“RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!” Damian Lillard was ecstatic to announce his return to the Blazers following his shocking Bucks waiver. And guess what? The city of Portland welcomed him back with open arms, as the franchise legend reportedly chose them over several interested suitors, including Boston, Minnesota, and Golden State. Obviously, Dame will be unable to suit up for the Blazers right away as he will miss the majority of next season recovering from his Achilles injury. But that does not mean the sharpshooter will not be a key contributor in the Blazers’ campaign!

During a recent presser, Chauncey Billups revealed Lillard’s new role for next season, at least until he returns to action: “I told him that this year he’s going to be the highest paid assistant coach in league history. Cuz I’mma be putting him to work every day.” Yes, the head coach intends to utilize Dame’s veteran experience to mentor the young roster and help him strategize.

Even Lillard couldn’t help but chuckle at Chauncey’s remark. When it comes to the Blazers, no player knows the organization better than Dame D.O.L.L.A. During his eleven-year stint in Portland, he became the all-time franchise leader in points, total three-pointers, free throws, assists, steals, and the list goes on. So, Billups’ mindset to turn to him for assistance makes perfect sense.

Well, Damian Lillard will rake in an estimated $14.1 million next season, thanks to his new three-year $42 million deal with the Blazers. And that does not even include the $22.5 million Bucks will pay him after waiving-and-stretching his remaining $112.6 million salary. Per The Athletic’s John Hollinger, “people in the league” were left “scratching their heads” at Dame’s new contract in Portland. Maybe because the Blazers are not projected to be a legitimate threat in the West, and many expected Lillard to join a title contender.

However, looks like staying close to home, in a city where everyone loves him, was a bigger priority for the thirteen-year veteran. And Billups plans on making the most out of Dame’s second run in Portland, turning him into the ‘highest paid assistant coach in league history’ while he recovers from injury. As expected, even the Blazers youngsters are excited to be mentored by Lillard.

Rookie Yang Hansen ready for ‘Dame Time’ as Damian Lillard makes emotional confession

Well, the Blazers are looking a lot different from how Dame left them two years ago. In an action-filled summer, they let go of Anfernee Simons to bring in two-time champ Jrue Holiday. Then, there was also the whole Deandre Ayton buyout. But despite the two big departures, Portland is looking strong, especially with the addition of star rookie Yang Hansen.

The seven-footer showed great promise in Summer League and could be a future franchise star. And Lillard’s return could further speed up the rookie’s development. That’s why even Yang is excited to team up with the veteran guard and expressed it by doing Dame’s signature ‘Dame Time’ gesture during an interview.

Meanwhile, Lillard is also happy to be back where he belongs. Thanking GM Joe Cronin and Chauncey, he confessed, “For this to even be possible, we all had to be on the same page about it. It never felt right not being home. Through it all, I found my way back. Just fortunate to be back with the group that I was with prior to leaving.” Although Dame joining forces with Giannis looked great on paper, the sharpshooter never truly fit in Milwaukee. While he continued to put up All-Star numbers, it never translated to team success.

That’s why Dame was content with being waived and is happy to be reunited with his former franchise: “I’m just excited and really thankful and appreciative of the door being open for me to come back even with me being hurt.” Are you excited for his second run in Portland?