From Newsweek · Aman Sharma · · 50s
Damian Lillard's darkest NBA day
Damian Lillard reveals his career's darkest moment after a torn Achilles.
In brief
Damian Lillard reveals his career's darkest moment after a torn Achilles. Damian Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, says his darkest day was being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after a torn Achilles in 2025. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Damian Lillard's darkest day
Damian Lillard, 36, says his darkest day was being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after a torn Achilles in 2025.
“The darkest day was when I was hurt and got waived”
Injury and waiver timeline
Lillard ruptured his left Achilles in a playoff game on April 27, 2025, then was waived by Milwaukee in July 2025.
Free agency decision
Lillard considered sitting out the year or auditioning for teams after two and a half weeks of free agency.
Return to Portland
Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2025-2026 season.
The headline
Damian Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, says his darkest day was being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after a torn Achilles in 2025.
