Hypothetical: Dame to play in the series against SAS

[LayneStaley]

AI thinks he’s coming back. I don’t unless it’s the WCF.

 

[blazerkor]

Tiago was already asked about this and he said because Dame is targeting the beginning of next season that he won't be back.

Everyone freaking out because Dame was shooting the same jumpers he's been shooting since early in the season. SMH

 

[Natebishop3]

Tiago was already asked about this and he said because Dame is targeting the beginning of next season that he won't be back.

Everyone freaking out because Dame was shooting the same jumpers he's been shooting since early in the season. SMH

I think everyone is freaking out because of the way the Blazers put the clip out.

This is gonna get attention

 

[inconceivable]

I think everyone is freaking out because of the way the Blazers put the clip out.

This is gonna get attention

Teasing. Social Media team playing games.

 

[Domihatin]

Dame doesn't look like he's even in shape or conditioned to be game ready. He looks kinda thick, tbh. Here's a thought, though:

Why not lost him as doubtful or even questionable, but NOT PLAY HIM. The Spurs would have to game-plan and strategize for him on the court, but it would be a waste of time and they would keep wondering when are they going to insert him? Maybe would throw them off. Especially if we insert someone like Blake instead unexpectedly toward the end of the game and have him just fly around and harass the Spurs players and get steals and such. Could do the same with Sidy.

 

[kjironman1]

I assume Dame will be coming back for an entire season. That's going to mess with chemistry much more than playing a few minutes off the bench. At least if he plays now, it'll be in a "fit in" role where I think he could only help.

How would that mess with chemistry if he comes back for training camp and earns his spot on the roster like any other player on the court?
This is a moot conversation. He isn't playing.

 

[BBert]

Dame doesn't look like he's even in shape or conditioned to be game ready. He looks kinda thick, tbh. Here's a thought, though:

Why not lost him as doubtful or even questionable, but NOT PLAY HIM. The Spurs would have to game-plan and strategize for him on the court, but it would be a waste of time and they would keep wondering when are they going to insert him? Maybe would throw them off. Especially if we insert someone like Blake instead unexpectedly toward the end of the game and have him just fly around and harass the Spurs players and get steals and such. Could do the same with Sidy.

I had a similar thought that went like this. It's the last possession of the game. Timeout. Blazers have the ball. Our best three point shooters check in. Dame is one of them. When the ball is inbounded Dame jogs cross court and sets up for a corner three. Doesn't have to move or play defense. But the Spurs have to cover him tight. Or else. Deny drives and dishes to...?

 

[SlyPokerDog]

 

[SlyPokerDog]

 

[KingSpeed]

Tiago was already asked about this and he said because Dame is targeting the beginning of next season that he won't be back.

Everyone freaking out because Dame was shooting the same jumpers he's been shooting since early in the season. SMH

Tiago leaves the door wide open in this interview. “When that’s going to be, I don’t know.”

12K views · 168 reactions | Is Damian Lillard coming back for the playoffs? 👀⌚ | The Oregonian

Is Damian Lillard coming back for the playoffs? 👀⌚

www.facebook.com

 

[Domihatin]

Tiago leaves the door wide open in this interview. “When that’s going to be, I don’t know.”

12K views · 168 reactions | Is Damian Lillard coming back for the playoffs? 👀⌚ | The Oregonian

Is Damian Lillard coming back for the playoffs? 👀⌚

www.facebook.com

I read this, too and it was very interesting.

 

[Chris Craig]

View attachment 84256

 

[blazerkor]

Tiago leaves the door wide open in this interview. “When that’s going to be, I don’t know.”

12K views · 168 reactions | Is Damian Lillard coming back for the playoffs? 👀⌚ | The Oregonian

Is Damian Lillard coming back for the playoffs? 👀⌚

www.facebook.com

Yeah, I saw that interview. It was an interview after game one where he said it wasn't happening.

I guess we'll see but if I was the type to lay money down, I would bet that Dame's next game is in the preseason this fall.

 

[KingSpeed]

Yeah, I saw that interview. It was an interview after game one where he said it wasn't happening.

I guess we'll see but if I was the type to lay money down, I would bet that Dame's next game is in the preseason this fall.

Tiago said he didn’t know if Dame was coming back during playoffs and he said PROBABLY not. Not “it wasn’t happening.”

 

[blazerfan11]

How would that mess with chemistry if he comes back for training camp and earns his spot on the roster like any other player on the court?
This is a moot conversation. He isn't playing.

chemistry means meshing with your teammates. it's not necessarily about individual talent or earning a roster spot.

