While Lillard ended up scoring 41 points, he was less effective as the game progressed. I just do my job. Williamson is now on the shelf for at least three weeks and Ingram's timetable to return is unknown. 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. The Last Hurrah OT Duel vs. Hardens Rockets Dec. 26, 2020. During his third year in the league in 201516, he was named the NBA Most Improved Player.[1]. McCollum looked like a bonafide All-Star before suffering a left mid-foot fracture that sidelined him for nearly two months. [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. 7. McCollum looked like a bonafide All-Star before suffering a left mid-foot fracture that sidelined him for nearly two months. Ingram put on a masterclass in controlling an offense while operating within the 15-to-18-foot range. "It's cool to compete against your peers and your friends and people that you respect and you worked with. [77], McCollum has been married to his college sweetheart Elise Esposito since October 27, 2020. Liddell (right knee ACL injury recovery). Lillard joked that he knew McCollum's full-court pressure against "wasn't going to last." By the time the year is over, he will have collected close to $180 million in career earnings. CJ McCollum was born on September 19, 1991, making him 28 years old as of 2019. inCanton,Ohio Learn more and register. 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. 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/fI7cgRCzYK. He played and started in 31 contests and shot 39.9 percent from the field. During the Pelicans win against the Wizards, Alvarado kept telling McCollum what he was seeing on the court during stoppages in play. McCollum played college basketball for the Lehigh Mountain Hawks and was named the Patriot League Player of the Year in both 2010 and 2012. You know what Im saying? Lillard helped bridge the gap between award-winning hip-hop artist and one of the faces of Adidas. It . Zion Williamson (9) and Brandon Ingram (23) have missed a combined 32 games and counting. CJ McCollum ( New Orleans Pelicans) with a 3-pointer vs the Golden State Warriors, 03/03/2023. Sources: 2021 NBA All-Star reserves:West: Chris Paul, Paul George, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Zion Williamson, Anthony DavisEast: James Harden, Julius Randle, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Zach LaVine, Ben Simmons, Nikola Vucevic. 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. He has nine years of those experiences working alongside Damian Lillard. There will be no Jamal Murray jokes today. From 2015-16 to 2020-21, Lillard was No. Damian Lillard spoke about the Blazers trading CJ McCollum pic.twitter.com/KGgKUasAex. But I think its about team success. [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. CJ McCollum on potentially making the All-Star game this year: "I get paid like an All-Star" 12 Jan 2023 03:28:42 Despite his stature, McCollum played varsity as a freshman for the Golden Eagles, relying on his athleticism. CJ McCollum shows off vision with nice pass vs. Atlanta Hawks. [42] He recorded as many as 36 points during a 9897 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on November 7. 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. 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. CJ McCollum is on Instagram at 3jmccollum. 1 in minutes played (15,750) with McCollum at No. All eyes were on McCollum and Lillard going into this game as they shared the court for the first time since last Februarys trade. 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. It's an undeserving slight given McCollum's career and current season. But desperation also provides a much-needed opportunity to think outside the box and generate positive results. It wasthe main reason they were able to close out this win. The Center aims to provide a safe and inspiring space for underserved youth to learn, explore, create, and grow. [19] On November 6, 2018, McCollum scored 40 points during a 118103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. [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. And, in one of the more high-consequence games in recent Blazers memory, his running mate CJ McCollum all the while playing through a L3 vertebral transverse process fracture in his back was just as scintillating as the two combined for 60 points. Dubs' Curry (leg) could return as soon as Sun. 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. Given the mounting pressure, Manfred believed the least political solution was to . 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. One of the most durable scorers in the game, he finished second in west guard voting last year. [19] During a first-round playoff loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Game 5, McCollum scored a then career-high of 33 points. As the prime of his career reaches its zenith, its likely that CJ McCollum will go down as one of leagues greatest players to never earn an NBA All-Star nomination. McCollum began last season playing the best basketball of his life for the Portland Trail Blazers. [79] McCollum's older brother, Errick, is also a professional basketball player. [22] After injury decommissioned Lillard in late December, McCollum filled in as the primary point guard. [16] On February 8, McCollum posted a season-high 19 points in a 117110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. McCollum evolved with the Pull-Up podcast and as a wine connoisseur, to name a few of his interests. 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. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred moved this year's All-Star game from Atlanta to protest new voting laws in Georgia. He is averaging 13.3 points per game, and has helped the Blazers maintain an 18-12 record so far. [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. [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. 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. 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. Coaches, players, and the media already have the utmost respect for McCollum. 1 in the Western Conference had become more of an unfortunate What If story. You dont get to have these moments forever. If not, I am treated very well on the 1st and the 15th. Game One of the 2021 series against Denver, in which the two combined for 55. CJ is big on that, backup point guard Jose Alvarado said. Talk about Blazers vs. Hawks First Half Here! My teammates did a good job of finding me and giving me those opportunities. Lillard and McCollums relationship actually started because they both dealt with the same foot injury. In these cases, the average was taken. Dynamic duos dont survive nearly a full decade together without learning how to reach peak performance simultaneously. "@CJMcCollum speaks with the crew after Portland's win. