October 11, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (left) and guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) sit on the bench during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

'The Game is Getting Super Fast' – Portland Trail Blazers Star Has a Theory for the Surge of Achilles Injuries in the NBA

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 6:54 PM ET

Damian Lillard recently sparked excitement about his return, posting a video of himself doing various basketball workouts. During an interview with Andy Katz, the Portland Trail Blazers guard provided a positive update on his rehab progress.

In the same interview, Lillard also had a theory about the surge in Achilles injuries across the NBA. The Portland Trail Blazers star explained that today’s game is much harder on the body due to the players’ improved athleticism and skill sets.

“I’m not returning as a shell of myself. I plan to return to be myself,” Lillard stated. “Honestly, I think it might have something to do with the pace of the game. The game is getting super fast, and you’re dealing with like extremely high-level athletes.”

Feb 6, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts talks to guard Gary Trent Jr. (2) and guard Damian Lillard (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, in New York. The Knicks won 110-99. Mandatory Credit: Mary Altaffer/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

“You know how often guys train. You know how much we play and travel. All of those things, plus changing direction and stopping at the level we compete at, it’s hard on your body…You know, I think that’s probably becoming a little bit more of a thing now because of those reasons,” he added.

Portland Trail Blazers News: Analyst reveals the team’s glaring roster hole this upcoming season

ESPN’s Kevin Pelton recently wrote that the Portland Trail Blazers have a problem with their point guard depth heading into this season, since Damian Lillard is not expected to play for the team until 2026-27.

Nov 2, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) warms up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

“With Damian Lillard spending his first season back in Portland on the sidelines because of an Achilles tear, the Blazers don’t have ideal options behind Scoot Henderson and newcomer Jrue Holiday,” Pelton stated.

“If either misses time, Portland might be better off using Deni Avdija as a point forward instead of reclamation project Blake Wesley,” he concluded.