CJ McCollum plans to retire in New Orleans

[KSF-ERIC]

"I’m not going nowhere. I’m here,” McCollum recently told Andscape. “Where am I going to go? Leave for what? I want to retire here. I’m 30 years old and I have a son who is 13 weeks old. I’m married. When you have something good, you hold on to it. This is something fun for both sides. We’re going to grow. I’m still learning the city. I’m going to find a house.”

McCollum and the Pelicans reached the playoffs out of the Play-In despite not having Zion Williamson in the lineup.

McCollum will be eligible for a three-year contract extension on August 9th.

"I can’t say anything about that," said McCollum. "We haven’t talked yet. I haven’t talked to upper management. But I told my wife before I left [Portland] that ‘Wherever I go, I want to finish my career. New Orleans is on the list of places I would like to finish my career.’ I told my agent that. I’m not about bouncing around. I don’t go through free agency. I’ve been in the league nine years. Have you ever seen me be a free agent?

"When I’m committed to something, I’m committed to it. New Orleans, in my mind, I’m finishing my career here. That is how I devote myself to a city, things and people."

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiret...With-Pelicans-Eligible-For-Extension-On-Aug-9

 

[Fairly-Hard]

"I’m not going nowhere. I’m here,” McCollum recently told Andscape. “Where am I going to go? Leave for what? I want to retire here. I’m 30 years old and I have a son who is 13 weeks old. I’m married. When you have something good, you hold on to it. This is something fun for both sides. We’re going to grow. I’m still learning the city. I’m going to find a house.”

McCollum and the Pelicans reached the playoffs out of the Play-In despite not having Zion Williamson in the lineup.

McCollum will be eligible for a three-year contract extension on August 9th.

"I can’t say anything about that," said McCollum. "We haven’t talked yet. I haven’t talked to upper management. But I told my wife before I left [Portland] that ‘Wherever I go, I want to finish my career. New Orleans is on the list of places I would like to finish my career.’ I told my agent that. I’m not about bouncing around. I don’t go through free agency. I’ve been in the league nine years. Have you ever seen me be a free agent?

"When I’m committed to something, I’m committed to it. New Orleans, in my mind, I’m finishing my career here. That is how I devote myself to a city, things and people."

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiret...With-Pelicans-Eligible-For-Extension-On-Aug-9

Good for CJ. Happy for him.

 

[julius]

Of course he's going to say that. He knows there's only 2 teams in the league willing to pay him, and one of them just traded him, and the other just traded for him.

 

[wizenheimer]

I'm pretty sure he planned to retire in Portland until February

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I'm pretty sure he planned to retire in Portland until February

He has a contract extension coming up, he's going to say what he needs to in order to get all the money.

He does have business interests here and I imagine he will eventually have them in NO too so I can see him "retiring" in both areas.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Turing around a franchise like the Pelicans, which he has a chance to do can get his jersey in the rafters. Kind of like what happened with ZBO in Memphis and CJ is more of a leader.

 

[julius]

Turing around a franchise like the Pelicans, which he has a chance to do can get his jersey in the rafters. Kind of like what happened with ZBO in Memphis and CJ is more of a leader.

He has a long way to go to "turn around" a franchise like the Pelicans.

Barely making the play-in and thus the playoffs due to unusual circumstances, does not 'turning around a franchise' make.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

He has a long way to go to "turn around" a franchise like the Pelicans.

Barely making the play-in and thus the playoffs due to unusual circumstances, does not 'turning around a franchise' make.

From lottery fodder (started the year 3-16) and being a hopeless franchise to wining two games against the Suns in the playoffs. And that's with Zion not even being back. The culture in New Orleans has changed dramatically. One decent playoff run will be enough, like it did with Memphis.

https://www.fox8live.com/2022/04/08...-changes-have-placed-destiny-their-own-hands/

they have a nice squad now. Really nice.

 

[julius]

From lottery fodder (started the year 3-16) and being a hopeless franchise to wining two games against the Suns in the playoffs. And that's with Zion not even being back. The culture in New Orleans has changed dramatically. One decent playoff run will be enough, like it did with Memphis.

https://www.fox8live.com/2022/04/08...-changes-have-placed-destiny-their-own-hands/

they have a nice squad now. Really nice.

Again, barely making the playoffs and 99% of the reason why they did was because Paul George got covid, and beating the Suns twice with their best player hurt, doesn't mean he's changed shit. The Blazers tanked 80% of the season and won a whole 9 fewer games than the Pelicans.

Let's slow the "retire his jersey" talk just a little.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Again, barely making the playoffs and 99% of the reason why they did was because Paul George got covid, and beating the Suns twice with their best player hurt, doesn't mean he's changed shit. The Blazers tanked 80% of the season and won a whole 9 fewer games than the Pelicans.

