What happened: Damian Lillard discussed his return to the Portland Trail Blazers after an Achilles injury. The nine-time All-Star addressed playing alongside Ja Morant, his Milwaukee tenure and retirement.

Why it matters: Portland closes preseason before hosting Phoenix on Oct. 21 in the opener. A Lillard-Morant backcourt changes shot creation and late-game responsibility.

What to watch: Portland's rotation in the Oct. 21 opener will show how minutes split between Lillard and Morant.