Damian Lillard announced yesterday he’s going to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers, as he’s cleared waivers and is now a free agent. Before he was traded to Milwaukee to try to compete for that elusive title, Portland was Lillard’s home for the first 11 years of his NBA career. As he now rehabs an Achilles tear, he’s headed to familiar territory on a reported three-year deal ($45 million) to be with the Blazers until he’s 38 years old, if not longer.
Blazers fans are excited to see Lillard back in Portland again, and he seems enthused about returning. Returning to form after an Achilles injury in your mid-30s will be highly difficult, but not impossible. The vibes in the Pacific Northwest will be great, but it remains to be seen what Lillard will be on the court.
RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/x3jnZr1s0G
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 17, 2025
Lillard’s return had us wondering where this NBA reunion could rank among others. LeBron James’ return to Cleveland, which led to the Cavaliers’ first title in 2016, probably sits near the top, but he wasn’t anywhere near the end of his career at that time. These are some (but not all) of the other candidates Lillard is up against. We’ll use the Reunion Infatuation Zeitgeist Zone score (1-10) to judge them.
Steve Francis returns to Rockets
Stevie Franchise spent the first five years of his career in Houston, earning all three of his All-Star selections as a Rocket. After three seasons away, Francis signed back with the Rockets but played only 10 games before surgery on a quad ended his season. He was eventually traded the next season to get under the luxury tax. Meh. RIZZ Score: 2.
Scottie Pippen returns to Bulls
Pippen’s first 11 seasons in Chicago resulted in six rings and a Hall of Fame resume. After five years away, a 38-year-old Pippen returned to Chicago for 23 games and averaged 5.9 points in 17.9 minutes. RIZZ Score: 2.
Allen Iverson returns to 76ers
After a little over 10 seasons, four scoring titles and an MVP award in Philadelphia, Iverson spent time with Denver and Detroit over the next three seasons. In 2009-10, he signed with the Grizzlies. He lasted three games coming off the bench before he was released and could sign back in Philly. In 25 games, he averaged 13.9 points and 4.1 assists in almost 32 minutes. It wasn’t amazing, but not terrible. RIZZ Score: 6.
Jason Kidd returns to Mavericks
The Hall of Fame point guard spent his first two and a half seasons in Dallas. More than a decade later, he spent four-plus back with the Mavs, which included being a key part of their championship in 2011. This return was a complete success story. RIZZ Score: 10.
Andre Iguodala returns to Warriors
Iguodala did return to the Warriors in 2021-22 for his fourth title with the franchise after previously winning a questionable NBA Finals MVP in 2015. He was more mentor than contributor this time around, but a ring is a ring. RIZZ Score: 8.
Ben Wallace returns to Pistons
Big Ben spent six years in Detroit, winning four Defensive Player of the Year awards and that one remarkable title. After time in Chicago and Cleveland, he returned to the Motor City for the final three seasons of his career. The first year back was pretty solid, but he declined quickly after that. RIZZ Score: 7.
Where do you think Lillard’s return will land on this scale? Let us know!
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