Portland Trail Blazers: Four worst things from this season

1. The Damian Lillard injury.

Nothing derails a franchise trying to make playoffs like an injury to their superstar. When Damian Lillard pulled up sore against the Memphis Grizzlies in the game before the All-Star break, the entire fan base and Portland organization held their collective breaths.

Fortunately for Lillard and the Blazers, the injury occurred in the game just before the All-Star break. Lillard pulled out of all commitments over the weekend and began the rehab. Had this injury occurred any other time of the season, Lillard may have missed ten games rather than six.

However, due to Lillard being out, the Blazers were not able to take advantage of the Jaren Jackson Jr. injury. The Grizzlies lost the second year budding star to a calf injury and lost five straight games after the All-Star break.

The Blazers went 2-4 with Lillard out and were only able to make half a game up on the Grizzlies since All-Star. The Blazers now sit 4.5 games outside the eighth spot and while they have a much easier run home than the Grizzlies, an opportunity missed.

There is never a good time for an athlete to have an injury. The Lillard injury came at a time when the Blazers are entering a crucial stretch of the season and need their best players on the court. Their road to the postseason became harder to navigate but it has been that type of season.