Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is still uncertain about when he will return to action, but he’s grateful that the moment will come sooner than expected after recovering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf. Lillard was cleared to resume full basketball activities and taken off blood-thinning medication this week after missing the last month due to the condition, just as the Bucks prepare for the playoffs, which start on Saturday.
DVT is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, blocking blood flow back to the heart. While Lillard recognized that others have faced more serious health issues, he acknowledged how uncertain and life-changing a condition like this can be, citing examples like Chris Bosh’s career being affected by blood clots.
While on blood-thinning medication, Lillard was restricted to limited activities, such as shooting free throws, but he was allowed to do some light exercises, including weightlifting, to help accelerate his return. However, the Bucks have ruled him out for their game on Saturday.
Lillard’s primary concern initially wasn’t getting back on the court but rather his health and well-being. He drew a personal connection to his condition, recalling how a cousin of his had died after suffering a pulmonary embolism from a clot that went undiagnosed during the pandemic.
Lillard noticed swelling and tightness in his leg last month, which led to the DVT diagnosis. His initial fears included worrying about the clot moving and potentially causing more serious problems. Though he didn’t initially inquire about when he could return to play, he focused on the process of healing and monitoring the clot’s progress, visiting doctors weekly to ensure everything was moving in the right direction.
Lillard’s case has been unusual compared to others, like Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending diagnosis of DVT in his shoulder or Bosh’s career-ending blood clot issue. According to Lillard, doctors were surprised by how quickly his condition improved, as the clot shrank unexpectedly.
While Lillard’s return date is still unclear, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers believes Lillard’s positive mindset has contributed to his fast recovery. Lillard, for his part, says that once he feels ready, he will return to the court.