For the first time in his career, CJ McCollum donned a different jersey tonight than that of the Blazers.
Sent this week to the Pelicans, after spending eight and a half seasons in Oregon, the 30-year-old fullback has compiled 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (but 6/21 on shots and 2/10 at 3- pts) for his first outing in Louisiana. Without succeeding, however, in avoiding his new team a defeat against the Heat.
Present in Portland since 2013, CJ McCollum knew that his love affair with his lifelong franchise was coming to an end. He therefore says he is hardly resentful or disappointed by this outcome, especially since he was consulted by his former leaders throughout this process.
” I am delighted“, he confessed, about this exchange. ” I was very lucky to land in a place where I am wanted, needed and where there is mutual admiration. However, I feel grateful to have been able to play for so long with one team and to have been in this league all this time. I can’t wait to start a new chapter [de ma vie] here, to take up this new challenge and play with these young players.“
The ideal place for him?
In New Orleans, CJ McCollum thus discovers a whole new environment, within a young and ambitious team, but incapable of exploiting its full potential. And where he will evolve under the orders of a third coach, after Terry Stotts and Chauncey Billups, namely Willie Green.
” What I heard about him is that he is very down to earth “, he said, about the rookie coach of NOLA. ” He is strict when necessary, but he is above all a very affectionate coach, family-oriented, who knows how to get the best out of his players. As he was a player, I think he understands what needs to be done to be successful, what happens on the court. I respect all coaches, but when you have one who’s played before, you have a different relationship because they’ve been there too. He knows what it’s like to get traded. I am lucky to have this professional relationship with him.“
President of the players’ union, CJ McCollum is also enthusiastic about the idea of finding a certain Garrett Temple with the Pelicans. Who is none other than one of the vice-presidents of this same players’ union and with whom he was recently able to discuss the situation in place in Louisiana.
” We’ve been talking about it for a while “Assured the ex-back of the Blazers, who knows where he is stepping. ” I have a very good relationship with him, he is a very intelligent person, who does things the right way. Once he explained to me what the situation was here and what I was going to get myself into, I immediately felt very comfortable with it.“
The Pelicans’ missing link?
While we still don’t know when Zion Williamson will return to the courts, New Orleans nevertheless ranks 10th in the Western Conference (synonymous with end-of-season “play-in”), despite a record of only 22 wins and 33 losses.
If all is not rosy for Brandon Ingram’s teammates, who have certainly displayed a more attractive face for a few weeks, they still have a chance of finding the playoffs, four years after their last qualification. Hence the arrival of CJ McCollum, ready to play a big brother role with this workforce.
” I think everyone knows how I work, how I play and how I handle things “added the 10th choice of the 2013 Draft, regarding what he intends to bring to his new formation. ” I work hard, take care of myself and play hard every night. What matters most is leadership, the way you consistently perform, how you raise the level of the team. I made the playoffs eight years in a row, almost nine when we qualify, and I’m really looking forward to all of that.“
