CJ McCollum has made at least $147,980,107 playing professional basketball. That's what the game is about. I guess we got lucky. There will be no Jamal Murray jokes today. He was a 201213 Senior CLASS Award finalist. McCollum's 'Healthy Habits': Yoga, Wine and Podcasting", "CJ McCollum reacts to NBA suspending season, remains hopeful that season will resume", "New Orleans Pelicans' CJ McCollum joining ESPN as an NBA analyst", "CJ McCollum and Elise Esposito's Wedding Was an Intimate Affair in Oregon Wine Country", "CJ and Elise McCollum welcome son Jacobi James McCollum", "C.J. [84], 20182022: Conference Finals and last years in Portland, Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 03:34, "Lehigh Mountain Hawks 2009 Player Commits", List of National Basketball Association career 3-point scoring leaders, List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career scoring leaders, "CJ McCollum Named Kia Most Improved Player", "Blazers send thanks to Aldridge, Matthews, Batum, and Lopez", "Patriot League Men's Basketball All-League Teams and Awards Announced", "201112 Men's Basketball All-Patriot League Teams and Major Awards Announced", "NCAA basketball: Lehigh pulls off monumental upset of Duke", "C.J. Do you have a sports website? He is a New Orleans native. Among players to log at least 500 games, McCollum's 19.4 points per game scoring average ranks No. Though, it shouldnt be forgotten what Lillard and his co-star did together in this one. A couple hundred tickets remain, and three days. Despite not elevating Portland to a championship, Dame and CJ provided the small-market Blazers relevance within the national media, highlighted by their hour-long, exclusive sit down with Yahoo Sports Senior NBA Insider (then of ESPN) in Chris Haynes. McCollum moved into the starting lineup for good in 2015-16, joining Lillard in the backcourt, and they teamed to lead Portland to playoff appearances each of the next five seasons, highlighted by a trip to the 2019 Western Conference finals. The days and weeks to come wouldnt be as celebratory. Just long, athletic guys all over the place. The peak of that stretch came in a 128-126 thriller over the Houston Rockets, in which McCollum poured in 44 points, eight assists and nine 3-pointers, and Lillard provided reinforcement with 32 points, five rebounds and nine assists, the last of which proved to be the most important. March 4, 2023, 12:40 AM. CJ McCollum was drafted by Portland Trail Blazers, 1st round (10th pick, 10th overall), 2013 NBA Draft. Dr. A's weekly risers and fallers: Jeremy Sochan, Christian Wood make the list, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, They said it! As New Orleans continues to scrounge for ways to win games amid its injury woes, Green discovering this lineup could be a significant development. Thus far, it is 2-2 even though three of its normal starters Williamson, Ingram and Herb Jones have all missed multiple games. Im here to win games. [25] On April 5, he posted his eighth 30-point game of the season, during a 115107 win over Sacramento. To two undersized mid-major guards who had made a career out of outpunching their weight, though, odds meant little. 8. CJ McCollum however, 12-veteran and NBPA President, has never made an NBA All-Star Game and is again getting looked over by the fan voters. When that swap with the Portland Trail Blazers was finalized on Feb. 8, New Orleans record was 22-32. Per NBA.com, the lineup of McCollum, Ingram, Jones, Naji Marshall and Trey Murphy outscored the Pelicans by nine points in the eight minutes it played. With Valanciunas and Nance Jr. both sidelined due to injuries, Pelicans coach Willie Greens frontcourt options were already limited. That's borderline laughable but, as with real estate's main rule, location dictates that's just how it goes sometimes for small-market stars. [75] Guests on the show have included Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony. Sources: 2021 NBA All-Star reserves:West: Chris Paul, Paul George, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Zion Williamson, Anthony DavisEast: James Harden, Julius Randle, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Zach LaVine, Ben Simmons, Nikola Vucevic. The first-ever Playoffs series win vs. the Clippers in 2016. The only other player to pull off this feat in Pelicans franchise history is Anthony Davis, who did it five times. [71] On December 22, McCollum put up 40 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in a 126117 win over the San Antonio Spurs. [74] It is co-hosted by ESPN analyst Jordan Schultz. once 30-8 and No. [42] He recorded as many as 36 points during a 9897 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on November 7. After starting the game 5/8 from the three-point line, the Pelicans finished just 5/21. It . In celebration for those, we look back at eight-and-a-half of their greatest moments in tandem. I Broke My Back, Spinal! Play-In Game, 2020 