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Damian Lillard has been officially diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon following an MRI. Lillard was believed to have suffered the injury with the original diagnosis in the locker room following the first quarter injury in Game 4.

Lillard recently returned from a deep vein thrombosis to play in the playoffs. During the 23-24 season, Lillard dealt with an Achilles issue that forced him to miss the end of the Bucks' playoff run.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 24-25. Lillard has a player option for 26-27 with his contract expiring in 2027. Lillard was set to become extension eligible this offseason with the Bucks.

The typical recovery timetable for an Achilles tear is at least 12 months with the likes of Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson each returning from the injury while into their 30s.

Via RealGM Staff Report

This is so sad all around. Dame's going to miss all of next season, I feel for him.

Giannis already didn't have enough help, and was already fanning the flames of trade rumor.

The Bucks have very few youth assets, an expensive payroll and are nowhere near contention for the foreseeable future.

Unfortunately, this is what happens when they rush players back too quickly.

The Rockets trade rumors will be swirling soon!

fuller4379 wrote:Unfortunately, this is what happens when they rush players back too quickly.

I agree!

stlboy wrote:

fuller4379 wrote:Unfortunately, this is what happens when they rush players back too quickly.

I agree!

What does coming back from deep vein thrombosis have to do with an achilles injury?

Dame is done, but man oh man, are the Bucks spectacularly f-ed...

CaHgO wrote:Dame is done, but man oh man, are the Bucks spectacularly f-ed...

I think thats a great opportunity to start a rebuild.

Trade Giannis to a contender and do him right. Get young players and some assets. Tank for 2 seasons and start from scratch.

Roy T wrote:

CaHgO wrote:Dame is done, but man oh man, are the Bucks spectacularly f-ed...

I think thats a great opportunity to start a rebuild.

Trade Giannis to a contender and do him right. Get young players and some assets. Tank for 2 seasons and start from scratch.

True, but Horst is one of the most incompetent GMs out there. Plus they wouldn't have the balls to ship Giannis, unless he specifically and unequivocally asks out. And even if all that happens they still can't start a full-blown rebuild as they have Dame's ginormous contract for the next 2 years.

ontnut wrote:

stlboy wrote:

fuller4379 wrote:Unfortunately, this is what happens when they rush players back too quickly.

I agree!

What does coming back from deep vein thrombosis have to do with an achilles injury?

Briefly: healing fatigues the body, rushing back into high-end sport fatigues the body more. A fatigued body is at greater risk of injury regardless of what it is. Over the age of 30 is a risk factor for tendon injuries. The perfect storm.

Roy T wrote:

CaHgO wrote:Dame is done, but man oh man, are the Bucks spectacularly f-ed...

I think thats a great opportunity to start a rebuild.

Trade Giannis to a contender and do him right. Get young players and some assets. Tank for 2 seasons and start from scratch.

Pelicans own the Bucks' picks. Not that they're ready to contend, but it would be hilarious to me, and not entirely inconceivable if they trade Zion + Bucks picks back to them for Giannis lol.

ontnut wrote:

Roy T wrote:

CaHgO wrote:Dame is done, but man oh man, are the Bucks spectacularly f-ed...

I think thats a great opportunity to start a rebuild.

Trade Giannis to a contender and do him right. Get young players and some assets. Tank for 2 seasons and start from scratch.

Pelicans own the Bucks' picks. Not that they're ready to contend, but it would be hilarious to me, and not entirely inconceivable if they trade Zion + Bucks picks back to them for Giannis lol.

Yeah, just learned about the picks… wow, thats bad.


Three team deal with the Pelicans and a third facilitator incoming…