Theres no easy pick which game led to the fastest heartbeat; each was packed with pressure and high-stakes implications. [46] He joined Damian Lillard, Damon Stoudamire, Brandon Roy, Andre Miller, Clyde Drexler and Geoff Petrie as Trail Blazers to score 50 points or more. Itll be what its going to be.. C.J. [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. We came out and just competed, played hard. While they are out, the Pelicans rely heavily on McCollums ability to create something out of nothing. [37]) On February 7, McCollum scored 32 points; the last two of which, on a runner from the top of the lane, clinched the 114113 win over the Dallas Mavericks with 0.9 seconds left. [62] McCollum matched his season-high on March 2, scoring 41 points in a 130107 win over the Orlando Magic. [4] He was the leading freshman scorer in the nation and the first player in Patriot League history to be named conference Player and Rookie of the Year. Be sure to share some of your favorite Lillard-McCollum memories below as well. [3], Throughout his high school career, McCollum worked at refining his shooting stroke; the successful effort was reflected in the 29.3 points per game he averaged during his senior season. Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum top NBA quotes of the week, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series, Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers. It has been almost one year since the Pelicans traded for McCollum and Larry Nance Jr. 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. New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (left) high-fives CJ McCollum (right) during the second half of a preseason game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Oct. 4, 2022, in Chicago. NEW ORLEANS CJ McCollum scored a season-high 40 points and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the San Antonio Spurs 126-117 to end their four-game losing streak. McCollum is shooting a healthy 40.1% on catch-and-shoot 3s this season. McCollum evolved with the Pull-Up podcast and as a wine connoisseur, to name a few of his interests. [22] After injury decommissioned Lillard in late December, McCollum filled in as the primary point guard. 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. [79] McCollum's older brother, Errick, is also a professional basketball player. If Im going to be an elite guard, Ive got to pick up full court sometimes and do whatever it takes, McCollum said. We have great human beings in here. We believed in the gameplan, and it wasnt about who gets the credit. This was no longer the case in 2019-20, with the unorthodox, truncated NBA Restart leaving teams unable to play over a four-month span from mid-March to late-July. The fans obliged and the Pelicans saw out a 127-116 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers. All rights reserved. McCollum led the Mountain Hawks to the 2010 NCAA tournament, where he put up 26 points in a first-round loss to a top-seeded Kansas team. come on! He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the tenth overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft. [68] Two days later, McCollum made his Pelicans debut, putting up 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in a 11297 loss to the Miami Heat. Talk about Blazers vs. Hawks Second Half Here! A key component that made the Lillard-McCollum pairing so alluring came in just how available they made themselves in off-court settings. [71] On December 22, McCollum put up 40 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in a 126117 win over the San Antonio Spurs. And if not, Ill be out there for some meetings anyway. -The first set of fan votes are in for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City. He scored 34 points in Mondays win over the Washington Wizards. McCollum's own teammate Damian Lillard is a four-time All-Star who is also at the height of his ability. While we're not even close to seeing who earns a spot on the annual squad, one player who has seemingly been on the fringes of the roster for years is Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum. The win moved New Orleans to 1.5 games ahead of Portland in the West. [16] On February 8, McCollum posted a season-high 19 points in a 117110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. 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. Will Guillory is a staff writer for The Athletic, covering the New Orleans Pelicans. All eyes were on McCollum and Lillard going into this game as they shared the court for the first time since last Februarys trade. 1 in minutes played (15,750) with McCollum at No. Ingram put on a shot-making clinic against a Portland defense that could not prevent him from getting anywhere he wanted. Jordan Poole getting on the same star list as teammates Klay Thompson and Curry? As McCollum dressed at his locker, Jaxson Hayes screamed, Second team All-Defense, CJ McCollum! 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. Long pigeonholed into the very good but not-good-enough category of a team's second-best . [5] Also, he was an Associated Press honorable mention All-American. Off the court, McCollum has long taken a keen interest in journalism. I know this is something that doesnt last forever, McCollum shared after the victory. Do you have a blog? #RipCity #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/gx5FvsyBgy. Lillard and McCollums relationship actually started because they both dealt with the same foot injury. Major League Baseball announced Friday that this season's All-Star Game and draft will not be held in Atlanta in response to Georgia's recently passed laws that placed new restrictions on voting. It remains the biggest shot of his career. His shooting percentages dipped to 39.9 percent from the field, as did Lehigh's record, and McCollum was edged out for conference Player of the Year honors by Mike Muscala of the Bucknell Bisons. [3], McCollum played at the private research school Lehigh University for four seasons. NBA.com is part of Warner . 