vs. MEM. Lillard finished with 29 points and six assists, McCollum with 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists. [19] In the season-opener on October 28, McCollum posted a career-high 37 points, scoring 22 of which in the first quarter alone, helping the Blazers defeat the New Orleans Pelicans, 11294. CJ . McCollum is still finding his rhythm since returning to the Trail Blazers lineup. "@CJMcCollum speaks with the crew after Portland's win. He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the tenth overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft. There was a problem saving your notification. It paid off tonight, Ingram told The Athletic. Or write about sports? [57] In Game 6, he scored 30 points in a 119108 win, helping the Blazers tie the series against the Nuggets at 33. Lillard joked that he knew McCollum's full-court pressure against "wasn't going to last." Taking care of business for the players. Still, McCollum not even making the top ten? [70], On September 24, 2022, McCollum agreed to a two-year, $64 million extension with the Pelicans. Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard, who was snubbed as an All-Star starter, was a shoe-in. In a considerably superior environment with more talent, the Warriors often got the better end of the stick. The Portland Trail Blazers have started the year with a steady three and two record, but CJ McCollum has been the team's best player. All rights reserved. "Me knowing him the way I know him, I wanted to make sure we set the tone early.". After . ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. [66] On January 17, 2022, he made his return from the injury, logging 16 points in a 9888 win over the Orlando Magic. Long pigeonholed into the very good but not-good-enough category of a team's second-best . [22] After injury decommissioned Lillard in late December, McCollum filled in as the primary point guard. Can you help us send children in need to see the Blazers play the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, March 29th? I know this is something that doesnt last forever, McCollum shared after the victory. Do you have a blog? I dont know what it is. Stepping Up to the Champs Game 1, 2017 West First Round vs. GSW. CJ is big on that, backup point guard Jose Alvarado said. [72] On December 30, McCollum scored 42 points on 11 three-pointers in a 127116 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Both Anthony and McCollum deserved to be reserved in the All-Star game this year if we look at the output both of them have put out. Describing life as a score-first backcourt, and how to manage when one player is hot, how to take a step back, and how they stacked up amongst NBA historys top backcourts. A wave to instruct the crowd to get loud followed. We believed in the gameplan, and it wasnt about who gets the credit. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. 3. But we just care about each other. Last Call for Blazers Edge Night Help (Please?). He deployed Herb Jones at center in small lineups for much of the fourth quarter and attempted to disrupt the Lillard pick-and-roll by throwing multiple coverages at him. [47] In Game 4 of the Trail Blazers' first-round playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans, McCollum scored 38 points in a 131123 loss. The Chris Haynes Interview on ESPN March 2018. C.J. Its difficult to argue that Damian Lillard isnt, at the current moment, playing some of the best basketball of his career. We were able to get to it and we liked what we saw. I mean. Portland Trail Blazers, 1st round (10th pick, 10th overall), 2013 NBA Draft, More CJ McCollum pages at Sports Reference. (31-33, 10th place in NBA Western Conference). Michael Reaves/Getty Images) I would say this is the most unique position we've been in probably since I was traded here, to be honest. 1991 [56] In Game 3 of the Trail Blazers' second-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, McCollum matched his career playoff high with 41 points during a 140137 win in quadruple-overtime. New Orleans 10-year veteran guard CJ McCollum was sidelined during Monday's win at Oklahoma City due to a right ankle sprain, and is listed as questionable to play Wednesday against the Los. The peak of the powers game, simultaneously, would likely be Game Six, in which McCollum (30 points, six rebounds) and Lillard (32 points, five assists, six 3-pointers) matched both efficiency and a feel for the moment, the former of which they sometimes struggled with. This stood in contrast to the previous regime of Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge, with the latter being more reclusive, or that of say, Rasheed Wallace and Scottie Pippen, given the Jail Blazers storyline and the subsequent temperature of the media. McCollum knows he is enough. In tandem, they tallied up 32 second half points, resuscitating the Blazers long time postseason streak in the process. Dubs' Curry (leg) could