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Can you help us send children in need to see the Blazers play the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, March 29th? The organization is doing a good job of picking its characters up.. [54] On March 1, he scored 35 points and matched a career best by making seven 3-pointers in a 119117 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Had he stayed healthy, he surely would be a top-10 guard in the Western Conference. For better or worse, there havent been many duos quite like them. He knew the Pelicans plan was to wear Lillard down throughout the game. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. [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. Its all the work I put in. If McCollum makes his first All-Star appearance next month, he would happily play. 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. He has made 55/114 (48%) of his three-pointers but has committed 46 turnovers. 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. He consistently made the right play and was unbothered by Portlands attempts to run double teams or zone coverages to force him into mistakes. Pick Your Poison The 2019 Western Conference Semifinals Duel vs. DEN. [66] On January 17, 2022, he made his return from the injury, logging 16 points in a 9888 win over the Orlando Magic. The "Midsummer Classic" was set for July 13 at Truist Park, home . 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. 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. Of those most high-profile, Game Four against the Grizzlies proved to be the most enticing. The 2021 All Star Game in Indianapolis is still almost a year away. As such, he saw his minutes increase to 34.8 per contest, and he started in all 80 games that he played. A small-market team and a mid-major star: There's no more perfect union in the NBA. 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. 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. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. [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. On a contending Rockets team, Harden is one of the most popular players in the game and already a seven-time All-Star. CJ McCollum is getting snubbed in the NBA All-Star Game fan vote. Obviously, thats a tough matchup for anybody. McCollum is making $33.3 million this season. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. [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. . [10] McCollum went on to graduate from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.[11][12]. Twitter: [9] On January 5, 2013, McCollum broke his left foot in a game against Virginia Commonwealth University, ending his season early. Because so many special moments followed each other, one after another in the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals, well cheat. Per NBA.com, the lineup of McCollum, Ingram, Jones, Naji Marshall and Trey Murphy outscored the Pelicans by nine points in the eight minutes it played. 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. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. [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. 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. [78] They have one son named Jacobi who was born on January 10, 2022. For the first time in 16 months, that pairing this generations most impactful Blazers duo will share the floor together once more in what promises to be an emotional 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. McCollum is still finding his rhythm since returning to the Trail Blazers lineup. 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. us, High School: 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. Not just great basketball players. For those who can remember at the time, it offered a look into sides of the Blazers duo that hadnt been seen as often. [55] McCollum missed 10 games over late March and early April with a left knee injury. Despite averaging 26.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 44.1% from three, all career highs, McCollum's name was missing from the list of reserves for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. If its in Gods plan for it to happen, so be it, McCollum said. 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? Over the first 11 games, McCollum averaged 28.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game on 47-44-84 splits. Big-time stuff. 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. 1 all-time for players never making an appearance in the star-studded exhibition game.. Stepping Up to the Champs Game 1, 2017 West First Round vs. GSW. New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3), shown here driving against Brooklyn Nets forward TJ Warren at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, will be back home with his teammates Wednesday night following a five-game road trip, as the Pels take on the Miami Heat. 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. 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. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. [25] On April 5, he posted his eighth 30-point game of the season, during a 115107 win over Sacramento. 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. He is a New Orleans native. 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 is sinking 1.4 pull-up 3s per game this season, almost one more than the next-closest Pelican. McCollum deserves the honor and has time to prove it this season. Email Christian Clark at cclark@theadvocate.com. 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. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 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. There are 21 games over the next 6 weeks to garner some more fan votes. To open the 2020-21 campaign, the talented two-guard played as if that stat was on his psyche. I am going to make shots and am going to help us win.. 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. We believed in the gameplan, and it wasnt about who gets the credit. We present them here for purely educational purposes. 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. Or write about sports? 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. "It felt like practice a little bit, a couple of the matchups.". I think we all care about each other, Alvarado said. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy.