Chicago Bulls coach Tiago Splitter came over from the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason, a franchise that was forever changed when it drafted guard Damian Lillard out of Weber State University in June 2012. 

Lillard returned to the Blazers on a free agent deal in July 2025, giving Portland fans the chance to welcome one of the franchise's all-time greats back into the fold. 

The legendary NBA guard finally returned to (preseason) game action in a Blazers uniform on Wednesday, Oct. 7, giving fans a lot to cheer about as he poured in 15 points in 19 minutes of action at home against the Warriors in a 123-118 win. 

Splitter was asked about Lillard's return at Bulls practice, sharing thoughts on what his return means for hoops fans everywhere. 

Splitter was asked to describe what Lillard's return means to the Blazers means for the NBA in general. Lillard was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary team in 2021. 

He spoke to Roundtable Sports' Gavin Dorsey about his impressions of seeing Lillard in action on Wednesday night. 

"Awesome...Damian is just, when you're around him he's a great guy, you love the way he works, his personality, humble, and going through an injury like he was...Just to see him out there hooping again and having fun and knocking down threes, you gotta smile for that." 

Lillard was with Splitter last season in Portland, although he didn't play while rehabbing a torn left Achilles tendon off the court. 

His habits spoke for themselves according to Splitter. 

"He was a great leader...He was in every film session, helping out with hints, thoughts, group meetings, he was awesome, great leader." 

Splitter's Bulls will take on a different Western Conference foe, the Memphis Grizzlies, tonight at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CST at the United Center in Chicago, giving Splitter his second chance of the preseason to coach his new team. 

The Bulls are coming off of a 124-117 win over the Phoenix Suns in their first preseason game that included a team-high 15 points from rookie Caleb Wilson and 14 points each from forwards Tobe Awaka and Matas Buzelis, and from shooting guard Norman Powell. 

Chicago was outscored 40-29 in the first quarter before bouncing back to outscore the Suns 33-24 in the second quarter and outlasting the visiting team in the final two quarters. 

Splitter has his own veteran sharpshooter in Buddy Hield, who scored eight points in his Bulls preseason debuted after coming over from Atlanta in a trade for Rob Dillingham recently. 

The Bulls look like a deeper and more free-flowing team with Splitter at the helm and look poised to entertain fans this fall. Splitter and the Bulls have a lot of work to do before the season starts, but will almost certainly continue to watch Lillard as he continues his comeback with the team that made him a household name among NBA fans.