No Dunks Podcast – Episode: Six Thoughts On Damian Lillard Returning To The Blazers Released on July 19, 2025 | Host: J. Skeets

Introduction

In this solo episode of the No Dunks podcast, hosted by J. Skeets, the discussion centers around the significant news of Damian Lillard's return to the Portland Trail Blazers. Skeets delves deep into the implications of Lillard's three-year, $42 million contract extension, analyzing both the on-court and off-court impacts on the franchise.

1. The Excitement of a Homecoming

Timestamp: [03:15]

Skeets begins by expressing the widespread excitement among Portland Trail Blazers fans and the broader NBA community about Damian Lillard's decision to return home. He highlights the emotional and symbolic significance of Lillard rejoining the team, emphasizing the benefits of his rehabilitation being managed by a trusted medical staff in Portland.

"It is sort of a feel-good story. He gets to recover from his torn Achilles with a medical staff that he knows, a medical staff that he trusts." — J. Skeets [03:20]

Skeets also points out how Lillard's presence serves as a mentorship asset for Portland's young talent, fostering an environment of growth and leadership within the team.

2. Portland's Roster Construction and Salary Cap Challenges

Timestamp: [07:50]

The second point addresses the Blazers' current roster dynamics and financial commitments. Skeets outlines the complexities introduced by Lillard's contract, which includes player options and a no-trade clause, drawing parallels with other star players like LeBron James.

"There's the pressure for Scoot and Sharpe to perform since they're now sort of cornerstones alongside Holiday and Dame." — J. Skeets [07:55]

He discusses the strategic moves made by Portland in acquiring Jrue Holiday and the potential impact on their future team composition, indicating a delicate balance between retaining veteran presence and fostering young talent.

3. Financial Commitments to Veteran Players

Timestamp: [10:05]

Skeets delves into the financial aspects of the Trail Blazers' roster, emphasizing the hefty salaries owed to veteran players like Jrue Holiday and Jeremy Grant in the upcoming years. He expresses concerns over the high payroll burden and its implications for the team's rebuilding efforts.

"They're going to owe Holiday 37.2 million in what will be his age 37 season...add that up, that's like $87 million owed to three players past their prime." — J. Skeets [10:15]

This financial strain poses challenges for future trades and the acquisition of new talent, highlighting a potential hurdle in the Blazers' quest for competitiveness.

4. The Backcourt Log Jam: Damian Lillard vs. Scoot Henderson and Shaden Sharpe

Timestamp: [16:11]

One of the pivotal discussions revolves around the backcourt competition. Skeets examines how Damian Lillard’s return will affect the roles of emerging talents Scoot Henderson and Shaden Sharpe.

"This backcourt log jam is going to be fascinating and I think a big part of it depends on if Scoot and Sharp really pop here or not." — J. Skeets [16:45]

He speculates on whether Lillard will adapt to a bench role or maintain his status as a primary scorer, drawing comparisons to Dwayne Wade's role adjustment in Miami. The performance of Henderson and Sharpe in the upcoming season is highlighted as crucial in determining the team's offensive strategies.

5. Comparing Lillard's Return to Other NBA Reunions

Timestamp: [20:30]

Skeets explores how Damian Lillard’s homecoming stacks up against other notable NBA player reunions, such as Steve Francis with the Rockets and Scottie Pippen with the Bulls. He concludes that such reunions often fall short of expectations, especially when coming back from significant injuries.

"It's not usually all that amazing. And then on top of that he's coming back from an achilles injury at 35, 36." — J. Skeets [21:10]

This comparison sets a tempered expectation for Lillard’s return, emphasizing the challenges he faces in maintaining his elite performance levels post-injury.

6. Damian Lillard’s Legacy and Potential to Be the Greatest Trailblazer

Timestamp: [24:50]

In the final thought, Skeets debates whether Damian Lillard will cement his status as the greatest player in Trail Blazers history. He references a YouTube poll conducted during the episode, revealing that 69% of voters believe Lillard holds this title.

"In the end, 69% say yes. Very nice." — J. Skeets [25:00]

Skeets outlines Lillard’s impressive statistics and contributions, debating his legacy against icons like Clyde Drexler and Bill Walton. He concludes that while Lillard has a strong case, longevity and continued excellence will be key determinants in solidifying his legacy.

Additional NBA News and Listener Interactions

Beyond the primary focus on Damian Lillard, Skeets touches on other NBA updates:

• Bradley Beal’s Signing with the Clippers: Skeets references a recent podcast discussing Beal's transition from the Suns to the Clippers.
• Pelicans Rookie Derek Queen’s Injury: Highlighting the Pelicans' unfortunate streak with injuries.
• Cam Thomas vs. Zach Lowe: Skeets humorously covers a summer league altercation between Cam Thomas and Zach Lowe, speculating on its authenticity and implications.

Additionally, Skeets gives a special shout-out to Matt and his fiancée Jordan, celebrating their upcoming wedding and engaging with listeners through live chat interactions.

Conclusion

J. Skeets wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of Damian Lillard’s return to Portland, encouraging listeners to share their opinions on his potential impact and legacy. He also teases future episodes, including updates on team performances and personal anecdotes.

Notable Quotes

• "It is sort of a feel-good story. He gets to recover from his torn Achilles with a medical staff that he knows, a medical staff that he trusts." — J. Skeets [03:20]

• "They need someone to drum up interest in your team. Put a microphone in front of Lillard. Need a poster to hang on a billboard. Hi Dame smile." — J. Skeets [08:10]

• "This backcourt log jam is going to be fascinating and I think a big part of it depends on if Scoot and Sharp really pop here or not." — J. Skeets [16:45]

• "69% say yes. Very nice." — J. Skeets [25:00]

Final Thoughts

This episode of No Dunks provides an in-depth analysis of Damian Lillard’s return to the Blazers, thoroughly examining the multifaceted impacts on the team’s future. Skeets’ insights offer valuable perspectives for both dedicated fans and casual listeners interested in the evolving dynamics of the NBA.

For those who haven’t tuned into the episode yet, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and highlights, ensuring you stay informed on one of the most pivotal developments in the NBA this season.