Festus Ezeli told to zip it....

[Professor Mac]

C.J. McCollum doesn't let inactive Festus Ezeli lecture Blazers after tough loss

Portland's inconsistencies are rather surprising since it essentially has the same roster as last season. The only new additions are Evan Turner and Festus Ezeli, and the latter has yet to play due to a recurring issue with his left knee that could lead to season-ending surgery.

Ezeli being a total non-factor is a bit of a disappointment for the Blazers as they expected him to fill in at center and be their much-needed rim protector. Despite not playing, he's still hanging around the team, attending games, practices and community events. Yet while it's good to see Ezeli doing what he can to be part of the team, sometimes his efforts are getting on his teammates' nerves.

At least that was the case of C.J. McCollum after a close 88-86 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Dec. 7.

Drawing upon his championship experience with the Warriors, Ezeli talked to the team after a loss to the Bucks a few days before. But against Memphis, when Ezeli tried to inspire his teammates, McCollum wasn't having it.

From ESPN's Chris Haynes:

After suffering a challenging, 115-107 loss to Milwaukee, Ezeli, in street clothes, addressed the team in the locker room with a stern speech centered on playing with urgency, sources told ESPN. Then two games later, after a crushing defeat in Memphis, Ezeli once again started giving a team speech, but he was cut short.

McCollum interrupted Ezeli in midsentence and told him that was enough,sources told ESPN. Portland was in the midst of an emotionally draining December, losing 11 of 13 games. Players were desperately pouring out every ounce of effort trying to change the trajectory of the season, and being lectured by someone who wasn't even playing wasn't received favorably.

McCollum's annoyance is pretty understandable. While Ezeli is technically part of the team, he isn't with them shooting in the gym.

Despite this incident, the Blazers remain a tight-knit team and are committed to improving from within.

 

[CantStop]

Stephon from Family Matters sonning you

 

[EA]

McCollum has been playing out of his skin despite the team's losing efforts so I don't blame him. I wouldn't wanna hear lectures from someone injured either...especially a fringe big man.

 

[UpAndComing]

 

[ATearInMyEye]

Good by CJ.


Festus shrimped up in the finals and imo was unsung in the 3-1 collapse.

 

[FAH1223]

 

[Miggs]

McCollum strikes me as being like Timmy off the court...Dressing in some Saget 501s with extra cuffs and rocking plaid sweater vests.

 

[Mr210]

McCollum strikes me as being like Timmy off the court...Dressing in some Saget 501s with extra cuffs and rocking plaid sweater vests.

Shut your mouth about Timmy Da Great

 

[Reid2Achieve]

Stephon from Family Matters sonning you

At least Festus is trying to stay involved

 

[Fortunate Lee]

This former hobbit ass motherfukka feelin himself now huh

 

[hood b. goode]

mccollum

 

[Donald Trumps Twitter]

Ezeli must start every sentence with "well in golden state we did this"

 

[ryderldb]

I don't blame McCollum. One time is ok, maybe his wack speech will resonate with some teammates. The second time? Nahhhhhh

Ezeli really feeling himself like he was a big part of the Warriors success. Dude was always injured and had stone hands when he did play.

 

[GoFlipAPack]

McCollum has been playing out of his skin despite the team's losing efforts so I don't blame him. I wouldn't wanna hear lectures from someone injured either...especially a fringe big man.

That's what a fool would say. You can learn something from anyone. He might not have been the star but he's been to the finals twice. He's got more finals appearances than everyone on that team combined. Depending on Ezeis tone I wouldn't have shut him down especially if all he was trying to do was inspired his boys. They're all in it together right?

 

[EA]

That's what a fool would say. You can learn something from anyone. He might not have been the star but he's been to the finals twice. He's got more finals appearances than everyone on that team combined. Depending on Ezeis tone I wouldn't have shut him down especially if all he was trying to do was inspired his boys. They're all in it together right?

What you're saying would be valid if he was out there playing with them. It's one thing if coaches are lecturing you consistently because that's their job but it's totally another thing when someone who is meant to play with you but can't is doing it. He's not even a seasoned NBA veteran who's been around for a long time.