The New Orleans Pelicans traveled to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, meaning that CJ McCollum would be at the Moda Center for the first time as a visitor.
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McCollum, who was traded to the Pelicans in February, played eight-plus seasons with the Blazers before he was included as part of a seven-player trade after the Trail Blazers decided to rebuild their roster in the midst of a disappointing season.
During his time with the Blazers, McCollum established himself as a fan favorite for both his play on the court, alongside teammate Damian Lillard, as well as his contributions to the community as well.
The Blazers honored McCollum with a tribute video prior to Wednesday's game.
CJ McCollum's tribute video from Portland pic.twitter.com/qMigc27YMv
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) March 31, 2022
“I think it’s going to be so much fun for everybody to have CJ back in the building,” Portland coach Chauncey Billups said. “He’s probably going to be overwhelmed with all the love that he gets from our locker room, the fans. It’s much deserved, so I’m happy to see him. I’m not happy to gameplan for him, obviously.”
Billups was correct in his assumption. McCollum received a standing ovation when introduced at the start of the game.
CJ McCollum gets a standing ovation from the Trail Blazers crowd in his first return back to Portland since getting traded to New Orleans 👏
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) March 31, 2022
🎥 @WillGuillory pic.twitter.com/RQXagxRmiR
"You don't spend nine years in a place like this without it having a deep impact on you." - @CJMcCollum pic.twitter.com/wd7CFiBhEg
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 31, 2022
McCollum made his mark on Portland's record books, ranking fifth all-time in scoring (10,710 points), second in 3-pointers made and eighth in assists.
The Blazers had previously made a tribute video for McCollum which they shared via their social media accounts.
Much love for life ❤️ https://t.co/y80LGIvPIx
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 9, 2022
McCollum had quote-tweeted it at the time saying, "Much love for life."
