As a lifelong sports fan turned reporter, witnessing the recovery process from a serious lower body injury is eye-opening. Throughout the season, you catch glimpses of players’ gradual progress, though you only see a small part of it after practices, not the full picture behind the scenes. You observe athletes going from taking shots while sitting in a chair to walking on treadmills, eventually reaching the point where they can engage in standard shooting workouts before preparing their bodies for the demands of NBA conditioning. It’s clear that this is a challenging battle for them.
This past year, Damion Lee faced his own recovery journey, unsure if his career was over at 31. Fortunately, he is set to return to playing basketball at the highest level. The Phoenix Suns guard had a standout season two years ago, solidifying his place in the league after a six-year journey as an undrafted player that began in 2016. He achieved a 44.5% 3-point shooting rate, showcasing his potential as a valuable, smart player that coaches appreciated and teammates enjoyed playing with. This was a significant milestone for him, especially after four years with Golden State, where he often felt frustrated by suggestions that he only succeeded due to his brother-in-law, Stephen Curry. Lee re-signed with the Suns on a two-year contract, featuring a player option for the second year. He was expected to vie for a rotation spot last season and at the very least provide dependable depth when needed.
However, during preseason workouts before training camp, Lee injured his right meniscus, requiring surgery on October 10. The timeline for recovery varies based on the severity of the injury, generally ranging from three to six months, and in Lee’s case, it fell within that timeframe.
Lee underwent a routine evaluation for a meniscus injury, only to find out he had a root tear that was worse than initially thought—a double root tear. This necessitated a rare double posterior root repair during his surgery. During media day on Monday, Lee discussed various setbacks he faced. With an unclear timeline from the team, fans are left speculating about his possible return this season. He’s frequently asked about his status and likely sees updates on social media, which tend to be vague compared to the detailed insights he shared on Monday. It’s easy to think that Lee or anyone in a similar situation can handle everything without issues, especially given his resilience; he’s torn his ACL twice, broken his hand twice, and had foot surgery.
His journey through the NBA has also been challenging. However, Lee admitted to struggling with depression and sought therapy, supported by those close to him. “I just didn’t know if I was going to be the same person or player again. I owe a lot to God, my family, my wife, my kids, and my support system,” he said. He emphasized the importance of therapy in helping him “get out of your own mind” and encouraged more men, especially Black men, to be open to exploring this option. While he had previously sought therapy for mental recovery after surgery, this time felt different. “Now, it’s bigger than me,” he explained. “I have a wife and two kids; I need to be in the right mental space because others are counting on me.” During his recovery, thoughts about whether this might be the end of his career did weigh on him. However, around the three- to six-month mark, he found himself moving on a basketball court again, signaling that he still had more to contribute to the NBA.
Progress came in waves, with notable improvements toward the end of the Suns’ season and further growth over the summer. Lee’s resilience can be partly credited to his former college coach, Bruiser Flint, who often said, “the pressure is not to perform, the pressure is to prepare,” a mantra Lee has tattooed on his arm. “It’s what’s done in the dark,” he reflected, noting that if everything is stable at home, then when the moment arises for recognition and praise, it’s all a result of prior preparation. On Tuesday, Lee fully participated in the first practice of training camp. He isn’t just valued for his presence in the locker room; he can also make significant contributions on a team focused on increasing their three-point attempts. Phoenix will undoubtedly call on him when the time is right. Lee is ready: “Guys like me don’t get chances like this—you have to go get it, take it, and that’s the mindset I’m bringing this year.”
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