"That's the biggest piece...having Dame back mind, body, and soul" - Former NBA champion is optimistic about Damian Lillard this season, believes his comeback from injury will be exciting

Injuries limited Damian Lillard to just 29 games last season. While he averaged 24.0 points per game, it was his lowest total since 2014-2015, his third season in the NBA. Lillard shot a career-low from the field and 3-point range last season.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups recently shared the biggest difference he has seen in his star point guard this season:

Speaking with "SiriusXM NBA Radio", Billups said:

"That's the biggest piece is having Dame back mind, body, and soul. He has his quickness back, that little quick twitch that he has to get to the basket, create that separation. That's what he didn't have last year with his injury.

"He's very motivated this year. His leadership has been on display every single day. In practice, he's stepping up, not just with the way he approaches the game, but his voice too."

After returning from injury, the Trail Blazers need Damian Lillard to perform at the superstar level that he did for two seasons before getting injured. In the 2020-21 season, Lillard averaged 28.8 points and 7.5 assists per game on 45.1% shooting from the field.

Watch Chauncey Billups discuss Damian Lillard below:

Damian Lillard's contract extension and what it means for Portland

Despite constantly finding his name in trade rumors, Damian Lillard opted to sign a two-year, $121 million contract extension with the Trail Blazers. The deal will extend Lillard's contract to a total of five years. Lillard has a player option for the final season of the deal. If he picks it up, Lillard will make over $63 million in 2026-2027, when he will be 36-years-old.

In total, Lillard is set to collect over $250 million over the next five seasons that will bring his career earnings to over $450 million. While the Blazers have certainly rewarded Lillard financially for his loyalty to the organization, they have done far from the same from a basketball standpoint.

Although Lillard and the Blazers have been a consistent presence in the postseason, they have been unable to advance to the NBA Finals. It is clear that Lillard needs a superstar level talent around him and Portland have failed to do that so far.

Prior to last season, the Trail Blazers had not missed the postseason since Damian Lillard's rookie season. If Lillard remains healthy, the Blazers could contend for a playoff spot.

Despite trading CJ McCollum, the Blazers' roster has seen some improvement. Anfernee Simons is developing quickly and will look to replace McCollum's backcourt production alongside Lillard. Josh Hart, acquired in the McCollum trade, and new acquisitions Jerami Grant and Gary Payton II will improve their defense.

While the Blazers depth is solid, they need to acquire or develop a star talent alongside Lillard before they become true title contenders. While they are unlikely to make a deep postseason run, the Blazers should be able to contend for the postseason in 2022-2023.