return as soon as Sun. Williamson is now on the shelf for at least three weeks and Ingram's timetable to return is unknown. Circumstances are undoubtedly different since that culture-changing Feb. 6, 2022 deal that sent McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans. And, as the old saying goes, the best ability is availability. [61] On February 23, 2020, he would surpass that season-high with a 41-point, 9-rebound, 12-assist performance in a 107104 victory over the Detroit Pistons. It's also available for football, hockey and baseball. He has nine years of those experiences working alongside Damian Lillard. Enter Game Two. Like most every other team in the NBA from 2014-15 to 2018-19, performances didnt hold the same value unless you did it against the Golden State Warriors. So, why not? Depending on your preferred story arc, its likely that everyone has a different favorite. Yet the closest McCollum's come to the All-Star courts were the 2016 and 2017 three-point contests. By the time the year is over, he will have collected close to $180 million in career earnings. Here are a few factors that will affect his All Star chances next season. [9] On January 5, 2013, McCollum broke his left foot in a game against Virginia Commonwealth University, ending his season early. [49] On December 12, he matched his season high with 40 points during a 9283 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He attended Glendora High School in Glendora, California, where he played basketball. CJ McCollumhas averaged 32.4 points, 8.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds in 8 games without Damian Lillardthis season. [3] By graduation, McCollum had become the leading scorer in Golden Eagles history, with 1,405 career points, and was named Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year for his final campaign, the 200809 season. To get his team over the hump, Ingram must consistently play at a superstar level the rest of the way. Gambling problem? If not, I am treated very well on the 1st and the 15th. CJ McCollum will be in attendance for NBA All-Star Weekend in February. The "Midsummer Classic" was set for July 13 at Truist Park, home . MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred moved this year's All-Star game from Atlanta to protest new voting laws in Georgia. [10] McCollum went on to graduate from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.[11][12]. He smiled, folded his hands together, and took a bow of appreciation. McCollum began last season playing the best basketball of his life for the Portland Trail Blazers. CJ McCollum ( New Orleans Pelicans) with a 3-pointer vs the Golden State Warriors, 03/03/2023. While Lillard did get the best of him in their individual matchup, McCollum got what he needed most in his return to Portland: a win. [73], McCollum hosts a weekly podcast, Pull Up with CJ McCollum, that is produced by Cadence13. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. Email Christian Clark at cclark@theadvocate.com. [3] McCollum would eventually benefit from a late growth spurt, gaining five inches by his second year and another four inches by his third year of high school; it proved enough to put him on the radar for college recruitment. Igniting the rally, he and McCollum combined for 30 points in the second half on the way to a 114-94 win. New Orleans is in the midst of a season-long five-game road trip. [54] On March 1, he scored 35 points and matched a career best by making seven 3-pointers in a 119117 loss to the Toronto Raptors. In his season debut on October 20, he put up 28 points on 12-of-18 shooting to lead his team past the Indiana Pacers, 11496. [83], McCollum is a wine enthusiast. I am going to make shots and am going to help us win.. [60], On November 21, 2019, McCollum scored a then season-high 37 points, along with 6 rebounds and 10 assists, in a 137129 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Bucks - Game Summary - November 21, 2019 - ESPN", "McCollum, Anthony carry Blazers past Pistons, 107-104", "Trail Blazers' CJ McCollum: Lights up Magic for 41", "VIDEO: CJ McCollum's game-winning three spoils James Harden's OT heroics", "Portland Trail Blazers' CJ McCollum elected NBPA president", "CJ MCCOLLUM DIAGNOSED WITH A PNEUMOTHORAX", "Portland Trail Blazers vs Orlando Magic Jan 17, 2022 Game Summary", "TRail Blazers Complete Trade With New Orleans", "Pelicans winning streak snapped by Heat in McCollum's debut, lose 112-97", "CJ McCollum, Pelicans Beat Dejounte Murray, Spurs in 2022 NBA Play-in Tournament", "CJ McCollum agrees to 2-year extension with Pelicans", "CJ McCollum etches name in Pelicans history with monster game vs. Spurs", "Pelicans star Zion Williamson reveals what made CJ McCollum's 42-point explosion 'beautiful', "CJ McCollum in favor of playing out the rest of the season at a single site", "C.J. Hes done just that over his last 10 outings, averaging 29.