'I'm Not Going Out This Way': Damian Lillard on His Comeback From Achilles Tear

It’s been a rough stretch for Damian Lillard, but the Bucks guard isn’t planning on letting it be the end of his story.

Dame was first sidelined with a blood clot in his right calf near the end of the regular season.

Then, just three games into his return, Lillard tore his left Achilles during Game 4 of Milwaukee’s first-round playoff series against the Pacers.

It’s a brutal blow, and one that now sets him up for a long, hard road back in the late stages of his career.

The injury happened early in the game when Lillard was at the top of the key when the ball bounced his way. He tipped it toward Gary Trent Jr. with his left hand, but went down immediately, clutching the back of his left leg.

The rehab ahead is pretty intense — but apparently, retirement’s not even an option. Dame’s already thinking about year 14.

“He said two things, which I love,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday. “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.”

Despite everything, Lillard’s focus is already shifting to what’s next.

“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.”

For NBA players, Achilles recovery timelines usually range from six months to a full year, depending on how things go.

Most guys take around ten months before getting back on the court, factoring in not just healing, but full fitness, age and timing with the season.

Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and of course, Kobe Bryant have all made a successful recovery and return. KD and Klay both missed an entire year, while Kobe had surgery in April 2013 and was back by December. If there’s anyone with the mindset to join that list, it’s Dame.