Talk about Blazers vs. Hawks Second Half Here! Had he stayed healthy, he surely would be a top-10 guard in the Western Conference. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred moved this year's All-Star game from Atlanta to protest new voting laws in Georgia. 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. Fighting merely to avoid being swept at the Moda Center, the Blazers brought pride and energy, largely through their talented guard grouping. [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. By this point, the Blazers, once 30-8 and No. [5] Also, he was an Associated Press honorable mention All-American. The Rachel Nichols interview ahead of the 2019 Playoffs. In 2016, he opened up the CJ McCollum Dream Center, which is an innovative learning room at the Blazers Boys & Girls Club outfitted with new computers, books, art, and learning tools. [78] They have one son named Jacobi who was born on January 10, 2022. In tandem, they tallied up 32 second half points, resuscitating the Blazers long time postseason streak in the process. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. [59] Portland went on to lose the Conference Finals in a four-game sweep to the Warriors. Its difficult to argue that Damian Lillard isnt, at the current moment, playing some of the best basketball of his career. 1 all-time for players never making an appearance in the star-studded exhibition game.. 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. 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. CJ McCollum's career-high 9TH three-pointer wins it for the @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/4gEBbFU6HZ. When Dame was out this year, his usage spiked and he put up great numbers. Im going to be more efficient. Sports Illustrated's 38th-best player last season. [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. So, why not? MLB swings and misses in political debacle to move All-Star game Just staying consistent in playing super hard all the time, forward Herb Jones told The Athletic. Be sure to share some of your favorite Lillard-McCollum memories below as well. You dont get to have these moments forever. Will CJ McCollum ever be an All-Star? : r/nbadiscussion If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. 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. McCollum had to sit out four games due to being in the NBA's health and safety protocol program but he has led the New Orleans Pelicans with an unquestionable leadership style and scoring savvy that deserves recognition. In a considerably superior environment with more talent, the Warriors often got the better end of the stick. Despite 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. PORTLAND Even a year after his departure, CJ McCollum is still featured prominently next to other historic Portland Trail Blazers figures in the back hallway of Moda Center. After . [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. [52] On January 22, he scored 31 points and made seven 3-pointers in a 123114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, thus passing Nicolas Batum (751) for fourth on the franchise's all-time 3-pointers list. 1 in the Western Conference had become more of an unfortunate What If story. Major League Baseball on Friday pulled this year's All-Star Game out of Atlanta in protest of Georgia's new restrictive voting law. CJ McCollum's For Pelicans-Lakers Game - Fastbreak on FanNation 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. pic.twitter.com/URZ0mDnBD0. [32] During a 10094 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on November 6, he matched his earlier career-high by racking up 37 points. The win moved New Orleans to 1.5 games ahead of Portland in the West. props to bro, he tried to stop B.I. 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. He knew the Pelicans plan was to wear Lillard down throughout the game. 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. [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. That spring of 2019 was something else, was it not? 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). Poole has not and the Warriors still sport a 3-16 record away from home. For Lillard and McCollum, that cohesion was at its most prolific in the spring of 2019. With Valanciunas and Nance Jr. both sidelined due to injuries, Pelicans coach Willie Greens frontcourt options were already limited. The days and weeks to come wouldnt be as celebratory. McCollum is shooting a healthy 40.1% on catch-and-shoot 3s this season. When one didnt have it, the other did, as evidenced by each of them averaging 25+ over the seven-game series. [71] On December 22, McCollum put up 40 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in a 126117 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Liddell (right knee ACL injury recovery). Final #NBAAllStar Fan Voting Results pic.twitter.com/Ijz1dswNho. He came out with the kind of desperate mindset McCollum called for pregame, but he didnt allow that to translate into recklessness. He picked apart every coverage the Blazers threw at him and turned in one of the most efficient scoring performances of his career. [50] On December 23, in a game against the Warriors, McCollum moved past Damon Stoudamire (717) into fifth on the Blazers' career list for 3-pointers. Long before they teamed up in Portland, McCollum (Lehigh University) and Lillard (Weber State University) took turns leading the nation in scoring. 5. [65], On December 7, 2021, McCollum was diagnosed with a pneumothorax and was ruled out indefinitely. Given McCollums comments about load management, and how the players were supposed to agree to which games they would sit, its clear that both fought to be on the floor as much as possible. We believed in the gameplan, and it wasnt about who gets the credit. [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. [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. Can you help us send children in need to see the Blazers play the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, March 29th? CJ McCollum diary: 'This is happening far too often in our society 3jmccollum, Position: 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. Remembering Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum's Greatest Blazers Hits If it happens, thats great. That forced Green to try something different. 5 in games played (436) and No. [74] It is co-hosted by ESPN analyst Jordan Schultz. us, High School: During his third year in the league in 201516, he was named the NBA Most Improved Player.[1]. The ball was in his hands down the stretch, I had no problem with it win or lose. 20 of ESPNs analysts made picks for this series, 19 of them siding with Oklahoma City. Christian James McCollum (born September 19, 1991) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. [77], McCollum has been married to his college sweetheart Elise Esposito since October 27, 2020. 