As expected, the Trail Blazers' season is slipping rapidly toward the finish line. According to Sean Highkin, Lillard may have been reimbursed for the season, and the Blazers' 2021-22 season may have ended prematurely.
Not long ago, when Lillard was injured by an abdominal tendon injury, some people in the industry have advised the Blazers to "forget it" this season, suggesting that they hide Lillard and start rebuilding. After all, if the Blazers make the playoffs this year, they'll have to give the first-round pick to the Bulls. In this case, unless they can make some noise in the playoffs, making the playoffs is meaningless to them this season.
At the time, Trail Blazers coach Billups also said they would meet as soon as possible to discuss Lillard's injury and future plans, and that letting Lillard rest and undergo surgery were possible options. At the time, there was speculation that the Blazers might be more inclined to reimburse Lillard for the season and make training the remaining goal of the season, going down the road ahead of schedule.
After today's upset 114-108 win over the Nets, the Blazers have a two-game winning streak to finish 10th in the West End with 16 wins and 24 losses. Next, the Blazers without Lillard will not make a playoff goal as a season goal, which also means that the Blazers' 2021-22 season has ended early.
Of course, hiding doesn't mean giving up, and the Blazers also have to consider this summer's contract renewal. Lillard reached an early renewal with the Blazers in the summer of 2019 for 4 years and 176 million, a contract that expires in 2025 and is an option of 48.79 million players for the 2024-25 season. And this summer Lillard is eligible for a 2-year, 107 million contract extension. There are indications that if the Blazers offer this contract, Lillard will consider signing it.
This season is destined to be a disappointing year for Lillard. He played in 29 games and averaged 24 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game, but he shot just 40.2 percent overall and 32.4 percent from three-point range. In addition, he was also involved in the storm of the 75 superstar selections, and now he is reimbursed for the season. Now he can only hope for next season. (Supine Braces/Hairy)