[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. [2] On August 7, 2021, he was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association, replacing Chris Paul. The fans obliged and the Pelicans saw out a 127-116 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers. 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. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. So I was just trying to take it all in.. For reference: the Blazers had gone 1-12 in the 13 postseason games prior, leaving them short on confidence among the national media. McCollum: 'More than just a basketball player', "Magic's Oladipo among rookie favorites to stand out in 201314", "Trail Blazers assign CJ McCollum to D-League", "Trail Blazers Exercise Team Options On Meyers Leonard And CJ McCollum", "Grizzlies advance, beating Trail Blazers 9993 in Game 5", "Trail Blazers Exercise Team Options On McCollum, Plumlee and Vonleh", "McCollum scores 37 as Blazers down Pelicans 11294", "McCollum scores 35 as Trail Blazers beat Kings 9894", "Randolph leads Grizzlies to 9178 win over Trail Blazers", "CJ McCollum to Compete in Foot Locker Three-Point Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend", "McCollum has 30 as Trail Blazers beat Kings 115107", "Playoff destination sealed, Blazers beat Nuggets 10799", "Blazers' McCollum named Kia NBA Most Improved Player", "Splash Brothers Curry, Thompson send Warriors to West finals", "Trail Blazers Sign CJ McCollum to Contract Extension", "Lillard scores 39, Blazers run home-opening win streak to 16", "Lillard hits floater, Blazers beat Nuggets 115113 in OT", "McCollum matches career high, Blazers beat Grizzlies 10094", "McCollum scores 33 points, Trail Blazers beat Nets 129109", "George has 37 points to lead Pacers over Blazers 118111", "McCollum has 43 points, Trail Blazers top Timberwolves 9589", "Vucevic's season-high 30 lead Magic past Blazers, 115109", "McCollum's winner sends Blazers past Mavs 114113", "Blazers beat Nuggets to take 1-game lead for 8th seed", "Durant shines in Warriors playoff debut in Game 1 win", "Blazers hand Suns worst loss ever in season opener, 12476", "McCollum's scores 28 in Blazers' 11496 win over Pacers", "Evans, Conley help Grizzlies hold off Trail Blazers 9897", "McCollum helps Blazers to 108105 comeback win over Wizards", "McCollum scores 32, leads Blazers over Bulls 124120 in OT", "McCollum scores 50 in 3 quarters, Blazers beat Bulls 124108", "MarShon Brooks scores 21 as Grizzlies beat Blazers 108103", "Davis' 47 points leads Pelicans to sweep of Trail Blazers", "McCollum scores 40 as Trail Blazers beat Bucks 118103", "Conley leads late rally as Grizzlies defeat Portland 9283", "Lillard scores 33, Trail Blazers top Mavericks 121118 in OT", "McCollum leads Trail Blazers in 12995 rout of 76ers", "George nets 36, Westbrook 29 as Thunder tops Blazers 123114", "McCollum has triple-double, Trail Blazers beat Hawks 120111", "Leonard hits winner, Raptors beat Trail Blazers 119117", "Lillard scores 30 points, Trail Blazers beat Nuggets 115108", "Blazers go up 21 after 140137 win in 4 OTs over Denver", "Blazers force Game 7 with 119108 victory over Denver", "McCollum leads Blazers past Nuggets 10096", "Warriors beat Blazers 119117 in OT for NBA Finals berth", "Trail Blazers vs. 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. If McCollum makes his first All-Star appearance next month, he would happily play. Jose Alvarado, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas, Dennis Schroder, DAngelo Russell, Troy Brown Jr., Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis. All eyes were on McCollum and Lillard going into this game as they shared the court for the first time since last Februarys trade. But we just care about each other. pic.twitter.com/fI7cgRCzYK. 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. [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. Obviously, thats a tough matchup for anybody. Stepping Up to the Champs Game 1, 2017 West First Round vs. GSW. Enter Game Two. Meanwhile, Anthony has been playing fairly at 36-years-old with the Blazers. [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. 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. 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. Be sure to share some of your favorite Lillard-McCollum memories below as well. When that swap with the Portland Trail Blazers was finalized on Feb. 8, New Orleans record was 22-32. [77], McCollum has been married to his college sweetheart Elise Esposito since October 27, 2020. CJ McCollum was drafted by Portland Trail Blazers, 1st round (10th pick, 10th overall), 2013 NBA Draft. [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. 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. 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. [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. 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. He smiled, folded his hands together, and took a bow of appreciation. 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. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred moved this year's All-Star game from Atlanta to protest new voting laws in Georgia. [49] On December 12, he matched his season high with 40 points during a 9283 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He knew the Pelicans plan was to wear Lillard down throughout the game. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Ja Morant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are up-and-coming stars with loyal fanbases voting daily. [62] McCollum matched his season-high on March 2, scoring 41 points in a 130107 win over the Orlando Magic. [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. [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. Listed at 6ft 3in (1.91m) and 165lb (75kg) as a freshman in 200910, he made an immediate impact for the Mountain Hawks. Damian Lillard. Portland Trail Blazers: Will CJ McCollum be an All Star in 2021? Buthe is the only member of the Trail Blazers to make the cut. On Tuesday, the official NBA All-Star reserves list was released with just two weeks remaining before the game is set to take place. If the Portland Trail Blazers guard continues in this vein of form, he is a surefire All-Star selection. CJ McCollum's career-high 9TH three-pointer wins it for the @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/4gEBbFU6HZ. