The Blazers eventually chose to rebuild, first Powell and now McCollum. McCollum's departure also represents the Blazers' double gun as a thing of the past. This transaction ended McCollum's 9-year Portland career and ended the youth of many fans.
As one of the best backcourt combinations in the league, they combine popularity and strength. They have contributed countless wonderful games and goals, and have surprised the team again and again.
The story begins in 2013. At that time, the Blazers selected him with the number ten pick, because of his super scoring ability. But it didn't work out, and in the two seasons after entering the league, McCollum was plagued by injuries, the first because of a left foot injury, and the second season because of a fractured index finger. The back-and-forth injuries have made McCollum's performance mediocre.
But the Trail Blazers were patient, especially McCollum. But just as McCollum was getting out of his injury and getting ready to make a big splash, an accident happened. This should be the most tragic scene in the history of the Blazers, starting five Tigers and walking four. Ard went to the Spurs, Batum went to the Hornets, Matthews went to the Mavericks, Lopez Jr. went to New York, leaving only the young Lillard.
The portland tigers of the past are now falling apart. But time doesn't allow them to be too sad, and they still have a game to play. So the Trailblazers gritted their teeth and chose McCollum. And the story of the Blazers' double gun also began.
There's no doubt the Trail Blazers were right to choose to correct McCollum. McCollum, who averaged just 6.8 points per game last season, jumped to 20.8 points per game. Under the leadership of the two, the team also successfully entered the playoffs and reached the second round. The Blazers' two-gun also resounded throughout the league.
But a team can only have one leader. Whether it is seniority, or ability, or personality, Lillard is more suitable. So McCollum chose to take a step back and fulfill Lillard. And this retreat is 7 years. In his 7-year career, he willingly assisted Lillard, even though Lillard absorbed the attention of the majority, even if Lillard got a super contract.
It is said that Lillard is loyal and sticks to the team for many years, but mcCollum is not? The team asked him to score, and he did, and averaged more than 20 points per game every season; the team asked him to assist Lillard, and he did it. But in the end, he was abandoned by the team.
But there's no way around it, lillard and McCollum are both strong, especially on offense. But defensively, both guns are colanders, which also makes the Blazers' backcourt frequently the target of opponents. The deformity of the lineup, coupled with the record this season, had to make the Blazers change. So they dismantled the two guns.
Is the combination of two guns a failure? No, they've been successful, they've been successful in the playoffs every year, and they've also made the West Finals, which is successful enough. Together, they composed one magnificent story after another. Although the two did not reach the summit together, the process was wonderful enough.
Now, pack up your mood, pack your bags, and run to your far side. May McCollum be reborn in the Pelicans, and may Lillard get the results he wants.