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. Damian Lillard and Devin Booker are totally understandable choices. 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. Staying confident in everything that Im doing. 6. McCollum began last season playing the best basketball of his life for the Portland Trail Blazers. 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. McCollum is still finding his rhythm since returning to the Trail Blazers lineup. Before joining The Athletic, he was a writer at The Times-Picayune/NOLA Media Group, and he's been on the Pelicans beat since 2016. 1991 The two used to guard each other during Portland practice sessions when they wanted to light a fire under their teammates, and McCollums effort had the same effect on his new club. In celebration for those, we look back at eight-and-a-half of their greatest moments in tandem. New Orleans 10-year veteran guard CJ McCollum was sidelined during Mondays win at Oklahoma City due to a right ankle sprain, and is listed as questionable to play Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. When that swap with the Portland Trail Blazers was finalized on Feb. 8, New Orleans record was 22-32. And of course, its well-known how this series ended. CJ McCollum on potentially making the All-Star game this year: "I get paid like an All-Star" 12 Jan 2023 03:28:42 Im going to be more consistent. 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. With Valanciunas and Nance Jr. both sidelined due to injuries, Pelicans coach Willie Greens frontcourt options were already limited. Christian James McCollum Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? CJ McCollum is on Instagram at 3jmccollum. Buthe is the only member of the Trail Blazers to make the cut. But as long as we remain solid and be us, then we are going to be all right.. CJ McCollum's career-high 9TH three-pointer wins it for the @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/4gEBbFU6HZ. "@CJMcCollum speaks with the crew after Portland's win. [19] In the season-opener on October 25, he put up 25 points to help defeat the Utah Jazz, 113104. On July 27, 2016, McCollum signed a four-year contract extension with Portland. CJ McCollum attended Glen Oak in Canton, Ohio and Lehigh. Coaches, players, and the media already have the utmost respect for McCollum. Game One of the 2021 series against Denver, in which the two combined for 55. [63], On December 26, 2020, McCollum scored a season-high 44 points, along with a game-winning three-pointer, in a 128126 overtime win against the Houston Rockets. '. Tonight marks the first-ever game between Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Still, McCollum not even making the top ten? Afterward, Alvarado said New Orleans stars not having inflated egos is part of why the team has a strong locker room. (Top photo of CJ McCollum dribbling against Damian Lillard: Soobum Im / USA Today). Remembering Damian Lillard and CJ McCollums Greatest Blazers Hits, Blazers Cant Stop Hawks Guards, Fall in Atlanta, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Make Transactions as Season Concludes. McCollum, who is in his 10th season, has never been named an All-Star. [4], As a sophomore in 201011, McCollum increased his averages to 21.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per outing. 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. [21] With four of Portland's previous startersLaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, Wesley Matthews, and Robin Lopezhaving departed, only star point guard Damian Lillard remained; thus McCollum was elevated to starting shooting guard to join Lillard in the backcourt for the 201516 campaign. Willie Green Wins Coach of the Month Award, Smoothie King Center Sell-Outs Now Normal, Pelicans Fans: NBA All-Star Voting Is Live, Pelicans Issue Update On Zion Williamson's Injury, CJ McCollum Shares Thoughts On Injury Bug, Pelicans Trade Market Index: Case For Keeping Current Squad. [84] He has his own label, McCollum Heritage 91, named after the street he grew up on and his birth year. When McCollum made his first visit back to Portland last March, Lillard was sidelined by season-ending surgery to repair an abdominal injury. By the time the year is over, he will have collected close to $180 million in career earnings. CJ is big on that, backup point guard Jose Alvarado said. Indeed, New Orleans later switched to defensive stoppers Herbert Jones, Dyson Daniels and Josh Richardson against Lillard, denying him the basketball in an effort to force other Portland players to beat them. But for the first time in his career, McCollum walked through that back hallway with the intention of beating Lillard and handing his new team a historic night of their own. 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). The Bombs Away Game Game 2, 2019 West First Round vs. OKC. [67], On February 8, 2022, Portland traded McCollum, Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tom Satoransk, Didi Louzada, a protected 2022 first-round draft pick, the better of New Orleans' and Portland's 2026 second-round draft picks and New Orleans' 2027 second-round draft pick. us, High School: The "Midsummer Classic" was set for July 13 at Truist Park, home . Here are a few factors that will affect his All Star chances next season. A small-market team and a mid-major star: There's no more perfect union in the NBA. The Rachel Nichols interview ahead of the 2019 Playoffs. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Per ESPN Stats & Information research, that pushed him past Michael Jordan in 1997-98 (12) for the most ever in a single season by a player age 32 or older. McCollum was named First Team All-Conference. He is averaging 13.3 points per game, and has helped the Blazers maintain an 18-12 record so far. Ingram put on a masterclass in controlling an offense while operating within the 15-to-18-foot range. McCollum looked like a bonafide All-Star before suffering a left mid-foot fracture that sidelined him for nearly two months. In tandem, they tallied up 32 second half points, resuscitating the Blazers long time postseason streak in the process. