Hoopsworld: C.J. McCollum Discusses Return

[Boise Blazer]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-am-c-j-mccollum-discusses-return

Entering the 2013-14 NBA season, C.J. McCollum was viewed as arguably the most NBA-ready rookie in the incoming draft class. McCollum was coming off of an impressive run at Lehigh University, where he emerged as one of the most electrifying players in the country.
CjMcCollumInsideDuring McCollum’s final collegiate season, he averaged 21.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.6 steals. He became a household name when he knocked Duke out of the 2012 NCAA Tournament with a 30-point performance, which was just the sixth time in NCAA history that a 15th seed beat a 2nd seed.

McCollum was expected to pick up right where he left off once the Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. The 22-year-old was projected as a top Rookie of the Year candidate, since he was presumably ready to contribute right away in Portland’s backcourt. The fact that the rookie guard thrived during the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 21 points, 3.4 assists and four rebounds in five games, also suggested that he would be able to make an impact from day one.

However, during an early October practice, McCollum sustained a fractured fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot and has been sidelined ever since. While fellow rookies like Victor Oladipo, Trey Burke and Michael Carter-Williams have been on the court and playing well, McCollum has been anxiously waiting for doctors to clear him. Now, that time has come.

McCollum is completely healed and ready to make his NBA debut in the coming days. He says that he’ll likely play his first NBA game on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings.

“I’m really excited to get back on the court, and start my NBA career,” McCollum said in a phone interview. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been I’ve been able to play and compete. Now, I’m obviously at the highest level and I’ve been looking forward to returning and leaving my imprint on the NBA. We’re doing really well right now as a team and I’m just looking to do whatever I can to contribute.”

Prior to playing in his first NBA game, the Blazers wanted McCollum to play with the Idaho Stampede, their D-League affiliate, in order to ensure that he’s ready. He played for the Stampede on Friday, putting up 13 points, six assists, six rebounds and two steals in just 17 minutes off of the bench. After the game, he felt great and he’s clearly ready to make his NBA debut with Portland.

“It was good, I got to get some practices in and I got to play in a game setting,” McCollum said of his brief D-League stint. “I got my feet back underneath me out on the court and was able to test out my foot a little bit. It was nice to get out there and kind of prepare myself for a real game.”
Even though McCollum has been limited in what he could do this season with the Blazers, he was able to learn quite a bit from sitting on the sidelines. However, it doesn’t replace game experience, which he’s excited to get.

“It’s helped a little bit, I’ve been able to pick up on some of the different tendencies we have, some of the play calls, some of the game schemes, but there’s nothing like playing in an actual game,” McCollum said. “That’s the best experience that you can get, that’s how you adjust to the speed and that’s how you see where you stand [against the competition], so I look forward to playing.”

Fortunately for the rookie, he has plenty of veteran teammates who have taken him under their wing and helped him as he makes his transition from college to the pros. Players like Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Earl Watson have been especially helpful.

“All of the guys have done a good job helping me out with different things,” McCollum said. “I talk to Damian a lot because his locker is beside mine and I’ve known him for a long time, before we were in the NBA. We’ve had some conversations about things. L.A. is pretty helpful. Earl is very wise and breaks stuff down for me when we’re talking. Everybody has been instrumental in their own way.”

While most rookies have to experience plenty of losses in their first few seasons, McCollum is joining one of the best teams in the NBA, which is rare for a 10th overall pick. Portland has been one of the pleasant surprises of the 2013-14 NBA season, with a 26-8 record that puts them in third place in the tough Western Conference.

“It’s definitely good to be on a winning team,” McCollum said. “I’ve been on winning teams my whole life so I’m happy to start my NBA career on a winning team. It makes things easier and it makes guys happier. One of the best things about winning is that practices are a little bit lighter. Guys tend to be more unselfish when you’re winning. The more selfish teams are the ones that are losing, where guys are focusing on stats whereas when you’re winning, guys tend to put the individual stats to the side and just focus on the team’s success.”

