Renowned Surgeon Operates on Lillard's Injury
The Milwaukee Bucks star, Damian Lillard, has successfully undergone surgery to repair his torn left Achilles tendon, as announced by the team. The procedure was carried out in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a well-known surgeon in the field, with consultation from Bucks orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Carole Vetter.
The news of Lillard's surgery was anticipated following the recent diagnosis of a left Achilles tear. The star player will now embark on a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation journey. While the Bucks did not specify a timeline for Lillard's return, there is a possibility that he may miss the entire 2025-26 season due to the timing of the injury in the current season.
Notable NBA players like Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, both in their 30s, have previously undergone Achilles tear surgeries. Durant underwent the procedure in 2019 and returned to the court in 2020, while Thompson's recovery period lasted from 2020 to 2022.
Recovering from a torn Achilles can be a lengthy process, even for younger players. Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, for instance, returned to play after a year from the date of his injury.
Despite the challenges ahead, Lillard, who is set to turn 35 this July, is determined to make a full recovery. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers revealed that Lillard is committed to regaining his strength and returning to the game. With significant earnings on the line, including a projected $54.1M for next season and a player option for 2026-27 expected to be worth $58.5M, Lillard's dedication to his comeback is unwavering.
