Damian Lillard in 2026 All-Star Weekend staple, despite playing 0 games this year

Last season, Damian Lillard was one of several players to have a season-ending achilles injury.

It's one of the worst injuries a basketball player can get, as it requires a recovery timeline that's close to a full year.

We've seen players try to shrink the recovery period, and Lillard is doing just that, but not in the way you'd think.

Damian Lillard in 2026 All-Star Weekend staple, despite playing 0 games this year

Lillard was injured with the Bucks in the postseason last year, but is now with the Trail Blazers after signing with the team in the offseason.

He hasn't played a game all season long, yet he will wear a Portland jersey for the first time in a while at All-Star Weekend.

MORE: James Harden was interested in a reunion with the Rockets before trade to Cavs

Lillard was chosen to participate in this year's three-point contest despite playing no games to this point.

He'll join Devin Booker, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Bobby Portis and Norman Powell.

If Lillard can manage to win the event, he'll be the third player to win the event three separate times, joing Laryy Bird and Craig Hodges.

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