MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard is on the road to recovery and eagerly awaiting his return to the basketball court. After spending a month sidelined due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf, Lillard has been cleared for full basketball activities and is no longer on blood-thinning medication. This development arrives just as the Bucks gear up for their playoff opener in Indiana.
Deep vein thrombosis involves the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs, which can impede blood flow back to the heart. Reflecting on the situation, Lillard drew inspiration from other athletes who faced similar challenges. “There are people out there dealing with much worse, so I don’t want to dramatize this, but it’s a reminder of how unpredictable life can be,” Lillard shared. He acknowledged players like Chris Bosh, whose career ended due to blood clots, noting that one can never take life’s opportunities for granted.
During his recovery period, Lillard’s activities were limited to basic exercises such as free-throw shooting and weightlifting as he was on blood thinners. However, with the green light to resume full training, Lillard has begun preparing for a comeback, even though he has been ruled out for Saturday’s game. Embracing an active approach, Lillard remarked, “If there was any chance of a return, I didn’t want to just sit idle. I wanted to be proactive.”
While eager to get back on the court, Lillard’s primary concern was his health. Aware of the potential dangers of blood clots—having lost a cousin to a similar condition during the pandemic—Lillard was understandably anxious. “When I first got the diagnosis, my mind raced with possibilities. I couldn’t help but panic a bit,” Lillard said, recounting his initial fears and the symptoms he experienced, such as swelling and chest discomfort.
Doctors reassured Lillard, emphasizing that as a healthy 34-year-old athlete, his recovery process might differ from the standard protocol. He was closely monitored through regular lab tests and ultrasounds, allowing for an inch-by-inch evaluation of his progress. Gradually, the clot decreased in size, paving the way for his potential return.
The incident invoked comparisons to San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama and former Miami Heat star Chris Bosh, both of whom faced significant setbacks due to DVT. However, Lillard’s swift recovery appears atypical. “Doctors noted that my case was rare,” Lillard explained. “Despite multiple assessments where no significant changes occurred, the clot’s size decreased unexpectedly.”
As Lillard nears a comeback, Bucks coach Doc Rivers attributes part of his rapid recovery to his positive mindset. “Damian’s determination and positive energy are remarkable. It’s incredible how much that can contribute to healing,” Rivers remarked.
While the exact date of Lillard’s return remains uncertain, the basketball community eagerly anticipates his return to the game. Lillard remains grounded and optimistic, saying he intends to return as soon as he feels ready. “The moment I feel good to go, I’ll be back on the court,” Lillard stated, confident that day will come soon.