Damian Lillard Goes Down with Non Contact Leg Injury

[SleepingHero]

Nope. Klay tore his Achilles and had ACL knee surgery, missed 2 1/2 years and he came back. Obviously, he's not as effective or the same player as before, but he's back.

Two completely different players and ages.

Klay tore his achilles at 30 years old. Lillard is 5 years older at the time of this injury. He probably won't return to court until he's 36 given the timing of when he had this injury. 

How many small guards are effective at 36 years old? Especially ones coming off an achilles injury? 

Klay never really relied on athleticism for any part of his game and he's a bigger dude. Lillard's lethal shooting ability means he will still be a solid offensive threat, but he won't be able to get by anyone. He's never been good at creating for others either. He'll be relegated to a spot up shooter like Klay has. And at 6'2 on a good day, that's not a good spot for him to be in. 

Lastly, Klay's defensive ability has always been better at Lillard. That is another major reason why he is still playable. 

I'm not saying Lillard won't come back and play, but being-able-to-play and being playable are two different things.