Blazers' McCollum: Being swept by Pelicans was 'demoralizing'

C.J. McCollum of the Trail Blazers admits being swept in the first round of the playoffs last season but the Pelicans was "demoralizing" and left a "foul taste" in his mouth.

The four-game sweep, however, showed how much Portland "must improve individually and collectively" as preparation begins for the 2018-19 season, coming off a 49-33 regular season and earning the third seed in the playoffs, the flameout against New Orleans notwithstanding.