Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard admits he’s a little jealous of how much fun C.J. McCollum is having on the Pelicans

Published by
David Akerman

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.

David Akerman

David is a Miami native and University of Maryland graduate who has experience in writing, editing and video production. He has been following the NBA and NFL for as long as he can remember.

Published by
David Akerman

Recent Posts

Report: NBA GM believed Grizzlies would have had to shop Ja Morant this summer before they fired Taylor Jenkins

Earlier on in the year, long before the Memphis Grizzlies dismissed Taylor Jenkins after he…

13 hours ago

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

2 days ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

3 days ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

5 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

6 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

7 days ago