Prior to McCollum’s injury in October, he was being mentioned as a possible Rookie of the Year candidate. Now, because he was able to return with plenty of games left in the season, it’s still possible that he could add that award to his trophy case. While he would be honored to win Rookie of the Year, he’s more focused on helping the Blazers and making sure his NBA career gets off to a positive start.

“I try not to think about stuff like that; I think it’ll play itself out based on my performance, how successful we are and how I’m utilized with the team,” McCollum said of possibly winning Rookie of the Year. “Obviously, I’m in a different situation than a lot of the other rookies because I’m on a winning team. We’re in position to make a postseason run whereas a lot of other rookies are on losing teams where they’re playing 30 minutes a game and able to put up decent numbers. [Winning Rookie of the Year] is definitely possible and within reach, but I’m really just focused on being the best that I can for the Blazers in any role that’s necessary. If it just so happens that I’m in a position to win that award, then so be it. If not, that’s the least of my worries. I’m worried about being a good NBA player down the road.”

McCollum may be able to make a significant impact with Portland, which is scary thought for the rest of the league. If McCollum takes off like he was projected to do prior to the start of the season, one of the league’s best teams may get even better in the near future.

Read more at http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-am-c-j-mccollum-discusses-return#3RRI0kfIwUOS8vQD.99

 

[Boise Blazer]

And then this:

http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/source-mccollum-informed-his-activation-game-against-kings

Portland Trail Blazers rookie guard CJ McCollum has been informed he’ll be activated for Tuesday’s road game against the Sacramento Kings, a source informed CSNNW.com.

However, the plan is to bring him along slowly being that Portland is out to an impressive 26-8 start.

After a two-game stint with the team’s NBA Development League affiliate, the Idaho Stampede, it was apparent that McCollum’s broken left foot is a thing of the past. To come into a league that is midway through the season and post numbers of 14 and 24 points respectively is quite the accomplishment.

But it was how he did it. He got to the spots he wanted to get at on the court. His pick-and-roll game is polished and he’s an excellent ball handler.

McCollum’s style of play adds another dimension for Portland that they currently do not have at the two-guard position. He can create shots for himself and teammates. He’s excellent at penetrating off a live dribble or in the triple threat position. And he’s smart.

We must keep in mind that there is a tremendous difference from D-League competition and the NBA. There’s going to be a learning curve for the 21-year old lottery pick out of Lehigh University. To expect a player who hasn’t played in a meaningful game in almost a year to come in and light it up wouldn’t be fair.

He’ll eventually get his opportunity and I suspect he’ll succeed. But it’s going to take patience.

 

[HailBlazers]

Thanks!

“It’s definitely good to be on a winning team,” McCollum said. “I’ve been on winning teams my whole life so I’m happy to start my NBA career on a winning team. It makes things easier and it makes guys happier. One of the best things about winning is that practices are a little bit lighter. Guys tend to be more unselfish when you’re winning. The more selfish teams are the ones that are losing, where guys are focusing on stats whereas when you’re winning, guys tend to put the individual stats to the side and just focus on the team’s success.”

Man that's so true.

 

[Reep]

Wow, 6 asst in 17 minutes--and on a D-league team. Maybe he can play some backup point. Would have loved to see him play.

 

[Strenuus]

Wow, 6 asst in 17 minutes--and on a D-league team. Maybe he can play some backup point. Would have loved to see him play.

The replays of the games he played this weekend are up on youtube. Search dleague full games 2014.

 

[Reep]

The replays of the games he played this weekend are up on youtube. Search dleague full games 2014.

Thanks. Funny, I looked at the box score and it makes you want a couple other of their players just as much. D-league stats don't mean much.

 

[Strenuus]

I wish we had Pierre under our control. That guy can light it up. But, alas, he's with The Pelicans.

 

[Natebishop3]

Wow, 6 asst in 17 minutes--and on a D-league team. Maybe he can play some backup point. Would have loved to see him play.

He is definitely unselfish, but he's not a point guard. Think "Brandon Roy" type of passing. He's good at finding the open man, but he's definitely a scorer. I think he's a shooting guard for us.

 

[BBert]

He is definitely unselfish, but he's not a point guard. Think "Brandon Roy" type of passing. He's good at finding the open man, but he's definitely a scorer. I think he's a shooting guard for us.

I agree. CJ looks like a smallish, unselfish SG with a good handle, good court vision, and good passing. He should fit in nicely, once he gets used to the speed of the game.

As for Lucky Pierre, he's a good-shooting midget chucker. No thanks.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Having watching that game the B-Roy assist ability mentioned may be a good comparison. His ability to go one on one and break his defender down to the point it draws other defenders leaves other players wide open but even when they werent he is clearly an above average passer. I found myself a couple times saying, "how the hell did he make that pass?"

 

[Natebishop3]

Having watching that game the B-Roy assist ability mentioned may be a good comparison. His ability to go one on one and break his defender down to the point it draws other defenders leaves other players wide open but even when they werent he is clearly an above average passer. I found myself a couple times saying, "how the hell did he make that pass?"

He reminds me a lot of Roy. Not just the passing, but his ability to finish at the rim and his little pull-up jumper are both reminiscent of number 7. If he was 3 inches taller he'd be Roy reborn.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Yep and he already understand the value of floater better than Lillard. I would really love to see Lillard start doing that more and not just talk about doing it more. In a way it good because he is so aggressive and fearless but he is costing himself and the team some much easier points.

 

[Natebishop3]

Yep and he already understand the value of floater better than Lillard. I would really love to see Lillard start doing that more and not just talk about doing it more. In a way it good because he is so aggressive and fearless but he is costing himself and the team some much easier points.

They're very different players. CJ definitely has the better game in the paint, while Dame is clearly the better shooter. I think we've been missing that player that can slash and get to the rim though. I love what CJ brings to the table.

 

[magnifier661]

He reminds me a lot of Roy. Not just the passing, but his ability to finish at the rim and his little pull-up jumper are both reminiscent of number 7. If he was 3 inches taller he'd be Roy reborn.

I don't think he's as strong as Roy, nor have his ability to score by posting up; but the kid and Roy resemblance is uncanny in every other aspect.

 

[Boise Blazer]

They're very different players. CJ definitely has the better game in the paint, while Dame is clearly the better shooter. I think we've been missing that player that can slash and get to the rim though. I love what CJ brings to the table.

I was thinking the same exact thing watch him play. This is area that we really dont have and one that will open up shooter even more. He could end up being the perfect fit for this team and they absolutely need to find him some minutes. 10/4/4 in 15 minutes would look great because of the way he would get them

 

[blue9]

They're very different players. CJ definitely has the better game in the paint, while Dame is clearly the better shooter. I think we've been missing that player that can slash and get to the rim though. I love what CJ brings to the table.

I've very excited about this. I've been underwhelmed by Lillard's play lately. But from the videos I've seen of CJ he certainly appears to be better at dribbling from the perimeter to the paint. Of course he hasn't done it against NBA defenses yet - but I'm hopeful.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Casey Holdahl @CHold
McCollum will replace Allen Crabbe on the active list

Casey Holdahl @CHold
FWIW, Terry Stotts says he's not sure if CJ McCollum is ready to play in an NBA game yet.

Then why activate him or why not leave him in Idaho? Weird ...

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Casey Holdahl @CHold
McCollum will replace Allen Crabbe on the active list

Casey Holdahl @CHold
FWIW, Terry Stotts says he's not sure if CJ McCollum is ready to play in an NBA game yet.

Then why activate him or why not leave him in Idaho? Weird ...

On the flip side, I wonder if they're going to consider sending Crabbe to the D-League, so he can get some burn.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Comcast SportsNet NW @CSNNW
CJ McCollum said he will treat tomorrow's game like any other. "If this were the playoffs, maybe I'd treat it differently", he said

Comcast SportsNet NW @CSNNW
McCollum on activation, calls it "the first step in the process. I have to get acclimated with the team again." #RipCity

 

[LillardKing]

He should replace Moe ASAP. He's already way better.

 

[jlprk]

He'll be another Wesley Matthews. He has the body of an ox, but it's all asymmetric right now. In a couple of years he'll be bemuscled like Matthews. He's not the dribbler or shooter that Lillard is, but has the inside physical presence of Wesley.

 

[BBert]

If CJ can handle the speed and pace of the game (I think he can) he is going to be a very good compliment to Lillard. I'd give Stotts a couple of weeks to work him into the rotation, though. Hopefully we can blow someone out and see him sooner rather than later.

 

[LillardKing]

He'll be another Wesley Matthews. He has the body of an ox, but it's all asymmetric right now. In a couple of years he'll be bemuscled like Matthews. He's not the dribbler or shooter that Lillard is, but has the inside physical presence of Wesley.

He will be way better then Matthews.

 

[BBert]

He will be way better then Matthews.

Yeah I don't get the comparison either. Wes 'may be' overrated on defense as some say, but CJ will never be as strong or good at defense as Wes. Too early to tell if CJ can hit the three like Wes, but even if he can, Wes has about the quickest trigger with accuracy under duress that I've seen. CJ has a more traditional shooting motion and I don't see CJ getting his shot of that quickly. CJ's handle, passing and mid-range game are better. Wes has developed a post up game that CJ will probably not duplicate. Yeah, I'm not seeing the similarity either.

 

[LillardKing]

I just personally don't like Matthews game, never have. I like his attitude but not his game. When his shot is not falling he is pretty worthless in my opinion. He doesn't make anyone around him better. He constantly drives to the basket out of control with his head down and you just know he's gonna throw up some wild shot that's gonna probably get blocked. He never looks for his teammates on those head down to the basket drives. His defense is also overrated, BIG TIME. On the other hand I love CJ's game. His style is what basketball is all about.

 

[Strenuus]

I just personally don't like Matthews game, never have. I like his attitude but not his game. When his shot is not falling he is pretty worthless in my opinion. He doesn't make anyone around him better. He constantly drives to the basket out of control with his head down and you just know he's gonna throw up some wild shot that's gonna probably get blocked. He never looks for his teammates on those head down to the basket drives. His defense is also overrated, BIG TIME. On the other hand I love CJ's game. His style is what basketball is all about.

Considering almost all of his stats are at or above his norms....

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/matthwe02.html

 

[ponderguy]

He should replace Moe ASAP. He's already way better.

I'm just as excited as the next guy but let's hold on and actually see him play some NBA games before saying things like that.

 

[TBpup]

Nice stint by CJ. 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists on .472 shooting.

The downside: .111 shooting from '3' and barely over a 1/1 Asst/TO ratio.

Hopefully he started to get his 'legs' and can contribute when Mo is being bad-Mo. (so almost on a nightly basis. If Crabbe is going to be deactivated, let him get some run in the D-League as well at least to get some floor time. I'd like to see what he would do as a volume shooter over there.

 

[Natebishop3]

Nice stint by CJ. 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists on .472 shooting.

The downside: .111 shooting from '3' and barely over a 1/1 Asst/TO ratio.

Hopefully he started to get his 'legs' and can contribute when Mo is being bad-Mo. (so almost on a nightly basis. If Crabbe is going to be deactivated, let him get some run in the D-League as well at least to get some floor time. I'd like to see what he would do as a volume shooter over there.

Three point shooting is, from my experience, one of the hardest things to get back when you haven't played in a while. He's not Dame so I don't expect him to be a bomber from deep anyway.

 

[TBpup]

Three point shooting is, from my experience, one of the hardest things to get back when you haven't played in a while. He's not Dame so I don't expect him to be a bomber from deep anyway.

I'm sure he had some rust but as for not being Dame, he shot .512 from '3' his senior season (half season due to injury) compared to Damian's .409 his senior year. Since they both played in small conferences where they could get their shot almost any time and were the focus of defenses on a nightly basis, I think he has the ability to be the shooter Dame is without some of the quickness.