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 51 percent shooting from the field, 39 percent from 3 and 88 percent from the free-throw line, Just playing free. McCollum is sinking 1.4 pull-up 3s per game this season, almost one more than the next-closest Pelican. From a group standpoint, the best of it came during Game One of the First Round of the 2017 Playoffs, in which Lillard and McCollum combined for 75 points, just shy of the record shared by Aldridge-Lillard and Drexler-Porter groupings. "Obviously, that's a tough matchup," McCollum said. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. In the process, the Lillard-McCollum match had seldom looked better; they would become the first backcourt duo to each score 250+ points in their teams first ten games: The only others in league history to have done so at that time? [2] On August 7, 2021, he was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association, replacing Chris Paul. The first player to ever enter the NBA from Lehigh, McCollum was picked tenth overall in the 2013 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Off the court, McCollum has long taken a keen interest in journalism. The fact that each guard played in 90+ percent of the games they shared together. Find out more. Shooting Guard Thinking about some of the other elite duos of this time think Harden-Westbrook, Embiid-Simmons, etc its remarkable that there was never a story in which jealousy or insecurity came about. CJ McCollum is one of the most under-appreciated stars in the NBA. McCollum doesnt only dispense advice. It's an undeserving slight given McCollum's career and current season. The Pelicans coaching staff also showed the necessary desperation in the fourth quarter as they looked for answers to slow Lillard in the pick-and-roll. [35] He set another career-high for points scored with 43 on January 1 during a 9589 win over the Timberwolves. Im going to be more consistent. And, in one of the more high-consequence games in recent Blazers memory, his running mate CJ McCollum all the while playing through a L3 vertebral transverse process fracture in his back was just as scintillating as the two combined for 60 points. But its more about team success.. For everything thats changed, much has also remained the same: both players remain tasked with the expectation of leading the offensive charge for their respective franchises, each of which remaining heavily invested in this seasons Western Conference postseason race. [3], McCollum played at the private research school Lehigh University for four seasons. #RipCity #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/gx5FvsyBgy. I get paid like an All-Star, McCollum said. It is happy to see Lillard being a part of the All-star game a reserve, but we all would have loved seeing Anything and McCollum join their teammate in Atlanta on March 7. CJ McCollum Christian James McCollum Twitter : CJMcCollum Instagram: 3jmccollum Position: Shooting Guard Shoots: Right 6-3 , 190lb (190cm, 86kg) Born: September 19 , 1991 in Canton, Ohio us More bio, uniform, draft, salary info 2015-16 Most Improved 3 3 SUMMARY 2022-23 Career G 52 642 PTS 21.1 19.4 TRB 4.3 3.5 AST 5.9 3.7 FG% 43.5 45.4 [27] McCollum would subsequently earn NBA Most Improved Player honors for his breakout 201516 season. [41] McCollum would play in 80 games and start in all of them while averaging 21.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists a night. I want him to be the best version of himself, McCollum said of his backcourt mate. Itll be what its going to be.. Glen Oak in Canton, Ohio, Draft: Channeling his inner Mike Tyson, McCollum delivered one of his more entertaining moments, sharing a fun moment with Lillard and Lisa Salters. [59] Portland went on to lose the Conference Finals in a four-game sweep to the Warriors. McCollum has averaged 25.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on 119/257 shooting from the field in the last 13 games (46%). Dynamic duos dont survive nearly a full decade together without learning how to reach peak performance simultaneously. 3 First Team All-Patriot League (20102012), 3 Patriot League All-Tournament team (20102012), Patriot League's all-time leading scorer (2361 points), Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 03:34. . Learn more and register. The 3.9 pull-up jumpers hes making per contest are the 10th-most in the NBA. Vote here: https://n. What often goes forgotten in that game is that Portland, to borrow another boxing term, were very much so against the ropes, trailing 101-93 with nine minutes to play. New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3), shown here driving against Brooklyn Nets forward TJ Warren at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, will be back home with his teammates Wednesday night following a five-game road trip, as the Pels take on the Miami Heat. Knowing that if we blitz (Lillard) with Willy and (Jaxson Hayes), what if we go with Herb at the