tatum continue to work their way back to full strength, that shared experience might just be the edge they need to come back stronger than ever.