Long before they teamed up in Portland, McCollum (Lehigh University) and Lillard (Weber State University) took turns leading the nation in scoring. Off the court, McCollum has long taken a keen interest in journalism. 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. CJ McCollum is one of the most under-appreciated stars in the NBA. The days and weeks to come wouldnt be as celebratory. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Steph Curry and Luka Doncic as the top two backcourt options makes complete sense. McCollum had 24 points and teamed with Brandon Ingram, who scored a season-high 40, to either score or assist on 29 of New Orleans' 31 points in the fourth quarter. [48], Across 70 games, starting in all of them, McCollum would average 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists for the season. pic.twitter.com/GRbo89wKhV, New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 2, 2023. McCollum named Kia NBA Most Improved Player", "C.J. In 2022, McCollum was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, ending his nine year run with the Blazers. The NBA's hands are tied concerning the fan vote but making the game as a coach's selection or even an injury replacement would be a tip of the cap to what has been an outstanding, yet sometimes overshadowed, career. "At first, it was weird," Lillard said after the 121-110 loss to New Orleans. That lineup looked so active and disruptive together that Green almost has no choice but to consider using it more, especially if Valanciunas continues to sit with his calf issue. [4], As a junior in the 201112 campaign, McCollum again earned Patriot League Player of the Year, as well as his third straight First Team All-Conference designation. 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. 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. 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. CJ McCollum not worried about an All-Star nomination. 1 all-time for players never making an appearance in the star-studded exhibition game. Data Provided By September 19, MLB swings and misses in political debacle to move All-Star game [45] During a game on January 31, as Portland defeated the Bulls, 124108, McCollum scored a franchise-record 28 points in the first quarter alone, and he finished with a career-high 50 points in only three periods before heading to the bench for the fourth. McCollum checked Haynes for being among those who didnt expect the pairing to work when they first started, highlighting some of the chip on their shoulder approaches that Portland fans have come to know all too well. The Most Valuable McCollum leads the MVP chants for Lillard Feb. 2, 2020. pic.twitter.com/fI7cgRCzYK. 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. To two undersized mid-major guards who had made a career out of outpunching their weight, though, odds meant little. Im always focused on getting to my spots and knocking down the shots I work on every day in the gym. However, Portland was then ousted in the second round matchup by the Golden State Warriors, going down 41; though it would come in the 125121 loss that ended the Blazers' postseason run, McCollum recorded his third 27-point game of the playoffs during Game 5.[29]. Carmelo Anthony, CJ McCollum snubbed as reserves in 2021 NBA All-Star Game 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. CJ McCollum says he won't be sad if he never makes an All-Star Game averaging 26.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 44.1% from three, all career highs, McCollums name was missing from the list of reserves for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. 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. [51] On December 30, he broke out of a six-game funk by hitting 13 of 18 shots in a 35-point performance as the Trail Blazers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 12995. When NBA players discuss some of the benefits to that of their sport, in comparison to say, the NFL where games are often seven days apart one of the positives they always bring up: after a bad performance, you normally dont have to wait as long for a shot at redemption. Obviously, thats a tough matchup for anybody. [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. Portland Trail Blazers: CJ McCollum's All-Star argument - Hoops Habit MLB moving All-Star Game from Georgia in response to new voting laws - CNN Shoots: Try a week on us. CJ McCollum on potentially making the All-Star game this year: "I get . On January 1, 2014, he was assigned to the Idaho Stampede of the development league. 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. After . With Valanciunas and Nance Jr. both sidelined due to injuries, Pelicans coach Willie Greens frontcourt options were already limited. News: 1 day ago McCollum registered 24 points (9-19 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds and seven assists across 36 minutes during Wednesday's 121-110 victory over the Trail Blazers. Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points and . 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. But we just care about each other. [28], McCollum helped the Blazers claim victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, 42, in the first round of the playoffs. 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. On Tuesday, the official NBA All-Star reserves list was released with just two weeks remaining before the game is set to take place. Mar 27, 2022 4:52 PM EDT. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. 1 in the Western Conference had become more of an unfortunate What If story. The Bulls add by subtraction while the Raptors bring on a sneaky good addition to their second unit. Keeping both highlight-reel makers and opposing defenses awake and working late in the night, the duo injected a jolt of energy into the Portland fanbase, lacing up for over 500 games together from 2014 to 2022. [19] In the season-opener on October 25, he put up 25 points to help defeat the Utah Jazz, 113104. New Orleans is in the midst of a season-long five-game road trip. [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. 