Damian Lillard Sends Instagram Message To Former Trail Blazers Teammate CJ McCollum

Damian Lillard wished his former Portland Trail Blazers teammate (CJ McCollum) a happy birthday.

Mar 1, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard CJ McCollum (3) and Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) look on during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images / Soobum Im-Imagn Images

C.J. McCollum is entering his 12th season in the NBA (and fourth with the New Orleans Pelicans).

He finished this past year with averages of 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists per contest while shooting 45.9% from the field and 42.9% from the three-point range in 66 games.

On Thursday, McCollum is celebrating his 33rd birthday.

Wishing a Happy Birthday to @CJMcCollum 🎁 pic.twitter.com/NCqE4rW1Ie

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) September 19, 2024

Many people reacted on social media, and one person who sent out a message was his former teammate Damian Lillard.

Lillard (via his Instagram story): "Happy bday bra bra 🤞🏽@3jmccollum"

Damian Lillard's IG Story / September 19

Fans will likely love seeing the two still interacting on social media.

Lillard and McCollum spent part of nine seasons together on the Portland Trail Blazers.

In that span, they made the NBA playoffs every year (and reached the 2019 Western Conference finals).

However, the star duo was never able to get over the hump to become a legitimate title contender.

Oct 8, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard CJ McCollum (3) talk during a break in the game during the first half against Denver Nuggets at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images / Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Lillard remained in Portland for two more seasons after they traded McCollum to New Orleans.

However, the team missed the NBA playoffs in both years and began a rebuilding mode when they sent Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks last offseason.

Oct 21, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Drew Eubanks (24) and guard Damian Lillard (0) congratulate guard Anfernee Simons (1), left, after a game against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center. Simons scored the game winning basket in overtime. Mandatory The Trail Blazers won the game 113-111. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Lillard finished his first season with the Bucks averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 42.4% from the field and 35.4% from the three-point range in 73 games.

However, the Bucks were among the most disappointing teams in the NBA, as they dealt with injuries and lost in the first round of the playoffs.