“It’s been great. I’m not an overly expressive person, but I think in my adulthood — coming back here at this time, with the age of my kids, with where the team is — it just feels right.” A few days ago, Damian Lillard explained the feeling of returning to Oregon and called himself “blessed”. Injuries played a big role away from Portland in stopping him from chasing the ring with the Bucks. Now, he is back where it all began. Naturally, not everyone will have the same opinion.

With the preseason just a few weeks away, hundreds of Trail Blazers fans packed downtown Portland Sunday afternoon to welcome nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard back home during a block party. The Trail Blazers added multiple videos from the day, as fans showed support by donning his jersey and ‘Dame Time’ signs during the event. The team added the caption, “The sweetest reunion ❤️.”

At one point, it felt like the crowd wouldn’t let their favorite speak–that’s how much Lillard means to the Portland fans. But the 35-year-old said and showered fans with love. He used an analogy to sum up his situation perfectly. “A week ago, that would be about the time I would usually have to pick up and leave,” he said. “And I was like, ‘Man, I don’t have anywhere to go. I’m home.’ That was when it really clicked.”

This season, the reality kicked in when he realized he didn’t need to leave his home in Portland to go elsewhere, which means more time with family and his young kids. His motive for signing the $42 million contract was returning to Portland. Dame originally spent the first 11 seasons of his career in Portland, earning nine All-Star berths and leading the team to the playoffs eight times, averaging 25.2 points and 6.7 assists in his time with the organization. But his second run won’t be the same.

The fans loved the rally, but his return to the court will be delayed. He will probably miss the 2025-26 season as he recovers from a torn Achilles, which he suffered in the first round of the playoffs against the Pacers. From being the overall #6 pick by the Blazers in the 2012 draft to being a cornerstone of the franchise in 2025, Dame has truly etched himself in the hearts of the faithful Trail Blazers.

Some showered love, while some were angry at Damian Lillard

The Rip City turned up at the block party and made little tributes to celebrate Dame Time. Blazers superfan Gina Shaddox wore a knitted sweater with a picture of Lillard’s face. The interesting part is that it took over three months to complete, and the fan had no problem doing it. “He is the heart and soul of the team, and he always was, even when he wasn’t here,” Shaddox said. Seeing all this, one netizen wrote, “They really love that boy”.

After the Bucks waived and stretched his contract, other teams were in contention despite the ACL injury. But he chose Portland over offers from contenders like the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves. Nobody would have predicted that after his trade in September 2023, the 35-year-old would be back. A fan simply expressed the unreal feeling. “My heart is full! Still can’t believe it’s real!”

As stated, some are elated for the reunion, while others are not over the fact that Damian Lillard left the promised land. After 11 seasons in Portland, he formally requested a trade that year when the Blazers were struggling, saying he wanted to win an NBA championship. Now that he is back after 2 seasons and no rings to celebrate, a fan mocked the decision. “0 rings 1 grown beard“. Even the Bucks fans feel the same, as the partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo was supposed to bring back more championships. But injuries cost them crucial time on the court.

The Milwaukee franchisee found a creative path to waive and stretch Lillard, whose $113M will be pulled over the next five seasons. The only possibility was a buyout since the salary was high, plus the injury. So, the Bucks waived and stretched the remaining nine figures left on Damian Lillard’s contract to make enough room to sign Turner from the Pacers. That’s why an angry fan wrote, “F— him. He owes milwaukke 100M and an apology“.

Injuries truly limited the star duo’s real capabilities. For Damian Lillard, it was even tougher. First, he had a battle with deep vein thrombosis during the season, and then he tore his Achilles tendon in the playoffs. But the resentment in some fans is still there. “”sweetest reunion” he left barely a year ago😭✌“. It was just two seasons, but ask some of the Portland faithful, and it was no less than an eternity. There is still a way that he can win some of the hearts back.

In 2019, Damian Lillard said, “Well, I’m going to be that. I’m going to carry that. I’m going to bring a ring to this city or go down swinging.” Luckily, he has a second chance to make this happen. Plus, he is a team veteran, which will no doubt help the core in any way possible.