Bleacher Report Floats Bridges, ONeale Trade to the Trail Blazers. 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. "It's cool to compete against your peers and your friends and people that you respect and you worked with. CJ McCollum not worried about an All-Star nomination. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. McCollum played high school basketball for the Golden Eagles at GlenOak High School in his native city of Canton, Ohio. He hit a franchise-record 11 3-pointers in a Dec. 30 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, and he is now up to 40.3% shooting from distance on 7.4 attempts per game. Although McCollum has only played 13 games and has been sidelined dealing with a foot injury, he was averaging 26.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game for the Trail Blazers. 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. All eyes were on McCollum and Lillard going into this game as they shared the court for the first time since last Februarys trade. [7], Over his four collegiate years, McCollum added 30 pounds of muscle to fill out his frame. McCollum named Kia NBA Most Improved Player", "C.J. He never made an All-NBA Team. [3] In his very first game as a junior, McCollum came away with 54 points to set both school and Stark County records. It was the second time hes scored at least 40 points in a game without logging a turnover. [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. In subsequent press conferences, the two would even grow to develop similar mannerisms, complementing one another along the way. [3], McCollum played at the private research school Lehigh University for four seasons. However lively the yearly trade-deadline chatter might be, there's a reason CJ McCollum is still in Portland. [24] On February 12, he was named among the invites to All-Star Weekend's Three-Point Contest. McCollum's own teammate Damian Lillard is a four-time All-Star who is also at the height of his ability. The epitaph on this partnerships life cycle had started in the lead-up to their First Round meeting against Russell Westbrook, Paul George and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Among players to log at least 500 games, McCollum's 19.4 points per game scoring average ranks No. I get paid like an All-Star, McCollum said. [19] On November 6, 2018, McCollum scored 40 points during a 118103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Jan 4, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts to a three point shot against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Smoothie King Center. PORTLAND -- After playing more than 500 regular-season games together as teammates with the Portland Trail Blazers, guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum squared off against each other for the first time Wednesday, more than a year after McCollum was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in February 2022. [53] On January 26, he recorded his first career triple-double with 28 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 120111 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Ingram put on a shot-making clinic against a Portland defense that could not prevent him from getting anywhere he wanted. 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. He has nine years of those experiences working alongside Damian Lillard. Dame Lillard (34) & CJ McCollum (41) combine for 75 @TrailBlazers points. CJ McCollum was born on September 19, 1991. A large black-and-white photo of McCollums late fadeaway jumper in a Game 7 win over Denver in the 2019 playoffs hangs on a gray, tiled wall about 10 feet away from Portlands locker room. 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. Desperate times may call for desperate measures. 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. The Pelicans star forward finished the win with a season-high 40 points while also chipping in six rebounds and five assists. [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. "At first, it was weird," Lillard said after the 121-110 loss to New Orleans. But I think its about team success. Stepping Up to the Champs Game 1, 2017 West First Round vs. GSW. I am going to make shots and am going to help us win.. The fans obliged and the Pelicans saw out a 127-116 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers. pic.twitter.com/fI7cgRCzYK. [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. [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. [19] In the season-opener on October 25, he put up 25 points to help defeat the Utah Jazz, 113104. John Amis/Associated Press. 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. 1 in minutes played (15,750) with McCollum at No. Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, & Rodney Hood combined for 87 PTS as the Blazers won at home last night to force a Game 7! [34] On December 10, he set a new career-high of 7 three-pointers made and finished with 34 points scored in a 118111 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Jordan Poole getting on the same star list as teammates Klay Thompson and Curry? [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. Williamson is now on the shelf for at least three weeks and Ingram's timetable to return is unknown. He is one of the best players of his generation to have never earned a nod. 