five? Pels coach Willie Green said. But he doesnt need anyones validation, acknowledgement or praise to fuel his passion for basketball. He also missed the Blazers' Nov. 10 trip to New Orleans because of injury management, meaning it took a while for the two longtime teammates to play as opponents. Right, Born: [32] During a 10094 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on November 6, he matched his earlier career-high by racking up 37 points. Of those most high-profile, Game Four against the Grizzlies proved to be the most enticing. Afterward, Alvarado said New Orleans stars not having inflated egos is part of why the team has a strong locker room. Listed at 6ft 3in (1.91m) and 165lb (75kg) as a freshman in 200910, he made an immediate impact for the Mountain Hawks. For the Blazers, then 29-37, injury-riddled and flawed, this meant that they had nearly a half-year to lick their wounds, reassess their situation, and most of all, figure out how they would stay within striking distance of the eighth-seeded Grizzlies for a shot at a Western Conference Play-In Game. That didn't stop Lillard from scoring 41 points, his 13th time this season with 40-plus. McCollum evolved with the Pull-Up podcast and as a wine connoisseur, to name a few of his interests. John Amis/Associated Press. Now McCollum has the opportunity to step into a bigger role at least until Ingram returns and the pair can build off of their playoff chemistry. [15] He was recalled by the Blazers on January 5 and made his NBA debut three days later, during which he notched 4 points as Portland beat the Orlando Magic, 11094. As such, he has written articles concerning the NBA for various media outlets;[80] in one of his pieces, he interviewed the Commissioner of the league Adam Silver. After McCollum poured 35 points on the Miami Heat Thursday tohelplead Portland to a 125-122 victory, he earned the walk-off interview for his stellar performance. If its in Gods plan for it to happen, so be it, McCollum said. come on! [62] McCollum matched his season-high on March 2, scoring 41 points in a 130107 win over the Orlando Magic. It has been almost one year since the Pelicans traded for McCollum and Larry Nance Jr. "Obviously, that's a tough matchup," McCollum said. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, CJ McCollum questionable for Wednesday road game at Lakers, 5 things to know about the Pelicans on Feb. 14, 2023. Over the season, McCollum has averaged 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 3.0 three-pointers on 43/40/79 shooting splits, providing some much-needed veteran leadership as well. When McCollum made his first visit back to Portland last March, Lillard was sidelined by season-ending surgery to repair an abdominal injury. 1 all-time for players never making an appearance in the star-studded exhibition game. Decade-long rulers of the Western Conference, the Warriors and more specifically, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson became the litmus test the Lillard-McCollum pairing would be based judged against. Because so many special moments followed each other, one after another in the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals, well cheat. CJ McCollum is on Instagram at 3jmccollum. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? The win moved New Orleans to 1.5 games ahead of Portland in the West. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. When one didnt have it, the other did, as evidenced by each of them averaging 25+ over the seven-game series. The Pelicans star forward finished the win with a season-high 40 points while also chipping in six rebounds and five assists. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. Steph and Klay have missed a big chunk of Golden State road games. If not, then he will handle his duties as NBPA president and then escape the Mountain West cold for a few days with his family. CJ McCollum with 25 Points vs. Golden State Warriors, 03/03/2023 If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. [17], On October 27, 2014, Portland exercised their third-year team option to extended McCollum's rookie scale contract through 201516. Vote here: https://n. Tonight marks the first-ever game between Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Jonas Valanciunas also missed Wednesdays game with a left calf contusion, and McCollum is playing through a thumb injury. Having convened for an annual photoshoot, the rookie class of 2013 took an NBA.com survey, according to which McCollum was voted the 201314 Rookie of the Year (together with Victor Oladipo). [69] On April 13, during the NBA Play-In Tournament, McCollum recorded 32 points, six rebounds, and seven assists leading the Pelicans past the San Antonio Spurs 113103 and advancing New Orleans to the eight seed game. [46] On March 28, McCollum had a 42-point effort, which came in a 108103 loss to the Grizzlies. The year after the Blazers drafted Lillard No. Buthe is the only member of the Trail Blazers to make the cut. 1 / 23 CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 19: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots a three point basket during the game during the MTN DEW 3-Point Contest as part of 2022 NBA All Star. pic.twitter.com/fI7cgRCzYK. Two nights later, he had 38 points in a loss to the Boston Celtics. Despite averaging 26.