History is not on the side of players when it comes to injuries, especially when they are past their 30s. Per HoopsHype, Anthony Mason is the oldest player in NBA history to miss a full season due to injury and be an All-Star again. He was 32 at the time of the injury. Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is 34 and will be 35 soon, and he will aim to overcome history after tearing his Achilles tendon.
To be clear, there's no timetable on Lillard's return date, meaning it's not official yet whether or not he will be out for the entire 2025-26 NBA season. However, it's certainly not out of the question and will ultimately be dictated by how his rehab process goes. During every grueling moment, Lillard can use this statistic about Anthony Mason as fuel as he aims to make a full return to form.
Bucks' Damian Lillard has a long, tiring road ahead
An Achilles tear is one of the most devastating injuries for anyone in sports. It features a lengthy and in-depth recovery process. However, players have indeed come back from it to play at a high level in the NBA. Kevin Durant tore his in the NBA Finals and missed the entire 2019-20 season, but he's gone on to secure five All-Star selections after the injury. It is possible to pick up where one left off.
What may separate Durant from Lillard - and what might be the ultimate obstacle for Milwaukee's star guard - is age. Durant missed most of his age-31 season, while Lillard is nearing 35. His legs have a lot more miles on them at this point. He certainly faces an uphill battle, but if anyone can return to form and shatter Mason's record, it is Damian Lillard, one of the NBA's most notorious competitors.
In the meantime, no matter who is running the point for the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard will likely be in their ear to offer his mentorship and input. If the Bucks were to bring back both Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, a likely reality this offseason, Lillard could help fuel their development at the point guard spot as he works his way back into shape. His impact will go beyond the basketball court.
Damian Lillard has already undergone the surgery, so the rehab process has already begun. He's built for the long road ahead, and the Milwaukee Bucks are hoping he can join them, in All-Star form, down the line, whether it's next season or the following year.
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