 

[kjironman1]

chemistry means meshing with your teammates. it's not necessarily about individual talent or earning a roster spot.

Exactly. Glad we got that straight. Throwing him in the game tonight would be great for meshing with teammates and would not create any problems at all.

 

[Domihatin]

Looks like somebody changed their vote from happy to something else, but we are still at nearly 50% happy votes. And 25% for all of the above. And it's very interesting that there are no votes for fear. I do love the vote for confusion, though.

Maybe Grant was intentionally shooting poorly so that Dame would think to himself, "gosh, I really need to get out there and drain some threes!"


You know that he has to be pondering it at least. I picture him doing things at his home gym or here and there and kind of testing his ankle, foot, leg, everything connected to his achilles and wondering if he should go for it?

But, as many have said, there's not really enough time for him to properly get into game shape and conditioning and mesh with the team, likely. And, hopefully we won't need him because players like Matisse and Jerami and Sterling will step up and start or continue draining them.

Also, I would like to see some Blake and Sidy in this game tonight. Go out there and get some steals and draw some fouls and harass the other team!!!!

Who else wants to see Rip Sidy celebrate with so much heart after drawing a foul again when opponents just get frustrated and shove him this year????? We need Toumani Jr. out there!

 

[Domihatin]

More talk about possible Lillard return this year. Interesting article and makes you think about how deep we'd be if Scoot came off the bench to back up a starting Dame:

Trail Blazers' Potential Starting Lineup If Damian Lillard Makes A Shocking Comeback

The Trail Blazers might be getting Damian Lillard back from injury in the 2026 NBA playoffs.

fadeawayworld.net

 

[Chris Craig]

Really agonizing that Dame isn't playing.

 

[Domihatin]

I really think that the Blazers should do something wild and just play him. Sure, he isn't ramped up, but I really don't think they have anything to lose at this point, and who knows, Dame may be able to play great and be the X factor and help us win. I don't think Dame is going to hurt himself by playing.

Especially if you just use him as a catch and shoot threat. Is he going to be a liability on defense? Possibly, sure, but he's also crafty and quick and has a lot of experience in these situations.

It's very doubtful, but I think there's maybe a 5% to 10% chance that he plays tonight....which is basically zero.

They have to be considering it. If the Blazers can pull off this come back, it will go down huge in history and there's a lot of opportunity in the second round.

If we can just learn from the mistakes of the these losses and use it as fuel to win the next 3 games. The most important thing is just winning this next game and getting it back to Portland for game 6.

 

[Boomchakalaka2]

Dame won’t play. Giannis won’t come here and sign an extension should Dame play tonight and get reinjured.

 

[Chris Craig]

Dame won’t play. Giannis won’t come here and sign an extension should Dame play tonight and get reinjured.

I doubt he'll sign an extension here regardless.

 

[Samuel]

I really don't think they have anything to lose at this point

come on, sure you do

 

[blazerkor]

I really think that the Blazers should do something wild and just play him. Sure, he isn't ramped up, but I really don't think they have anything to lose at this point, and who knows, Dame may be able to play great and be the X factor and help us win. I don't think Dame is going to hurt himself by playing.

Especially if you just use him as a catch and shoot threat. Is he going to be a liability on defense? Possibly, sure, but he's also crafty and quick and has a lot of experience in these situations.

It's very doubtful, but I think there's maybe a 5% to 10% chance that he plays tonight....which is basically zero.

They have to be considering it. If the Blazers can pull off this come back, it will go down huge in history and there's a lot of opportunity in the second round.

If we can just learn from the mistakes of the these losses and use it as fuel to win the next 3 games. The most important thing is just winning this next game and getting it back to Portland for game 6.

I don't think our roster would be better than this Spurs roster with pre-injury Dame.

I have said this before but Dame has been targeting the fall and pre-season 2026-27 to be back in game shape. That means he is constantly ramping things up with that time period in mind. So it is highly likely that his body isn't close to ready to play.

What I'm trying to say is that this take of yours is not based in reality. Have some more hopium with your copium.

 

[e_blazer]

I don't think our roster would be better than this Spurs roster with pre-injury Dame.

I have said this before but Dame has been targeting the fall and pre-season 2026-27 to be back in game shape. That means he is constantly ramping things up with that time period in mind. So it is highly likely that his body isn't close to ready to play.

What I'm trying to say is that this take of yours is not based in reality. Have some more hopium with your copium.

In my experience, the hopium vs nopium intake on this board just about cancel each other out.

That said, no way would I bring Dame back for this series.

 

[Chris Craig]

Dame is out for game 5