CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard shared nearly ten years as key players for the Portland Trail Blazers, forming one of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA’s most dynamic backcourt duos. Their collaboration led to electrifying performances and helped build a lasting legacy that has become a defining part of the franchise’s modern history. On Tuesday, Lillard celebrated his 35th birthday, and McCollum honored the occasion by posting a heartfelt message on social media, highlighting the strong bond they developed as teammates.
The Peak of Their Trail Blazers Journey
Throughout their years together in Portland, McCollum and Lillard led the Trail Blazers to eight playoff appearances, a testament to their consistent impact on the team’s success. Their most memorable achievement came during the 2019 season, when they pushed all the way to the Western Conference Finals. This run underscored their scoring ability and fierce competitiveness, solidifying their reputation as a premier duo in the league. Media outlets, including Sports Illustrated, often pointed to their seamless teamwork and dominant performances as key reasons for Portland’s success.
New Directions and Lasting Memories
Midway through the 2021-22 season, CJ McCollum was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, marking a new chapter in his career. In New Orleans, he maintained impressive averages of 21.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, with efficient shooting splits of 44.4% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range. More recently, McCollum was traded again, this time to the Washington Wizards during the offseason. While the paths of both players continue to evolve in the NBA landscape, the historic partnership they shared in Portland remains a cherished memory for fans and players alike.
The Enduring Impact of the McCollum-Lillard Duo
The legacy that CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard built as teammates has not only influenced the Trail Blazers franchise but has also left a significant mark on the NBA. Their connection, both on and off the court, continues to be celebrated, especially on occasions such as Lillard’s birthday. As they enter new phases of their careers, their time together stands as a shining example of teamwork, talent, and dedication that helped shape a defining era for Portland basketball.
“Happy Gday my brotha”
—CJ McCollum, Basketball Player
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did CJ McCollum get a collapsed lung?
A. Yahoo! Sports reported that the pneumothorax happened after the person injured a rib, though no link between them has been established. Pneumothorax is often caused by chest injuries, lung conditions like COPD or LAM, or burst air pockets. It can also happen to patients using mechanical ventilation.
Q. How tall was CJ McCollum at 14?
A. During his first year of high school in 2005, he was quite small, measuring only 5 feet 2 inches tall.