Subscribe
Follow Us
Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers are out of the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Lillard's former co-star, CJ McCollum, is still dancing, though. His New Orleans Pelicans are set to host the second play-in game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Watching McCollum thrive with his new team has Lillard feeling down. He told ESPN's Andrew Lopez that seeing him with the Pelicans instead of the Trail Blazers is bringing out some jealousy.
“It's weird, man. It's weird to see him enjoying playing with somebody else,” Lillard says. “It's almost like a little bit of jealousy, like … man he's having fun playing with them. I always said me and CJ are really [partners]. That's really my friend. I've always known what he is capable of.”
McCollum and the Pelicans are technically not in the playoffs yet, as they have to win a do-or-die game against the San Antonio Spurs and then beat the LA Clippers. Still, they are alive and are closer to being in the playoffs than Portland, who finished 13th in the Western Conference thanks in large part to Lillard's abdominal injury.
The Trail Blazers became staples in the playoff picture behind Lillard and McCollum. Although they only made the conference finals once together, they were always a solid team. Portland decided to break up the duo in an attempt to get a new supporting cast around Dame.
Damian Lillard and the Blazers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season. CJ McCollum and the Pelicans could be in their way for a while if they can get Zion Williamson back to full health.
![How Sidy Cissoko embraced new Blazers opportunity [Exclusive]](https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_1465.jpeg)
