What happened: The league marked the 36th birthday of Damian Lillard on Wednesday, July 15.

Why it matters: The veteran guard enters his 15th professional season following significant backcourt restructuring in Portland. He will pair with newly acquired guard Ja Morant as the rotation resets for the upcoming schedule.

What to watch: Preseason training camps open later this summer ahead of the 2026-27 regular-season tipoff.