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. Email Christian Clark at cclark@theadvocate.com. Im always focused on getting to my spots and knocking down the shots I work on every day in the gym. Game Four remains a positive memory nonetheless. [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. 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 The 2021 All Star Game in Indianapolis is still almost a year away. [62] McCollum matched his season-high on March 2, scoring 41 points in a 130107 win over the Orlando Magic. There will be no Jamal Murray jokes today. Just long, athletic guys all over the place. [35] He set another career-high for points scored with 43 on January 1 during a 9589 win over the Timberwolves. 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. You know what Im saying? [4], As a sophomore in 201011, McCollum increased his averages to 21.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per outing. 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. Mar 27, 2022 4:52 PM EDT. [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. But on Thursday night, after he and Lillard combined for 57 points vs. Miami, he reminded the NBA that Portland is a force to be reckoned with. That means sometimes I might have it going, but hes the closer. 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. No Blazer had recorded numbers on par with McCollum's near triple-double in the last 29 years (Clyde Drexler posted 34 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists or more on five occasions. McCollum led New Orleans in scoring with 25 points, but the team's offense floundered in the second half. It . 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. [57] In Game 6, he scored 30 points in a 119108 win, helping the Blazers tie the series against the Nuggets at 33. Final #NBAAllStar Fan Voting Results pic.twitter.com/Ijz1dswNho. The Chris Haynes Interview on ESPN March 2018. But its more about team success.. His consistency is part of why teams value him. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred moved this year's All-Star game from Atlanta to protest new voting laws in Georgia. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. [66] On January 17, 2022, he made his return from the injury, logging 16 points in a 9888 win over the Orlando Magic. Vote here: https://n. Gambling problem? He was an All-Star just once. During his third year in the league in 2015-16, he was named the NBA Most Improved Player [1] . Im here to win games. [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. [75] Guests on the show have included Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony. 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. 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. McCollum: Why I'm returning to Lehigh for my senior year", "McCollum breaks record in 9177 win at Sacred Heart", "Hulls Named Finalist for Senior CLASS Award", "Lehigh alum C.J. That forced Green to try something different. Glen Oak in Canton, Ohio, Draft: 'I get paid like an All-Star. And, as the old saying goes, the best ability is availability. If Im going to be an elite guard, Ive got to pick up full court sometimes and do whatever it takes, McCollum said. CJ McCollum on potentially making the All-Star game this year: "I get paid like an All-Star" 12 Jan 2023 03:28:42 [3] Even though he was already considered virtually destined to be a top NBA draft pick by his third year, he decided to finish his final year of college instead of leaving sooner for the NBA. Shaquille ONeal and Kobe Bryant (2001-02), Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant (17, 18, 19), and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown (2020-21). 1 all-time for players never making an appearance in the star-studded exhibition game. We present them here for purely educational purposes. Ingram put on a masterclass in controlling an offense while operating within the 15-to-18-foot range. If it happens, thats great. 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. Coaches, players, and the media already have the utmost respect for McCollum. The long-term highlight of that Game Two was the play above, with Lillards back-and-forth with Westbrook serving as an entertaining backdrop of this series. [78] They have one son named Jacobi who was born on January 10, 2022. Shoots: Maybe, the former Most Improved Player will finally get the first All-Star nod of his career. McCollum evolved with the Pull-Up podcast and as a wine connoisseur, to name a few of his interests. He came out with the kind of desperate mindset McCollum called for pregame, but he didnt allow that to translate into recklessness. Lillard could offer some advice on how to deal with it. Talk about Blazers vs. Hawks First Half Here! 6. [19] During a first-round playoff loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Game 5, McCollum scored a then career-high of 33 points. [33] On November 20, McCollum scored 33 points and hit a career-high 6 three-pointers, to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 129109. That's what the game is about. )[23] McCollum was able to resume his starting shooting guard role on January 4 as Lillard was back on his feet, returned from injury. Theres no easy pick which game led to the fastest heartbeat; each was packed with pressure and high-stakes implications. 7. I dont know what it is. