While convalescing with a fractured left foot, CJ McCollum joined Bill Simmons on his podcast earlier this week to talk his career, trades and broader NBA and social issues.
The Portland Trail Blazers star spoke at length about his early days as a Blazer and his relationship with Damian Lillard.
“It’s a credit to our organization for trusting in us, allowing us to grow together. I didn’t start out great, I didn’t start out playing, I started off injured, Wesley Matthews was there, Moe Williams. I was basically third string shooting guard, third string point guard, I had to work my way up, but Neil (Olshey) was patient, Terry (Stotts) was patient and they did a great job developing us and allowing us to figure it out, that’s the thing you have to do a lot of time when you’ve got two guys who like to have the ball in their hands.