CJ McCollum on Damian Lillard: 'I'm happy for him'

Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez couldn’t be more excited to play with All-Star Damian Lillard. (via Milwaukee Bucks All-Access): “He just makes us so, so much better. The things he can do. Offense that he brings. Obviously the shooting ability everyone knows, but the playmaking, just the attention that he’s going to draw, he’s going to get so many other people open. But then his leadership abilities, so many intangibles he brings are just right in line with what it means to be a Bucks basketball player. He lines up just perfectly.” -via TalkBasket / October 21, 2023

Thus far, the Antetokounmpo-Lillard collaboration is on a good track. “They’re both really good guys,” said one league source with a close eye on the Bucks’ progress. “They both want to win. They’re both going to give in a little bit. I’d say Dame’s the one that’s probably going to have to give in more than Giannis. He added, “Giannis has looked great. I tell you what, his shooting stroke is by far the best I’ve ever seen it.” -via Heavy.com / October 20, 2023

Mistretta: I gotta ask you about Dame (Damian Lillard), another thing you’ve probably talked a lot about… How do you think he’s going to fit in with Milwaukee? Obviously Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton there doing their thing, what do you see his role being for that Bucks team? CJ McCollum: I see his role being similar. A leader, a shot-maker down the stretch of games. Primary ball-handler, playmaker running the pick-and-roll. He’s going to do what he always does. I think he’s going to make their team better. -via Clutch Points / October 20, 2023

What have you seen from Zion Williamson in the gym that’s different from last season? CJ McCollum: Absolutely. His approach, his maturity level. Everything seems to be higher. I think there’s a sense of urgency and in doing the right thing and having success this year, individually and collectively, for us all. We were not happy with the way last season ended, losing to the Thunder in the play-in game at home and we have our sights set on being able to get back to the playoffs and really competing and do something special for the city. -via HoopsHype / October 22, 2023

Mistretta: Speaking of your team, there’s a guy named Zion Williamson who’s pretty good, but he’s been injured unfortunately. When he’s fully healthy, this might seem like an obvious question, but how good do you think he can be? What is his ceiling when he’s fully healthy? CJ McCollum: I’m unsure what his ceiling is, but I think his ceiling is definitely All-Star, MVP, All-NBA First-Team. Which is as good as it gets. So I’d say he’s as good as it gets when he’s healthy and is able to put together a full season, so I’m looking forward to seeing him do just that. -via Clutch Points / October 20, 2023

Mistretta: Stepping away from the Pelicans, going over to the Spurs and Wemby (Victor Wembanyama)… He’s been playing well during the preseason. What have your initial thoughts been of Wemby watching him so far? CJ McCollum: I think he’s a unicorn. Not like (Kristaps) Porzingis, but just super tall, super athletic, skilled, can dribble, can shoot, can pass, high IQ, block shots. Unlike anything we’ve seen in a very, very long time. Very, very impressed with him. -via Clutch Points / October 20, 2023