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). With so many to choose from, its likely that many slipped through the cracks or have more significant backstories than others. The year after the Blazers drafted Lillard No. CJ McCollum shows off vision with nice pass vs. Atlanta Hawks. Of those most high-profile, Game Four against the Grizzlies proved to be the most enticing. Right, Born: Ingram admitted after the win that he knows the margin of error is small for the Pels as they attempt to stay above water with all the injuries popping up. He is averaging 13.3 points per game, and has helped the Blazers maintain an 18-12 record so far. Last Call for Blazers Edge Night Help (Please?). Among some highlights: The chemistry proved tangible. [58] In the deciding Game 7, he scored a game-high 37 points in a 10096 win, including the game-sealing step back jumper with 15 seconds remaining, to help the Blazers advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. 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? props to bro, he tried to stop B.I. Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. 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. Lillard finished with 29 points and six assists, McCollum with 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists. McCollum is shooting a healthy 40.1% on catch-and-shoot 3s this season. [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. But as long as we remain solid and be us, then we are going to be all right.. A glimpse into the future Game 4, 2015 West First Round vs. MEM. 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. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. 8 (428) and No. We believed in the gameplan, and it wasnt about who gets the credit. Find out more. McCollum is not an out-of-the-blue candidate either. Blazers Play Like Field Mice Against Hawks, Get Eaten Up. 1. Shooting Guard The New Orleans Pelicans are in California to face off with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday evening, and for the game they could be without their star shooting guard. Meanwhile, Anthony has been playing fairly at 36-years-old with the Blazers. The former NBA Most Improved Player in 2015-16 has. [20], Exercising their fourth-year team option on September 30, 2015, the Trail Blazers extended McCollum's rookie scale-contract through the 201617 season. We came out and just competed, played hard. Note, this is done in an automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please. He has made 55/114 (48%) of his three-pointers but has committed 46 turnovers. So I was just trying to take it all in.. McCollum deserves the honor and has time to prove it this season. Data Provided By The first-ever Playoffs series win vs. the Clippers in 2016. [81], McCollum is involved in his community as a radio personality and philanthropist. Liddell (right knee ACL injury recovery). Sports Illustrated's 38th-best player last season has also been humble in the biggest moments since joining the New Orleans Pelicans, both collectively and individually. [2] On August 7, 2021, he was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association, replacing Chris Paul. On January 1, 2014, he was assigned to the Idaho Stampede of the development league. "Obviously, that's a tough matchup," McCollum said. I mean. Among players to log at least 500 games, McCollums 19.4 points per game scoring average ranks No. 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. us, High School: Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. McCollum finished the night with 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, but it wasnt his offensive performance that left his teammates giddy after the buzzer. Odds & lines subject to change. [10] McCollum went on to graduate from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.[11][12]. The NBPA President has 21 games to change minds. As a senior, he was named a McDonald's All-American, averaging 24.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. While accolades are great, McCollum values being a good person and helping his team win over making it to the big game. On Tuesday, the official NBA All-Star reserves list was released with just two weeks remaining before the game is set to take place. 6 overall in 2012, they took McCollum with another lottery pick (No. When one didnt have it, the other did, as evidenced by each of them averaging 25+ over the seven-game series. 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. 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.. Circumstances are undoubtedly different since that culture-changing Feb. 6, 2022 deal that sent McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans. Every ticket you donate goes to someone who wouldnt have been able to see the Blazers play without you! 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. It's also available for football, hockey and baseball. 1 in the Western Conference, 51-point performance against Golden State, 41-point second half takeover from Lillard and McCollum, McCollums comments about load management. It wasthe main reason they were able to close out this win. As such, he saw his minutes increase to 34.8 per contest, and he started in all 80 games that he played. McCollum is still finding his rhythm since returning to the Trail Blazers lineup. With Valanciunas and Nance Jr. both sidelined due to injuries, Pelicans coach Willie Greens frontcourt options were already limited. 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. [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. 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.