Damian Lillard is having a notable reunion

Published: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 1:38 am

Portland Trail Blazers Welcome Back Familiar Face as Jay Triano Joins Coaching Staff

The Portland Trail Blazers are gearing up for a significant season, marked by the anticipated return of star player Damian Lillard from injury and a notable addition to their coaching ranks. Veteran NBA assistant coach Jay Triano is set to join the Trail Blazers' coaching staff for the upcoming season, according to reports from veteran NBA writer Chris Haynes. Triano will serve as an assistant under the team's new head coach, Micah Nori.

Triano, a seasoned figure in the league at 67 years old, brings a wealth of experience to Portland. His extensive coaching career spans over two decades as an assistant in the NBA. He has also held head coaching positions, including a tenure with the Toronto Raptors from 2002 to 2008 and an interim role with the Phoenix Suns from 2016 to 2017.

Crucially, Triano has a well-established history with Damian Lillard, a franchise icon for the Trail Blazers. Triano previously served as an assistant coach for Portland from 2012 to 2016. During this period, he forged a strong connection with Lillard, arriving during the star guard's rookie year. Triano played a key role in Lillard's development, helping to transform him from a relatively unknown player from Weber State into a consistent NBA All-Star.

Damian Lillard, who will celebrate his 36th birthday later this month, is expected to make his return to the court in the 2026-27 NBA season. His comeback follows a 2025 Achilles tear. The Trail Blazers have already made a significant acquisition earlier this offseason, and the return of Triano, a coach with whom Lillard shares a positive history and a strong rapport, is seen as another strategic move to support their star player. This reunion signals a renewed focus on building around Lillard as he recovers and prepares for his return to the game.

BNN's Perspective: The Portland Trail Blazers' decision to bring Jay Triano back onto their coaching staff appears to be a calculated move aimed at fostering a supportive environment for Damian Lillard's return. Reconnecting Lillard with a coach who played a pivotal role in his early development could prove beneficial for both player morale and on-court performance. While the team faces the challenge of integrating Lillard back after a significant injury, this coaching addition, coupled with previous offseason moves, suggests a commitment to rebuilding and maximizing the team's potential around their established star.

Tags: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, Jay Triano, NBA coaching staff, Micah Nori, Achilles tear, NBA All-Star, Weber State, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns

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