Shams Reports: Damian Lillard Diagnosed with Right Calf Deep Vein Thrombosis, Will Be Out Indefinitely, Temporarily Leaving NBA Action.

In a somewhat harsh reality check, it’s safe to say that Lillard’s season is likely over. This comes after the recent diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in his right calf—mirroring a similar injury suffered by Victor Wembanyama’s right shoulder, which ultimately ended his season. This marks the third player in the past two years to be diagnosed with a thrombosis condition in the NBA, with Detroit’s Ausar Thompson joining Lillard and Wembanyama. This statistic represents the highest number of such cases in the past decade.

Turning to Lillard, he’s played 58 games for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, averaging 36.1 minutes per game, with 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. His shooting splits are 44.8% from the field, 37.6% from three, and an impressive 92.1% from the free-throw line. While Lillard's efficiency has been somewhat average this season, he remains the Bucks' essential perimeter weapon. His indefinite absence is a devastating blow to Milwaukee's title hopes, leaving their prospects in the Eastern Conference up in the air. Remember, this season marks Lillard's second year in Milwaukee—after last year's disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Pacers, where Lillard played through injury and appeared in just four games, averaging an impressive 31.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Of course, it's important to acknowledge that one major factor in last year’s playoff exit was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury, which kept him out for an entire game. The Bucks are currently 40-31, sitting in 5th place in the East, and seem poised to make the playoffs. But now, the question becomes: can Giannis carry the team on his own in the postseason? With Lillard out indefinitely, it’s likely we’ll see Giannis leading the charge alone, and that raises questions about how far the Bucks can go in the playoffs. When Lillard and Giannis first teamed up, there were high hopes for their dynamic partnership, but injuries and other factors have hindered their chemistry. The championship dreams have yet to materialize, and even making it to the Eastern Conference Finals has remained elusive.

At 34, Lillard is approaching 35, and his current contract runs through 2027. He’s earning $49.3 million this season, with the next two years of his contract valued at $54.1 million and $58.4 million. This means Lillard might not have another shot at a title before retiring. His enormous contract makes it nearly impossible for the Bucks to move on from him, even if they wanted to. And if Lillard leaves the Portland Trail Blazers after 11 years, he may never get the elusive championship ring. The big question is: will Lillard regret his decision to leave Portland for Milwaukee, knowing he might not win a title with the Bucks? Similarly, if this two-year experiment with Lillard fails to yield results, will Giannis regret his commitment to staying with the Bucks, as he once claimed he wouldn’t leave? And, if Milwaukee misses out on a championship, could Giannis eventually leave?

Only time will tell, but the Bucks’ chances this season have now taken a major hit.