While Lillard's recovery timetable is a lengthy one—the average recovery period for NBA players with Achilles tears is roughly 10 months, putting Lillard's return date around February 2026—there's still optimism he could return toward the tail end of next season and be ready to make an impact in the playoffs.

Lillard of course was cut by Milwaukee due to his Achilles tendon injury having him out for all of next season in a context the team's front office needed to maximize playable talent in order to retain the services of star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.