Let's slow the "retire his jersey" talk just a little.

I'm sorry they didn't go 82-0 this year. Or at least undefeated after CJ went there and started to dominate the league.

And it would take him staying in New Orleans the rest of his career and continuing to be the leader that he is. He certainly has the aptitude for it. I'm saying its a good chance, if he stays, continues to build with Zion and Ingram and they make a few good playoff runs, he'll have a better chance than anywhere than leaving a lasting legacy and having his jersey up there in the rafters.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Again, barely making the playoffs and 99% of the reason why they did was because Paul George got covid, and beating the Suns twice with their best player hurt, doesn't mean he's changed shit. The Blazers tanked 80% of the season and won a whole 9 fewer games than the Pelicans.

Let's slow the "retire his jersey" talk just a little.

I think the Lakers should retire Westbrook's jersey!

 

[Pinwheel1]

From lottery fodder (started the year 3-16) and being a hopeless franchise to wining two games against the Suns in the playoffs. And that's with Zion not even being back. The culture in New Orleans has changed dramatically. One decent playoff run will be enough, like it did with Memphis.

https://www.fox8live.com/2022/04/08...-changes-have-placed-destiny-their-own-hands/

they have a nice squad now. Really nice.

Yeah, they do. If I were a Laker fan I would rather have Ingram over AD right about now. His turnaround shot is unstoppable with those long arms.
It will be interesting to see how Zion fits in. Maybe they trade him? Either way, things can change in a hurry in the Association. You can't get too comfortable anywhere. Lucky for them they get paid well for that inconvenience.

 

[KSF-ERIC]

Again, barely making the playoffs and 99% of the reason why they did was because Paul George got covid, and beating the Suns twice with their best player hurt, doesn't mean he's changed shit. The Blazers tanked 80% of the season and won a whole 9 fewer games than the Pelicans.

Let's slow the "retire his jersey" talk just a little.

Not fair to say 99% PG13 out is reason Pels won that game. Keep in mind, Pels we’re also missing an important player.

 

[julius]

I'm sorry they didn't go 82-0 this year. Or at least undefeated after CJ went there and started to dominate the league.

And it would take him staying in New Orleans the rest of his career and continuing to be the leader that he is. He certainly has the aptitude for it. I'm saying its a good chance, if he stays, continues to build with Zion and Ingram and they make a few good playoff runs, he'll have a better chance than anywhere than leaving a lasting legacy and having his jersey up there in the rafters.

So the only other option is 82-0?

Ok.

 

[BigGameDamian]

You mean he’s not going to bounce around the league, Play with other star players to win championships like KD and LeBron did?

 

[julius]

Not fair to say 99% PG13 out is reason Pels won that game. Keep in mind, Pels we’re also missing an important player.

You can't act like his disappearance played a role since he was gone all year.

 

[KSF-ERIC]

You can't act like his disappearance played a role since he was gone all year.

Sure I can.

 

[HoopsFanAZ]

Zion staying in New Orleans is IFFY. If he loses weight and keeps it off, maybe he stays healthy. The Lakers pick MAY add an impact player. The Pelicans can turn the corner, but it’s all about Zion for now.

 

[Tince]

I hope CJ gets the chance to retire in NOP. I never hated CJ, but I did think it was time to move on. His playoff performance didn't help me change my mind:

CJ's Shooting:
FG%: 39% (approx 5% below his POR playoff avg)
3PT%: 33% (5% below POR playoff avg)
FT%: 69% (8% below POR playoff avg)

 

[blazerfan11]

I think the Lakers should retire Westbrook's jersey!

They'd probably rather retire Westbrook himself.

 

[GrandpaBlaze]

Turing around a franchise like the Pelicans, which he has a chance to do can get his jersey in the rafters. Kind of like what happened with ZBO in Memphis and CJ is more of a leader.

I don't think CJ has done anything really to turn around the franchise.

Ignoring the Pelicans start of the season lets compare the games CJ played with the same number of games immediately prior to him joining the team.

CJ's first game was Feb 10.

From that point to the end of the season they were 14-14. Much better than their winning percentage overall before he joined. However.....

In the 28 games immediately prior to CJ joining the team they were 15-13.

Basically, they were the same team - if anything slightly better before CJ than after CJ.

Turning around a franchise....it would appear they need something else to turn that franchise around (Zion?) but it ain't CJ.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I don't think CJ has done anything really to turn around the franchise.

Ignoring the Pelicans start of the season lets compare the games CJ played with the same number of games immediately prior to him joining the team.

CJ's first game was Feb 10.

From that point to the end of the season they were 14-14. Much better than their winning percentage overall before he joined. However.....

In the 28 games immediately prior to CJ joining the team they were 15-13.

Basically, they were the same team - if anything slightly better before CJ than after CJ.

