Damian Lillard joining Giannis Antetokounmpo has created a ripple effect in the league. The Milwaukee Bucks were the first seed last season but crashed out way too early. They surely could have used someone like Lillard who could have addressed their shot-creation woes with Antetokounmpo hurt. Now that one of the best shot creators has joined one of the most dominant players, the expectations are as high as they can be.?

While Lillard has never played with a superstar-caliber player in his prime before, he has had some tremendous teammates. One of his high-performing teammates has been someone who has a playing style similar to him; CJ McCollum. McCollum expressed his thoughts on Lillard?s move to the Bucks.

CJ McCollum is elated for Damian Lillard

Lillard took to X and announced his arrival to the Bucks, terming it as the “next chapter”. As a member of the Trail Blazers, he played for more than eight seasons with CJ, who was traded to the Pels a couple of seasons ago.

McCollum sat down with Brody of Broadcastboysshoh and discussed the Lillard trade. Brody asked him, ?What are your thoughts on Dame to the Bucks?? To this, the incredible offensive player replied, ?I think it?s dope. I am happy for him. He obviously gets to play with one of the greatest players of all time in Giannis.” Adding, “he always wanted to win a championship and I think this gives him an opportunity.?

He then turned the conversation to his former team Portland Trail Blazers. The Off-Guard said, ?Portland got assets. You got pieces, you got Scoot. You got Ant(Anfernee Simons), You got a lot of young talent.” Alluding to the talent picked up in trade, he goes on,”You pick up Ayton. And they have Jrue for now, they?ll probably allow Jrue to got to a contender.?

Bringing the conversation back to his incredible former teammate, he went on, ?I think all good things must come to an end at some point. And that was, it was time for that to come to an end.?. Upon hearing this, Brody asks,?Do you think they?ll make the NBA Finals??.

A cautious McCollum replied, ?I need to see body of work. They?re very good obviously, but health matters. On paper, they look great. Two of the greatest players to ever play the game. You?ll always have a chance. They?ll make a run at some point. Camaraderie has to be there. They got to get the team chemistry and cohesiveness together. But East is a beast, man. Healthy Giannis and Dame, Eastern Conference Finals at a minimum?.

READ MORE: ?Trading CJ (McCollum) Stole Something?: Blazers Trading Former All-Stars Was the Final Nail for Damian Lillard, per Insider

What about the articulate speaker himself when it comes to title aspirations?

CJ?s tricky situation in Pels

McCollum is in an uncertain situation. While Zion Williamson is a super-star caliber player, off-court drama and injury issues have clouded his sprouting career.

Brandon Ingram is a brilliant all-around player, but he can?t carry the Pels to a deep playoff position alone. Therefore, despite playing with two of the most productive players, McCollum?s title ambitions look in a sedated state. But you never know which team turns it around in the NBA.

Will we ever see a time when CJ and Dame take each other on in the NBA Finals? One can dream.?

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