Damian Lillard vows that his career didn’t end on Sunday night, when he fell to the court due to a non-contact injury that was diagnosed as a left Achilles tear.
While the Bucks star guard and longtime All-Star could miss all of next season, he has no plans to call it quits. Lillard expressed his feelings to head coach Doc Rivers on Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
“He said two things, which I love,” Rivers said. “The first one, he just said, ‘I can’t believe I’m here.’ Then the second one is ‘I’m not going out this way.’ I can guarantee you he won’t, and that’s what I meant about his resolve.”
Milwaukee’s season ended in stunning fashion on Tuesday night, as it squandered a seven-point lead late in overtime and lost to Indiana, 119-118. The Pacers won the series, 4-1. Another early postseason flameout, coupled with Lillard’s injury, will lead to endless speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s future.
Lillard, who turns 35 in July, can’t control that. He’s instead focused on his lengthy rehab process.
“It’s amazing,” Rivers said. “He’s already talking about his return and being better and being ready. We had a long talk about that today as well.”
Lillard’s injury occurred in his third game back from a blood clot in his right calf, which sidelined him for more than a month. He’s due to make an estimated $54,126,380 next season and holds an option projected at $58,456,490 for the 2026/27 season.