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. He has still played in 38 of a possible 43 games. CJ McCollum is on Instagram at 3jmccollum. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson have combined to miss 42 games. 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. [76], On May 30, 2022, McCollum signed a multiplatform deal with ESPN to be an NBA analyst. 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. That's what the game is about. The Chris Haynes Interview on ESPN March 2018. One of the most durable scorers in the game, he finished second in west guard voting last year. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. CJ McCollum is one of the most under-appreciated stars in the NBA. CJ McCollum with a 3-pointer vs the Golden State Warriors Both are generational talents with name recognition having good to outstanding seasons so that cache and respect goes a long way with NBA fans. Liddell (right knee ACL injury recovery). A wave to instruct the crowd to get loud followed. 4. Ive got to set the precedent on how we got to compete on both ends. The Bombs Away Game Game 2, 2019 West First Round vs. OKC. It has been almost one year since the Pelicans traded for McCollum and Larry Nance Jr. That means sometimes I might have it going, but hes the closer. The Most Valuable McCollum leads the MVP chants for Lillard Feb. 2, 2020. The two provided multiple avenues for which the fanbase could connect. 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. 8. Defense for offense typifies this fantasy trade. Staying confident in everything that Im doing. 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. [32] During a 10094 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on November 6, he matched his earlier career-high by racking up 37 points. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. The Rachel Nichols interview ahead of the 2019 Playoffs. Long before they teamed up in Portland, McCollum (Lehigh University) and Lillard (Weber State University) took turns leading the nation in scoring. CJ McCollumhas averaged 32.4 points, 8.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds in 8 games without Damian Lillardthis season. All rights reserved. McCollum looked like a bonafide All-Star before suffering a left mid-foot fracture that sidelined him for nearly two months. Its going to be a roller coaster. "Just like practice, only a longer game, a couple more foul calls and fans there," he said. [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. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. We were able to get to it and we liked what we saw. [38] In a 122113 victory over Denver on March 28, McCollum finished with a 39-point tally. The series itself wasnt anything to speak of, but it served as one of the many times in which anything felt possible because both players were on at the same time. 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. 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. That spring of 2019 was something else, was it not? 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. By the time the year is over, he will have collected close to $180 million in career earnings. NEW ORLEANS, La. Gabor won zero championships. [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. Blazers Play Like Field Mice Against Hawks, Get Eaten Up. The 2021 All Star Game in Indianapolis is still almost a year away. The teams record since then, including play-in tournament and playoff games, is 44-35. McCollum, who is in his 10th season, has never been named an All-Star. The NBPA President has 21 games to change minds. I get paid like an All-Star, McCollum said. 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. Though, if there were a measuring stick, his eight-game stretch from Jan. 17 to Feb. 1, 2020 might be it. 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. On the box score, Game Threes 140-137 win would likely suffice. [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. A glimpse into the future Game 4, 2015 West First Round vs. MEM. [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. 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. To close with a fun fact: from 2015-16 to 2021-22, only eight players averaged 20+ every season; McCollum and Lillard were the only duo to have done so. Igniting the rally, he and McCollum combined for 30 points in the second half on the way to a 114-94 win. McCollum named Kia NBA Most Improved Player", "C.J. 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. Vote CJ McCollum 2023 NBA All-Star - YouTube 0:23; All-Star honors stick on a resume forever and he might be the best active player without those bragging rights. By this point, the Blazers, once 30-8 and No. With Valanciunas and Nance Jr. both sidelined due to injuries, Pelicans coach Willie Greens frontcourt options were already limited. Shoots: The Center aims to provide a safe and inspiring space for underserved youth to learn, explore, create, and grow. 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. The former NBA Most Improved Player in 2015-16 has. 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. It paid off tonight, Ingram told The Athletic. And, as the old saying goes, the best ability is availability. . [39] The Blazers finished the regular season with a 4141 record and entered the playoffs as the eighth seed. 