Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is expressing gratitude as he prepares for an earlier-than-expected return to the court. Recently cleared for full-scale basketball activities, Lillard was taken off blood-thinning medication after dealing with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf, which had sidelined him for the past month. His return is anticipated as the Bucks gear up for the playoffs, which begin Saturday in Indiana.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms within a vessel, obstructing normal blood flow back to the heart. Lillard acknowledged the seriousness of the condition, noting the impact it has had on other players, such as Chris Bosh, whose career was affected by similar health issues.
Throughout his recovery, Lillard was limited to shooting free throws while on medication but was allowed to engage in activities like weightlifting to expedite his return. Despite being ruled out for the upcoming game, Lillard practiced without restrictions recently, signaling his progress.
Initially, Lillard’s primary concern was not basketball but rather the personal implications of his diagnosis. He recalled a family member who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism due to an undiagnosed blood clot during the pandemic, highlighting the potential severity of such medical conditions.
Lillard first noticed symptoms last month at dinner when his leg appeared swollen and felt unusually tight. This led to his diagnosis with DVT, which prompted fears and uncertainty about his health. He chose to focus on understanding how long the clot would take to dissipate rather than immediately questioning when he might return to play.
Doctors reassured Lillard about his strong physical condition and tailored his treatment plan to his athletic profile, allowing for more frequent monitoring than typically prescribed. This individualized approach contributed to his unexpectedly rapid recovery.
In contrasting situations, San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the season after a similar DVT diagnosis, while Bosh’s career was ultimately halted. Lillard’s case was deemed unusual by his medical team, who noted the surprising reduction in the clot’s size.
As Lillard edges closer to returning, Bucks coach Doc Rivers credits the player’s positive mindset as a factor in his swift rehabilitation. However, the exact timing of Lillard’s return remains uncertain, as he prefers not to commit to a specific date. His last game was played on March 18, and he remains focused on regaining full readiness before rejoining the team.