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 44.1% from three, all career highs, McCollum's name was missing from the list of reserves for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. A reserve in his first two years, he became a full-time starter for the Trail Blazers in his third season after making the decision to move to shooting guard as the Blazers lost LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, and Robin Lopez in free agency following the end of the 2014-15 season. The finale for both teams prior to the NBA All-Star break will tip off at 9 p.m. Central and will be broadcast by Bally Sports, ESPN and 99.5 FM. NBA.com is part of Warner . If I never make an All-Star Game man, I wont be sad about it because I know Im nice, and I know a lot of people respect my game, McCollum said. College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com, Scores from any date in BAA/NBA or ABA history, Frequently Asked Questions about the NBA, WNBA and Basketball, Basketball-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREE. But me knowing him the way I know him and having to compete against him, I wanted to make sure I got out front and set the tone early.. [84] During the NBA coronavirus bubble, he brought 84 bottles in with him and kept his hotel room temperature at 60F (16C) or below to protect it. Blazers Play Like Field Mice Against Hawks, Get Eaten Up. That didnt stop the Blazers duo from putting together signature moments in the process. [30] McCollum would start in all 80 games that he played and would average 23 points as well as 3.6 rebounds and as many assists. Latest on New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard CJ McCollum including complete game-by-game stats on ESPN. Combining for 62 PTS, @CJMcCollum (33p/8r/5a) & @Dame_Lillard (29p/4r/6a) propel the @trailblazers to a 2-0 series lead! [75][76] In a March 2020 episode of the podcast, McCollum was recording when he received news that the NBA was suspending the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jose Alvarado, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas, Dennis Schroder, DAngelo Russell, Troy Brown Jr., Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis. Player stats broken down into various categories; i.e. For nearly a full decade, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum shared the backcourt for the Portland Trail Blazers, staking their claim as one of the NBAs most potent 1-2 punches. The list of things going right for Portland is pretty small. Talk about Blazers vs. Hawks Second Half Here! A glimpse into the future Game 4, 2015 West First Round vs. MEM. The fans obliged and the Pelicans saw out a 127-116 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers. You know what Im saying? September 19, Towards the climax of that stretch, Lillard, in the middle of the 51-point game against Utah (of course), stepped to the free throw line, awaiting the ball before a familiar chant orchestrated by McCollum and Carmelo Anthony broke out: The entire arena gives Dame MVP chants after his 51-point game pic.twitter.com/kUZ4Fpv692. 6 overall in 2012, they took McCollum with another lottery pick (No. Join our linker program. [3] In his very first game as a junior, McCollum came away with 54 points to set both school and Stark County records. [31] Only four days later, he posted 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and a career-high 3 blocks as Portland beat the Denver Nuggets, 115113, in an overtime contest. McCollum looked like a bonafide All-Star before suffering a left mid-foot fracture that sidelined him for nearly two months. We came out and just competed, played hard. closest McCollum's come to the All-Star courts were the 2016 and 2017 three-point contests. On January 1, 2014, he was assigned to the Idaho Stampede of the development league. Had he stayed healthy, he surely would be a top-10 guard in the Western Conference. You have permission to edit this article. CJ McCollum shows off vision with nice pass vs. Atlanta Hawks. Not that any one knew it, or even wanted it at the time, but towards the end of the 2014-15 season, there were opportunities that showcased what a homegrown backcourt pairing of Lillard and McCollum could look like. Still, it was McCollum and the Pelicans who emerged with a key victory in the battle for spots in the Western Conference play-in, snapping a four-game losing streak and moving 1.5 games ahead of the Blazers in the standings. If McCollum makes his first All-Star appearance next month, he would happily play.