Damian Lillard’s latest diagnosis might rule him out for the rest of the season, but fans are worried this is just the beginning.
Damian Lillard is likely out for the rest of the season. Chris Haynes reported that Lillard has a blood clot in his right calf, thus keeping him out indefinitely.
Blood clots can be very serious, so this rules him out not just for the remainder of the season but perhaps even longer.
Lillard has been working very hard to adapt his game to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. And this will be a big blow to the Milwaukee Bucks‘ title hopes.
NBA fans are devastated over this news. While some believe he will return soon, others believe this could be a dangerous omen for the future of his career.
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Several NBA fans took to X to react and send their well-wishes to Damian Lillard. One fan wrote, “Prayers up for you, Dame. You were having a remarkable season. Come back even stronger.”
“Yo??? The same thing Chris Bosh and Lamarcus Aldridge went through that ultimately ended both careers,” worried another fan aloud.
Another fan reminisced, “Every time I see ‘blood clots’, it takes me back to 2015 in February when Bosh was diagnosed. I hope Damian Lillard fully recovers and can continue his career at an elite level.”
One NBA enthusiast tried explaining a potential cause, noting, “People forget, basketball players are not regular athletes. These guys are taller than most and travel in cramped spaces often even in team planes. The constant travel can affect their blood and cause irregular clothing.”
“This is actually horrible. It can be problematic for a lifetime. Bigger than basketball,” said another fan who tried to put things into perspective.
Deep vein thrombosis can be a terrifying condition and has even ended the NBA career of Chris Bosh. Hopefully, much like Victor Wembanyama, Lillard is expected to make a speedy recovery.
The Milwaukee Bucks can no longer be considered realistic contenders for the NBA championship. They weren’t having the best season to begin with.
But losing their second-best player is the death blow to any title hopes that they have. Lillard was having a decent season, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.
Lillard will have to wait till at least next season to win an NBA championship and shut down the critics. For now, he must focus on his health.
Perhaps the superstar can use the remainder of the regular season and the off-season to fully recover and return at full health at the start of next season.