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. [17], On October 27, 2014, Portland exercised their third-year team option to extended McCollum's rookie scale contract through 201516. [2] On August 7, 2021, he was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association, replacing Chris Paul. The ball was in his hands down the stretch, I had no problem with it win or lose. McCollum, who is in his 10th season, has never been named an All-Star. CJ McCollum ( New Orleans Pelicans) with a 3-pointer vs the Golden State Warriors, 03/03/2023. "Obviously, that's a tough matchup," McCollum said. CJ McCollum Has Reached All-Star Status - thecoldwire.com The organization is doing a good job of picking its characters up.. Christian James McCollum 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. authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, and, display personalised ads and content based on interest profiles, measure the effectiveness of personalised ads and content, and, develop and improve our products and services. Find out more. In sickness and health, McCollum rains jumpers. [72] On December 30, McCollum scored 42 points on 11 three-pointers in a 127116 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. I guess we got lucky. [57] In Game 6, he scored 30 points in a 119108 win, helping the Blazers tie the series against the Nuggets at 33. [43] On the 25th of that month, McCollum had 26 points and scored 7 straight in the final quarter, as he helped Portland stage a 100 scoring run to overcome a 17-point deficit and defeat the Washington Wizards, 108105. Unfortunately CJ McCollum has fallen victim of being one of the outsiders looking at the All-Star Game through a pane of glass unfairly. Though, if there were a measuring stick, his eight-game stretch from Jan. 17 to Feb. 1, 2020 might be it. My teammates did a good job of finding me and giving me those opportunities. The year after the Blazers drafted Lillard No. The Thunder opened up a double-digit lead midway through the second and a 70.6 percent win probability at that before the Blazers star duo did what expectations suggested they should: This sequence by Damian Lillard is still iconic pic.twitter.com/yZfuiLLfWx. [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. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. [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 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%). 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. CJ McCollum Game by Game Stats and Performance | ESPN CJ McCollum will be in attendance for NBA All-Star Weekend in February. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. All-Star honors stick on a resume forever and he might be the best active player without those bragging rights. Circumstances are undoubtedly different since that culture-changing Feb. 6, 2022 deal that sent McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans. We kind of had it in our back pocket. Damian Lillard and Devin Booker are totally understandable choices. NBA.com is part of Warner . [8], On November 25, 2012, McCollum scored 26 points in a 9177 win over Sacred Heart to pass Rob Feaster as the Patriot League's all-time leading scorer. 3. CJ McCollum is on Instagram at 3jmccollum. Fighting merely to avoid being swept at the Moda Center, the Blazers brought pride and energy, largely through their talented guard grouping. You know what Im saying? come on! There will be no Jamal Murray jokes today. Enter Game Two. McCollum knows what its like to play in big games at Moda Center. Vote here: https://n. 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. 1 all-time for players never making an appearance in the star-studded exhibition game.. A few other Pelicans joked about the effort McCollum put in guarding Lillard full court early in the game. He just doesnt know if he will be there solely to take meetings as the president of the NBA Players Association or if his trip to Salt Lake City will serve a dual purpose. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. When that swap with the Portland Trail Blazers was finalized on Feb. 8, New Orleans record was 22-32. A glimpse into the future Game 4, 2015 West First Round vs. MEM. CJ McCollum shows off vision with nice pass vs. Atlanta Hawks. [25] On April 5, he posted his eighth 30-point game of the season, during a 115107 win over Sacramento. On the box score, Game Threes 140-137 win would likely suffice. There was a problem saving your notification. When one didnt have it, the other did, as evidenced by each of them averaging 25+ over the seven-game series. 'I get paid like an All-Star. For those who can remember at the time, it offered a look into sides of the Blazers duo that hadnt been seen as often. My job is to take advantage of them.. Ingram put on a shot-making clinic against a Portland defense that could not prevent him from getting anywhere he wanted. He is a willing listener. It was kind of getting back to how we play.. Itll be what its going to be.. Staying confident in everything that Im doing. 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. [40], McCollum missed the opener of the 201718 season due to a single-game suspension incurred when he left the bench area once during a preseason game. Jordan Poole getting on the same star list as teammates Klay Thompson and Curry? [59] Portland went on to lose the Conference Finals in a four-game sweep to the Warriors. [38] In a 122113 victory over Denver on March 28, McCollum finished with a 39-point tally. Stepping Up to the Champs Game 1, 2017 West First Round vs. GSW. By this point, the Blazers, once 30-8 and No. 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. That's what the game is about. As New Orleans continues to scrounge for ways to win games amid its injury woes, Green discovering this lineup could be a significant development. CJ McCollum was born on September 19, 1991. closest McCollum's come to the All-Star courts were the 2016 and 2017 three-point contests. Even beyond the emotional stakes of McCollum and Lillards first meeting as opponents, New Orleans needed this win to hold off a team now neck-and-neck with them in the playoff race. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports. CJ McCollum's career-high 9TH three-pointer wins it for the @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/4gEBbFU6HZ. He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the tenth overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft. once 30-8 and No. Big-time stuff. pic.twitter.com/URZ0mDnBD0. Given the mounting pressure, Manfred believed the least political solution was to . For Lillard and McCollum, that cohesion was at its most prolific in the spring of 2019. Depending on your preferred story arc, its likely that everyone has a different favorite. Beyond Zion Williamson, who remains out with his hamstring injury, Jose Alvarado will miss at least the next weeks with a right tibia stress reaction and Larry Nance is out at least the next two weeks with an ankle issue. [64] On August 7, 2021, McCollum was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association, succeeding Chris Paul who had served since 2013. Or write about sports? On April 16, 2017, Portland lost 121109 to the Warriors in Game 1 of the first-round series; yet McCollum's 41 points during the game was his postseason career-best and made him only the eighth Blazer with a 40-point playoff performance. CJMcCollum [33] On November 20, McCollum scored 33 points and hit a career-high 6 three-pointers, to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 129109. Damian Lillard. We look back on their greatest moments together. Last Call for Blazers Edge Night Help (Please?).