1991 On defense, the lead guard has snatched 13 steals and even gotten 8 blocks. Meanwhile, Anthony has been playing fairly at 36-years-old with the Blazers. McCollum named Kia NBA Most Improved Player", "C.J. The only thing holding CJ back from being an allstar is Dame. Jordan Poole getting on the same star list as teammates Klay Thompson and Curry? You know what Im saying? CJ McCollum with a 3-pointer vs the Golden State Warriors 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. Pelicans Guard CJ McCollum Suggests He'd Be A Multiple-Time All-Star If McCollum played high school basketball for the Golden Eagles at GlenOak High School in his native city of Canton, Ohio. Shoots: 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. [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. Steph and Klay have missed a big chunk of Golden State road games. To open the 2020-21 campaign, the talented two-guard played as if that stat was on his psyche. CJ McCollum - Wikipedia 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. The organization is doing a good job of picking its characters up.. CJ McCollum not worried about an NBA All-Star nomination | Pelicans CJ McCollum was born on September 19, 1991, making him 28 years old as of 2019. September 19, Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard, who was snubbed as an All-Star starter, was a shoe-in. Im always focused on getting to my spots and knocking down the shots I work on every day in the gym. 'Felt like practice': Lillard, McCollum square off, 'Not going out this way': Nets, down 28, stun C's, Kerr touts 5-0 homestand: Dubs 'turned a corner', KD: Mavs tilt, Kyrie meeting 'just another game', Owner: Snyder, Fields will bring Hawks success, Isaac has surgery on adductor, done for season, Clips' Powell out at least a week to treat shoulder, LeBron to have tendon injury checked in 3 weeks. "At first, it was weird," Lillard said after the 121-110 loss to New Orleans. Im going to be more consistent. The year after the Blazers drafted Lillard No. We were able to get to it and we liked what we saw. 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. 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 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. CJ McCollum is one of the most under-appreciated stars in the NBA. [19] During a first-round playoff loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Game 5, McCollum scored a then career-high of 33 points. And of course, its well-known how this series ended. Combining for 62 PTS, @CJMcCollum (33p/8r/5a) & @Dame_Lillard (29p/4r/6a) propel the @trailblazers to a 2-0 series lead! CJ McCollum's first game against Damian Lillard yields much-needed [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. The former Portland Trail Blazers star was also an AP All-American in college and the 2016 NBA Most Improved Player. He spent half his six-year (plus three games of a seventh season) career coming off the bench. Listed as out for the Pelicans are Zion Williamson (right hamstring strain), Dyson Daniels (right ankle sprain) and E.J. McCollum led New Orleans in scoring with 25 points, but the team's offense floundered in the second half. MLB pulls All-Star Game from Atlanta in protest of restrictive new 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. Pelicans Drop In The West At The Hands Of The Warriors 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. The 31-year-old guard battled the flu and COVID-19 early this season. #RipCity #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/gx5FvsyBgy. 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]. Photos: CJ McCollum at 2022 NBA AllStar Weekend 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. 'Whatever seed we are, we're ready': Is there room for Cleveland among the East elite? Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum face each other for 1st time So I was just trying to take it all in.. I dont know what it is. But he doesnt need anyones validation, acknowledgement or praise to fuel his passion for basketball. 6. Like Lillard, McCollum compared the experience to playing against each other in scrimmages. pic.twitter.com/GRbo89wKhV, New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 2, 2023. pic.twitter.com/xg2mvYWjBX. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 4:50AM. (Photo of the picture on the wall via Will Guillory / The Athletic). CJ McCollum is getting snubbed in the NBA All-Star Game fan vote. 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. Right, Born: Player stats broken down into various categories; i.e. The Bombs Away Game Game 2, 2019 West First Round vs. OKC. McCollum looked like a bonafide All-Star before suffering a left mid-foot fracture that sidelined him for nearly two months. 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. 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. [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. He signed his rookie scale contract with the franchise on July 11,[13] and he proceeded to play for them in the NBA Summer League, averaging 21 points and 4 rebounds per game. 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. 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. 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. I know this is something that doesnt last forever, McCollum shared after the victory. [79] McCollum's older brother, Errick, is also a professional basketball player. once 30-8 and No. In these cases, the average was taken. But as long as we remain solid and be us, then we are going to be all right.. 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! Channeling his inner Mike Tyson, McCollum delivered one of his more entertaining moments, sharing a fun moment with Lillard and Lisa Salters. Coaches, players, and the media already have the utmost respect for McCollum. The first-ever Playoffs series win vs. the Clippers in 2016. [3] In his very first game as a junior, McCollum came away with 54 points to set both school and Stark County records. [83], McCollum is a wine enthusiast. [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. Despite. [38] In a 122113 victory over Denver on March 28, McCollum finished with a 39-point tally. [24] On February 12, he was named among the invites to All-Star Weekend's Three-Point Contest. 10). McCollum scored a season-high 42 points to go along with a franchise-record 11 made three-pointers. Enter Game Two. It's also available for football, hockey and baseball. Ingram also made his presence felt on defense with active off-ball rotations and solid on-ball work 1-on-1. While accolades are great, McCollum values being a good person and helping his team win over making it to the big game. New Orleans is in the midst of a season-long five-game road trip. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson have combined to miss 42 games. 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 NBPA President has 21 games to change minds. Why CJ McCollum is the most underappreciated superstar in the NBA "@CJMcCollum speaks with the crew after Portland's win. I just do my job. Staying confident in everything that Im doing. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Just long, athletic guys all over the place. From 2015-16 to 2020-21, Lillard was No. [55] McCollum missed 10 games over late March and early April with a left knee injury. Yet the closest McCollum's come to the All-Star courts were the 2016 and 2017 three-point contests. [70], On September 24, 2022, McCollum agreed to a two-year, $64 million extension with the Pelicans. 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 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. [19] On November 6, 2018, McCollum scored 40 points during a 118103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He is averaging 21.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Find out more. If the Portland Trail Blazers guard continues in this vein of form, he is a surefire All-Star selection. [42] He recorded as many as 36 points during a 9897 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on November 7. Damian Lillard. CJ McCollum Has Reached All-Star Status - thecoldwire.com