Damian Lillard Proves He's Still an Elite Shooter After Achilles Injury

Why this matters: Lillard's return to form is crucial for the Trail Blazers' playoff aspirations. His shooting provides much-needed floor spacing, and his presence could elevate the team's offensive performance.

Damian Lillard's recovery from an Achilles tear has been a topic of concern, especially considering the impact such injuries can have on a player's shooting ability. However, Lillard has wasted no time in dispelling those doubts. His victory in the 3-Point Contest not only demonstrated his skill but also served as a reminder of his status as one of the league's premier shooters.

Adding to this, Lillard's Instagram post showcasing his shooting accuracy further solidified his return to form. Despite his age (35) and the severity of the injury, Lillard seems poised to make a significant impact on the Trail Blazers' offense.

According to Kevin Durant, Lillard may need to adjust his game, particularly his reliance on deep three-pointers. Durant, who also recovered from an Achilles injury, noted the importance of adapting to one's changing physical capabilities. This could mean Lillard will be used more in catch-and-shoot situations, leveraging his floor spacing abilities without requiring as much shot creation.

The Trail Blazers, who have become a borderline playoff team even without Lillard, don't need him to carry the entire offensive load. If they can integrate him as a complementary piece, his presence could be enough to push them into serious contention.

He may be used more off-ball and in catch-and-shoot scenarios to conserve energy and mitigate the impact on his shot creation.

His elite shooting will provide much-needed floor spacing and improve the team's offensive efficiency, potentially pushing them into the playoffs.

What kind of impact do you think Lillard will have on the Trail Blazers in the upcoming season? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!