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. 3. That didnt stop the Blazers duo from putting together signature moments in the process. 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. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. But as long as we remain solid and be us, then we are going to be all right.. 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. Taking care of business for the players. [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. The Bulls add by subtraction while the Raptors bring on a sneaky good addition to their second unit. In tandem, they tallied up 32 second half points, resuscitating the Blazers long time postseason streak in the process. The historic, 68-point, 23-assist game the two had against Sacramento on Jan. 14, 2021. McCollum is making $33.3 million this season. [71] On December 22, McCollum put up 40 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in a 126117 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Shooting Guard 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 can get full details here or simply visit the Trail Blazers ticket site and click Buying Options to donate a ticket or two! That, along with a disruptive defender in Jones, led to remarkable results. 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. 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]. Christian James McCollum (born September 19, 1991) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). I think that was the desperation we need to play with moving forward. 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. (31-33, 10th place in NBA Western Conference). Right, Born: Here are a few factors that will affect his All Star chances next season. The list of things going right for Portland is pretty small. 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. Combining for 62 PTS, @CJMcCollum (33p/8r/5a) & @Dame_Lillard (29p/4r/6a) propel the @trailblazers to a 2-0 series lead! No real explanation why; w/ some players it just never feels smart counting them out.Take a look at his rsum in elimination matchups w/ the Blazers. He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the tenth overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft. (Top photo of CJ McCollum dribbling against Damian Lillard: Soobum Im / USA Today). [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. Talk about Blazers vs. Hawks Second Half Here! Watch CJ McCollum drop 40 on Spurs, help Pelicans snap four-game losing 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. [59] Portland went on to lose the Conference Finals in a four-game sweep to the Warriors. After starting the game 5/8 from the three-point line, the Pelicans finished just 5/21. pic.twitter.com/URZ0mDnBD0. During the Pelicans win against the Wizards, Alvarado kept telling McCollum what he was seeing on the court during stoppages in play. "Me knowing him the way I know him, I wanted to make sure we set the tone early.". That forced Green to try something different. McCollum played college basketball for the Lehigh Mountain Hawks and was named the Patriot League Player of the Year in both 2010 and 2012. [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. In 2022, McCollum was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, ending his nine year run with the Blazers. [46] On March 28, McCollum had a 42-point effort, which came in a 108103 loss to the Grizzlies. 1 in minutes played (15,750) with McCollum at No. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 4:50AM. Averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game on 40% shooting from three,. He has nine years of those experiences working alongside Damian Lillard. He has been a marquee name for over a decade and since becoming a starter in 2015 McCollum has averaged over 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists on 40% shooting behind the arc. [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 knows what its like to play in big games at Moda Center. Glen Oak in Canton, Ohio, Draft: pic.twitter.com/xg2mvYWjBX. I am going to make shots and am going to help us win.. September 19, 8 (428) and No. 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. In a considerably superior environment with more talent, the Warriors often got the better end of the stick. Ingram shot a tidy 18-of-29 from the field and didnt record a single turnover in 38 minutes of game action. 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. It was kind of getting back to how we play.. 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. The "Midsummer Classic" was set for July 13 at Truist Park, home . Coaches, players, and the media already have the utmost respect for McCollum. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. [44] On January 1, to defeat the Chicago Bulls, 124120, he scored 25 of 32 points after halftime, including the game-clinching basket with 56.5 seconds left in overtime. [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. The win moved New Orleans to 1.5 games ahead of Portland in the West. You have permission to edit this article. 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. [27] McCollum would subsequently earn NBA Most Improved Player honors for his breakout 201516 season. 6 overall in 2012, they took McCollum with another lottery pick (No. 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. McCollum evolved with the Pull-Up podcast and as a wine connoisseur, to name a few of his interests. 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 that game, Lillard played a 60-minute-and-one-second game, McCollum at 57:59 prompting his This is what Im built for quote on the way to one of the greatest games in league history. We kind of had it in our back pocket. Ingram put on a masterclass in controlling an offense while operating within the 15-to-18-foot range. 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.