Just when the Portland Trail Blazers seemed to have hit their stride, they've bombed at the absolute worst time, finding themselves in a 0-3 hole to the New Orleans Pelicans — historically spelling another quick exit in the first round of the playoffs.

Yet despite those struggles, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian isn't expecting any major shuffle to happen with the franchise's dynamic backcourt, assuring that C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard will stay put during the summer.

“This is a tired debate, in my opinion. Important people have made it clear to me that McCollum isn't going anywhere,” wrote Freeman in a Reddit Q&A, pointing out to a story first published in February indicating so. “And I can assure you Lillard isn't going anywhere. It's incumbent on the front office to put the right players around them.”

Lillard had perhaps one of his best seasons in the NBA — not only statistically, but making himself into a game closer and fourth-quarter dynamo, showing enough promise to warrant being the face of the franchise.

McCollum has seen a dip in almost every statistic but rebounding this season, following a career-best fourth season in the league — but the organization has proved to have the ultimate faith in him.

President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey is not one to stay put and watch during free agency, but he assured prior to the trade deadline that McCollum wouldn't be traded — and given the trade market, the Blazers won't pull a Chicago Bulls-type rebuild anytime soon — needing only a few minor tweaks to bring this team to contention.

The potential is there, but it won't be there without a backcourt putting up close to 50 points per game.