Turning around a franchise....it would appear they need something else to turn that franchise around (Zion?) but it ain't CJ.

He's a leader and he's vocal about staying and building something. That is often enough to change a culture on a team.

Coming from a place like Portland, we know the importance of culture and leadership. Often times, its just as important as talent. Zion has all the talent in the world, but he probably needs a veteran like CJ to help him blossom into the franchise player he can be.

It isn't about this year. Its about the future and right now, the future is pretty bright with the team.

Making the playoffs and winning a few games is a step in the right direction for this franchise. Its on the way up, while others like the Jazz and Nuggets are on the way down.

Not saying that he's definitely, 100% going to have his number retired as a Pelicans great. But he will get the credit for the turnaround for the team if Ingram and Zion are going to thrive together in the future. And if he stays there the rest of his career and continues being a leader, then I'm sure they will appreciate what he does.

 

[blazerfan11]

He's a leader and he's vocal about staying and building something. That is often enough to change a culture on a team.

Coming from a place like Portland, we know the importance of culture and leadership. Often times, its just as important as talent. Zion has all the talent in the world, but he probably needs a veteran like CJ to help him blossom into the franchise player he can be.

It isn't about this year. Its about the future and right now, the future is pretty bright with the team.

Making the playoffs and winning a few games is a step in the right direction for this franchise. Its on the way up, while others like the Jazz and Nuggets are on the way down.

Not saying that he's definitely, 100% going to have his number retired as a Pelicans great. But he will get the credit for the turnaround for the team if Ingram and Zion are going to thrive together in the future. And if he stays there the rest of his career and continues being a leader, then I'm sure they will appreciate what he does.

Nobody would be surprised if the Pelicans didn't make the playoffs next season.
What they did this season means there is room for them to go down too.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Making the playoffs and winning a few games is a step in the right direction for this franchise. Its on the way up, while others like the Jazz and Nuggets are on the way down.

The Nuggets could go either way. Murray should be back, but Michael Porter on the other hand...... 3 back surgeries? Yikes!

 

[PtldPlatypus]

The Nuggets could go either way. Murray should be back, but Michael Porter on the other hand...... 3 back surgeries? Yikes!

He should've been smart like Ben Simmons and just taken the entire year off. Those 9 games he played are going to ruin him.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

IF ONLY WE'D KNOWN ABOUT THIS BEFORE WE TRADED CJ!!!

 

[Wade Garrett]

He's a leader and he's vocal about staying and building something. That is often enough to change a culture on a team.

Coming from a place like Portland, we know the importance of culture and leadership. Often times, its just as important as talent. Zion has all the talent in the world, but he probably needs a veteran like CJ to help him blossom into the franchise player he can be.

It isn't about this year. Its about the future and right now, the future is pretty bright with the team.

Making the playoffs and winning a few games is a step in the right direction for this franchise. Its on the way up, while others like the Jazz and Nuggets are on the way down.

Not saying that he's definitely, 100% going to have his number retired as a Pelicans great. But he will get the credit for the turnaround for the team if Ingram and Zion are going to thrive together in the future. And if he stays there the rest of his career and continues being a leader, then I'm sure they will appreciate what he does.

CJ is gonna be just fine, but best case scenario for the Pels, he is their 3rd best player, as it should be.
Some guys are "Batmans" (#1), some guys are "Robins" (#2)...
CJ is an "Alfred".....(#3)...

 

[blazerkor]

CJ is gonna be just fine, but best case scenario for the Pels, he is their 3rd best player, as it should be.
Some guys are "Batmans" (#1), some guys are "Robins" (#2)...
CJ is an "Alfred".....(#3)...

The job Willie Green is tasked with is making CJ realize this. Help CJ understand that he is the guy who initiates the offense but depending on who they draft with the Lakers pick and Zion's health, he's the guy that needs to be taking the third or even fourth most shots on the team.

 

[Pinwheel1]

CJ is gonna be just fine, but best case scenario for the Pels, he is their 3rd best player, as it should be.
Some guys are "Batmans" (#1), some guys are "Robins" (#2)...
CJ is an "Alfred".....(#3)...

Are we talking about the old Alred from the 60s TV show or young Alfred from "Pennyworth"? Because he is kind of a badass.

 

[Wade Garrett]

The job Willie Green is tasked with is making CJ realize this. Help CJ understand that he is the guy who initiates the offense but depending on who they draft with the Lakers pick and Zion's health, he's the guy that needs to be taking the third or even fourth most shots on the team.

Agreed.
But also, CJ can become the actual "leader" of this team, similar to what Marcus Smart is for the Celts.
And, he can go for a 40 spot if needed on any given night.
I can see why CJ wanted New Orleans, it could be a really nice fit for him.
(I'm still ecstatic we have Josh Hart instead, going forward, but that's a different, overplayed topic.)