CJ McCollum has long been regarded as one of the NBA’s most skilled and cerebral guards. From his early days at Lehigh to making waves with the Portland Trail Blazers and now leading in New Orleans, McCollum’s journey is one of calculated excellence. In a recent conversation, he opened up about his inspirations, his evolution as a player, and his perspective on the game today.
Guard Inspirations: Learning from the Greats
When asked about the players who influenced his style, McCollum rattled off a list of all-time greats.
“Besides my brother? I watched a lot of Allen Iverson. I watched a lot of Steve Nash. I watched a lot of Rip Hamilton. I watched young Gilbert [Arenas] and obviously Kobe and Mike,” McCollum said. “I watched all those guys but really, you know, for me, it was like figuring how to be successful and how to be impactful and how to create space in the league where everybody’s athletic and everybody’s fast and everybody’s good.”
That mix of elite scoring, craftiness, and efficiency has clearly shaped McCollum’s approach, making him one of the league’s most polished offensive weapons.
First Dunk Came Late
Despite his current status as a premier NBA scorer, McCollum’s first in-game dunk didn’t come as early as one might expect.
“Oh! I didn’t dunk until my senior year of high school. In the game? I got a steal and got a one hander and dunked it.”
It’s a reminder that development happens at different paces, even for future NBA stars.
Adjusting from Portland to New Orleans
McCollum spent nearly a decade in Portland alongside Damian Lillard, where the duo formed one of the most potent backcourts in the league. Now in New Orleans, his responsibilities have shifted, but the transition has been smooth.
“It’s not been that difficult for me to adjust to who’s around me and depending on who’s playing on any given night, I haven’t had any issues or any troubles.”
His versatility and basketball IQ have allowed him to thrive in multiple roles, whether as a primary scorer or facilitator.
Balancing Basketball and Journalism
McCollum has seamlessly stepped into the media space while still playing at a high level, leveraging his journalism background from Lehigh.
“It was a combination of both. It was something that we discussed when before I was drafted, maximizing my journalism prowess and obviously that I’m passionate about it and taking advantage of it while I’m playing.”
With appearances on various media platforms and insightful takes on the game, McCollum is setting himself up for a post-playing career that few in the league are preparing for while still active.
The Lehigh Upset That Changed His Career
Many remember McCollum’s breakout performance in the 2012 NCAA Tournament when Lehigh stunned Duke. That moment, he believes, was crucial to his NBA trajectory.
“Yeah. I knew that I would be judged on that performance and I knew that I needed to deliver and showcase my talent and total game. It’s unfortunate but especially when you went to a small school, those moments would make or break you and kind of show whether or not you could survive even though that you were talented and capable, and if you had a not-so-great night, you would be judged on it. And thankfully, I rose to the occasion and our team did a good job and we took care of business.”
That game solidified his status as an NBA prospect, leading to his selection as the 10th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Who He Watches on League Pass
A student of the game, McCollum keeps a close eye on the league’s emerging stars.
“Cade Cunningham. Wemby. I watch some of the [Sacramento] Kings… Yeah, I just love basketball so I’m just constantly watching games and studying the games—watching OKC, the Celtics, the Cavs.”
McCollum’s appreciation for young talent and team dynamics speaks to his analytical approach to the game.
Will Traditional Point Guards Return?
The NBA has evolved into a league dominated by scoring guards, but McCollum sees basketball as cyclical.
“Basketball is a game of trends, and right now the trend is scoring athletic guards and that’s the way it’s going to be for a while. And at some point, as the players continue to mature, there’s a process where they’ll have growth and development and then guys will change.”
While the game continues to favor dynamic scoring, McCollum acknowledges that future shifts could bring a resurgence of traditional playmakers.
Conclusion
CJ McCollum’s career has been built on adaptability, intelligence, and skill. From his inspirations to his role in New Orleans and his transition into media, he continues to prove that success in the NBA isn’t just about athleticism—it’s about constant evolution.
