For the first time since being traded by the Portland Trail Blazers in Feb. 2022, New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum will face former backcourt mate Damian Lillard, as the two prepare to face off on Wednesday.

Due to Lillard's health (or lack thereof) last season, the first three opportunities that the two teams had to face each other came and went without the two being able to actualize the battle. McCollum first returned to the Moda Center last March, in what was a 10-point win for the Pelicans. McCollum scored 25 points in that matchup, shooting 9-16 from the field and 3-6 from 3-point range.

Speaking about the emotions that come along with returning to Portland, a place where he spent the first nine-plus seasons of his career, McCollum admits thatĀ ā€œthe first time was more emotional than this oneā€ (h/t Christian Clark of nola.com).

ā€œI have been gone for awhile,ā€ he notes. ā€œI have sold my house and everything.ā€

Article Continues Below
More Pelicans News
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots against Syracuse Orange guard Lucas Taylor (3) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome.
New Orleans Pelicansā€™ perfect outcome for No. 7 pick in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt Ā·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda Ā·
Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) dunks the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (4) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
3 players New Orleans Pelicans must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt Ā·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after a dunk against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center.
Pelicansā€™ Zion Williamson hit with ā€˜focal pointā€™ label by Joe DumarsZachary Weinberger Ā·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts to a play against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center.
Pelicans owner Gayle Benson breaks silence on Zion Williamson rape lawsuitBenedetto Vitale Ā·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center.
Pelicans rumors: Zion Williamson trade offers to feature ā€˜bad contracts, no picksā€™Zachary Weinberger Ā·

ā€œIt will be another game where I want to go compete and give ourselves a chance,ā€ he says, continuing to downplay the matchup.

McCollum's perspective makes perfect sense for an individual that has distanced himself from the city, fan base and franchise with time. Nonetheless, there should still be some excitement or anxiety about the opportunity to play against Dame on a national stage.

ā€œIt'll probably be strange at first,ā€ McCollum admits (h/t Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report).

ā€œIt'll be kind of weird. Even when you watch us play, it's still kind of weird for some fans. But we've got to do what we've got to do to try to get a win for our teams.ā€