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred moved this year's All-Star game from Atlanta to protest new voting laws in Georgia. During the Pelicans win against the Wizards, Alvarado kept telling McCollum what he was seeing on the court during stoppages in play. props to bro, he tried to stop B.I. 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. To count a few: theres (1) Lillards pissed off at the NBA, 51-point performance against Golden State, fresh off of another All-Star snub, (2) the corner game-winner with three Warriors in his airspace in 2018-19, and even a cohesive 41-point second half takeover from Lillard and McCollum in a Feb. 14, 2018 win, providing some hope that, with both teams fully healthy, Portland could withstand the challenge. In a considerably superior environment with more talent, the Warriors often got the better end of the stick. Gambling problem? The teams record since then, including play-in tournament and playoff games, is 44-35. Join our linker program. [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. On the box score, Game Threes 140-137 win would likely suffice. But desperation also provides a much-needed opportunity to think outside the box and generate positive results. Maybe, the former Most Improved Player will finally get the first All-Star nod of his career. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. On Tuesday, the official NBA All-Star reserves list was released with just two weeks remaining before the game is set to take place. To begin the night, the Pelicans had McCollum guarding the red-hot Lillard, who entered the game averaging 38.7 points over the previous 20 games. Both are generational talents with name recognition having good to outstanding seasons so that cache and respect goes a long way with NBA fans. "Obviously, that's a tough matchup," McCollum said. Zion Williamson (9) and Brandon Ingram (23) have missed a combined 32 games and counting. Theres: (1) The Rodney Hood Game, the 4OT thriller in Game Three, (3) The CJ McCollum Game, the Game 7 comeback. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. Latest on New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard CJ McCollum including complete game-by-game stats on ESPN. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. The only thing holding CJ back from being an allstar is Dame. [26] By the end of the regular season, he averaged 20.8 points per game, while Lillard did 25.1 points, making the first backcourt to average 20 or more points apiece in Blazers' history. "Just like practice, only a longer game, a couple more foul calls and fans there," he said. Lillard's teammates, Carmelo Anthony and CJ McCollum, did not make the All-star reserve list, despite being in the top-10 in fan voting just last week. (31-33, 10th place in NBA Western Conference). [74] It is co-hosted by ESPN analyst Jordan Schultz. Vote here: https://n. 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. And he didn't even spend his whole time with that team wearing the number they retired in his honor. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. We kind of had it in our back pocket. McCollum is not known for his defense, but he said he has so much familiarity with Lillards game that he wanted to take on that responsibility early on. [2] On August 7, 2021, he was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association, replacing Chris Paul. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports. [3] He played in 33 games, starting in 31, and averaged 19.1 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 45.9 percent from the field. I get paid like an All-Star, McCollum said. It's an undeserving slight given McCollum's career and current season. CJ McCollum has started the 2021 season on a high. He attended Glendora High School in Glendora, California, where he played basketball. When the NBA on TNT crew asked the Trail Blazers star about his mentality and supporting his teammates despite not getting an All-Star nod, McCollum said he doesnt need others to validate his body of work. Depending on your preferred story arc, its likely that everyone has a different favorite. It's about respecting the game, playing hard and giving all you've got.". Liddell (right knee ACL injury recovery). Not just great basketball players. [82] McCollum also helps foster local youths' interest in journalists through an initiative called CJ's Press Pass; it grants aspiring journalists access to postgame news conferences and provides them the opportunity to attend events with McCollum, to receive personalized mentorship from members of the media, and to have their work published. He is averaging 21.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. That forced Green to try something different. I just work extremely hard and I dont need validation from outsiders, I dont need validation from other people, because I know what I have and what I bring to the table., "I don't need validation from other people, because I know what I have and what I bring to the table. The Most Valuable McCollum leads the MVP chants for Lillard Feb. 2, 2020. Christian James McCollum (born September 19, 1991) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). [49] On December 12, he matched his season high with 40 points during a 9283 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. I am going to make plays. [38] In a 122113 victory over Denver on March 28, McCollum finished with a 39-point tally. Pick Your Poison The 2019 Western Conference Semifinals Duel vs. DEN. CJ McCollum will be in attendance for NBA All-Star Weekend in February. You dont get to have these moments forever. Combining for 62 PTS, @CJMcCollum (33p/8r/5a) & @Dame_Lillard (29p/4r/6a) propel the @trailblazers to a 2-0 series lead! 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. 