Damian Lillard will return to the Trail Blazers after missing last season due to injury. On June 26, 2026, Lillard met with new coach Micah Nori, who presented his plan for the team.
What happened during the meeting?
Nori initially planned to bring Lillard off the bench, playing around 24 minutes, but Lillard assured him he was 100-percent healthy.
Lillard's response was stern, saying "I'm fine. I'm fine." Nori then shared a story about Jason Kidd, emphasizing the importance of keeping valuable players on the court.
Why it matters for Damian Lillard
Nori's plan changed after the meeting, and he promised to start Lillard and utilize his skills as the team's closer. Lillard will be in his familiar spot at the end of games, with Nori planning to use a diagonal-fist formation.
The two shared a laugh, and their relationship started to bud. Since then, Nori said Lillard has texted him nearly every day.
What comes next for the Trail Blazers?
Nori is not fazed by the negative reaction to his signing a contract with just one guaranteed season. He spoke to JB Bickerstaff, the president of the National Basketball Coaches Association, and they had a good conversation.
Nori looked at the Portland job as an opportunity to get his foot in the door. He has been up for seven head-coaching positions in his career and is excited to work with Lillard and the Trail Blazers.
The team's general manager, Joe Cronin, informed Nori that Lillard would be sitting in on the interview. Nori was tasked with making a presentation of how he would run the team, including plays, substitution patterns, and lineup combinations.
Nori's ability to connect with players using a joking and colloquial style helped ease the tension during the meeting. He told Lillard that if he could walk, he would start, and that he would be in his familiar spot at the end of games.
Lillard's dedicated rehab led him to consider a return to the lineup in April's playoffs. Nori is confident that Lillard will be a key player for the team, and their relationship is off to a strong start.
The Trail Blazers are looking to improve their performance with Nori as their new coach and Lillard back on the court. On June 26, 2026, Nori and Lillard started building their relationship, which will be crucial to the team's success.
Nori has been in the NBA for 28 years and has never made a decision based on money. He is excited to work with Lillard and the Trail Blazers, and he is confident that they can achieve great things together.
The meeting between Nori and Lillard was a significant moment for the team, and it marked the beginning of their partnership. As they move forward, they will work together to achieve their goals and make the Trail Blazers a competitive team in the NBA.