The Portland Trail Blazers will have more than just one familiar face representing them during All-Star Weekend. While Deni Avdija earned his first All-Star selection this season, another big name from Rip City is set to make headlines - Damian Lillard is returning to the 3-Point Contest.
Yes, that Damian Lillard - the same one who tore his Achilles in last season’s playoffs while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. According to reports, Lillard will lace 'em up for the long-range showcase next weekend, marking a surprising but welcome return to the spotlight.
This will be Lillard’s sixth appearance in the 3-Point Contest, and he’s not just showing up for the vibes. He’s already a two-time champ, having won it back-to-back in 2023 and 2024. Now, he’s chasing a rare third title - a feat that would further cement his legacy as one of the game’s most feared deep threats.
Even with the injury still fresh in fans’ minds, Lillard’s inclusion isn’t just ceremonial. He’s long been in the conversation with Stephen Curry when it comes to elite long-distance shooting.
His range is limitless, his confidence unshakable. And when Lillard steps onto the court with a rack of balls and a 60-second timer, you can bet the rest of the field will be on high alert.
The Achilles injury sidelined him during a critical stretch with the Bucks, and his future in Milwaukee came to an abrupt end when the team opted to waive and stretch his contract in the offseason. That move opened the door for a homecoming - Lillard returned to Portland, where his NBA journey began and where the fanbase still holds him in legendary regard.
While Lillard won’t be suiting up in the All-Star Game itself, his presence at All-Star Weekend is a big moment - both for him and for the Trail Blazers. It’s a sign that his recovery is progressing, and it offers a glimpse of what could be coming next season when he’s expected to be back at full strength.
In the meantime, Portland is holding its own. The team currently sits ninth in the Western Conference, right in the thick of the Play-In race.
It’s not a guaranteed playoff berth, but considering where the Blazers have been the last few seasons, it’s progress. And with Lillard’s return on the horizon, the energy in Portland is shifting.
For now, fans will get to see a familiar sight: Dame Time, but with a twist - no game clock, just a countdown and a chance for one of the league’s greatest shooters to remind everyone exactly who he is.