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%). The days and weeks to come wouldnt be as celebratory. [36] In a game on January 13, a 115109 loss to the Orlando Magic, he posted 26 points to extended his streak of games with 25-plus points to eight in a row, the third-longest in Blazers' history (only Geoff Petrie with 11 and Clyde Drexler with 9 games have had longer among Blazers players. John Amis/Associated Press. 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. In subsequent press conferences, the two would even grow to develop similar mannerisms, complementing one another along the way. 3jmccollum, Position: Lillard helped bridge the gap between award-winning hip-hop artist and one of the faces of Adidas. Just staying consistent in playing super hard all the time, forward Herb Jones told The Athletic. Just long, athletic guys all over the place. He is a willing listener. The two provided multiple avenues for which the fanbase could connect. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. [55] McCollum missed 10 games over late March and early April with a left knee injury. [18] For his sophomore season, he played 15.7 minutes per outing while averaging 6.8 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1 assist across 62 games. McCollum: 'More Than Just a Basketball Player', "CJ McCollum Dream Center Opens at Blazers Boys & Girls Club", "Portland's CJ McCollum is a Silent Assassin on the Court and a Blooming Journalist Off of it", "NBA star CJ McCollum is keeping his hotel room a frigid temperature to create a wine cellar for the 84 bottles he ordered to the Disney bubble", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=CJ_McCollum&oldid=1140860142. [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. The only other player to pull off this feat in Pelicans franchise history is Anthony Davis, who did it five times. On the NBA 2K series, this would lead to a 10 percent increase in teammate chemistry. Sure, there were bigger on-court moments, but it proved full-circle for two teammates who always seemed to root on one anothers successes. CJ McCollum not worried about an All-Star nomination. One of the most durable scorers in the game, he finished second in west guard voting last year. As New Orleans continues to scrounge for ways to win games amid its injury woes, Green discovering this lineup could be a significant development. To begin the night, the Pelicans had McCollum guarding the red-hot Lillard, who entered the game averaging 38.7 points over the previous 20 games. Among players to log at least 500 games, McCollum's 19.4 points per game scoring average ranks No. His teams have constantly been in the top half of the Western Conference or at least giving high seeds scares like last year against the Phoenix Suns. 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. Despite. Before Wednesdays matchup, McCollum said the Pelicans were desperate for a win after losing four in a row amid an epic nosedive in the standings. 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. If McCollum makes his first All-Star appearance next month, he would happily play. Mar 27, 2022 4:52 PM EDT. Data Provided By The 2021 All Star Game in Indianapolis is still almost a year away. Glen Oak in Canton, Ohio, Draft: CJ McCollum Getting Snubbed in NBA All-Star Voting - Sports Illustrated New Orleans Pelicans News, Analysis, and More CJ McCollum Getting Snubbed By NBA All-Star Game Voters CJ. Obviously, thats a tough matchup for anybody. Ingram shot a tidy 18-of-29 from the field and didnt record a single turnover in 38 minutes of game action. From 2015-16 to 2020-21, Lillard was No. Jonas Valanciunas also missed Wednesdays game with a left calf contusion, and McCollum is playing through a thumb injury. Because so many special moments followed each other, one after another in the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals, well cheat. After he scored a combined 27 points in the second and third quarters, the Pels held him to eight in the final period, including just one field goal in the final seven minutes. While accolades are great, McCollum values being a good person and helping his team win over making it to the big game. 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. [59] Portland went on to lose the Conference Finals in a four-game sweep to the Warriors. [33] On November 20, McCollum scored 33 points and hit a career-high 6 three-pointers, to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 129109. Some would argue if I was in the East, I would have been a multi-time All-Star, McCollum said. Across their eight-and-half year reign together, the two combined for 29,367 points a lot of regular season and postseason buckets combined along with three 50-win seasons, eight postseason appearances, once upon a time the NBAs longest active streak, and an immeasurable amount of memories. Dame Lillard (34) & CJ McCollum (41) combine for 75 @TrailBlazers points. Lillard finished with 29 points and six assists, McCollum with 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists. He smiled, folded his hands together, and took a bow of appreciation. That, along with a disruptive defender in Jones, led to remarkable results. Lillard joked that he knew McCollum's full-court pressure against "wasn't going to last." [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. once 30-8 and No. inCanton,Ohio Vote for New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum and the rest of the team to help bring real jazz to Utah for the 2023 NBA All-Star game. It . If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Among players to log at least 500 games, McCollums 19.4 points per game scoring average ranks No. A few other Pelicans joked about the effort McCollum put in guarding Lillard full court early in the game. If not, I am treated very well on the 1st and the 15th. Schooling the Thunder once in Game One was to get the monkey of their respective backs; to do it again would be sending a message.
Alex Bruesewitz Net Worth,
Roccat Swarm Profiles,
Articles C