Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum spent many years together on the Portland Trail Blazers, forming a nice duo.
Their partnership came to an end earlier this season when McCollum was dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans.
McCollum and the Pelicans finished the 2021-22 regular season in ninth place in the Western Conference, earning a spot in the league’s play-in tournament.
Lillard’s Trail Blazers, however, were only able to finish in 13th place in the West. The six-time All-Star recently admitted to feeling a bit jealous of all the fun his former teammate is having in New Orleans.
“It’s weird, man,” Lillard said. “It’s weird to see him enjoying playing with somebody else. It’s almost like a little bit of jealousy, like…man he’s having fun playing with them. I always said me and C.J. are really [partners]. That’s really my friend. I’ve always known what he is capable of.”
In 26 games with the Pelicans during the 2021-22 regular season, McCollum averaged 24.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game on 49.3 percent shooting from the field and 39.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
The 30-year-old has definitely had a solid impact on a young Pelicans team that is looking to make it to the playoffs through the play-in.
Portland finished its season with a lowly 27-55 record and lost 11 straight games to finish things off. Lillard only played in 29 games and averaged 24.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game while shooting just 40.2 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from 3-point range. It definitely wasn’t the best year of his career.
The Pelicans will take on the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.
