Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard understands his workload will require some management as he returns from a torn Achilles, but the 36-year-old made one thing clear ahead of Wednesday's season opener: He is not an “old man.”

Lillard is set to play his first regular-season game since returning to Portland after missing the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from the Achilles injury. During his media availability Monday, the nine-time All-Star addressed how the Trail Blazers plan to handle his minutes.

“I know I’m 36 and we’ve had conversations about I’m not going to be playing 38 minutes per night. I’m sure there’ll be games where I play more extended minutes and some higher minutes, but with the depth that we have, specifically at the guard position, I don’t think I’ll be having to play super high minutes,” Lillard said.

“I’m a live body. I’ve taken care of myself for years and years and years, on and off the floor, and I don’t want it to be misunderstood like I’m not an old man. I want to be responsible and take care of myself because of how many years I have played and the wear and tear, the miles, they add up.”

Lillard last played a full regular season with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024-25. He remained one of the NBA's most productive guards, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals across 58 games. He shot 44.8% from the field, 37.6% from 3-point range and 92.1% from the free-throw line while earning his ninth All-Star selection.

Damian Lillard ready for meaningful basketball with Blazers

Despite spending an entire season rehabilitating his Achilles, Lillard said his return to regular-season action has generated more excitement than emotion.

“I don’t feel emotional about it at all. I’m excited. I think when you spent that much time away and not being able to play, you’re excited to be back. Excited to play meaningful basketball, games that count,” Lillard said. “Coming back into the preseason, I was excited to play again, too, after all that time.”

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Lillard said the emotional moment came when his return to Portland initially became official.

“It was more emotional when I first signed back to play here. I was like, man, that was what I wanted to see happen and it did. And that was the emotional part of it.”

Now healthy enough to return after sitting out 2025-26, Lillard will begin the next chapter of his Trail Blazers career Wednesday when Portland hosts the Phoenix Suns at 7 p.m. PT.