CJ McCollum: Previewing Pelicans' 2023-24 Season
New Orleans, LA - This offseason marked the longest of New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum's career. Since entering the NBA, last season was the first he failed to make the playoffs and had surgery on the torn UCL in his thumb. After rehabbing, McCollum remained in New Orleans and trained 'about six days a week' at the Pelicans facility.
The work he put in this offseason wasn't lost within the organization. Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin recently told reporters that McCollum was" far and away the best player in our gym this off-season." That's high praise for the oldest player on New Orleans' roster.
The lack of team and individual success last season is fueling CJ heading into this new year. The initial pairing of McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson hasn't translated to team success. Injuries have played a major factor in this as the Pelicans 'Big 3' have played a combined ten regular season games together. McCollum's injury last season stymied a strong start to the season for him.
"It affected it a lot," CJ revealed after the season. "I needed surgery three months ago. I delayed it to try to help our team get to the playoffs."
"I did what I could to help the team and give us positive contributions," McCollum said. "I would like to play better each night. But that wasn't the reality for us. I did all I could. I gave it everything I had."
Apr 9, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1) during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
With Williamson playing in just 29 games last season, McCollum struggled through injury in attempting to will the Pelicans into postseason play. His attempts fell short as the Oklahoma City Thunder knocked New Orleans out in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Still, McCollum posted respectable numbers last year. He averaged 20.9 points and a career-high 5.7 assists. Last season marked the ninth consecutive year CJ's averaged at least 20 points a game.
Zion's return should boost CJ McCollum's catch-and-shoot percentage from three. Despite Williamson not playing any games after January 2, McCollum had the highest catch-and-shoot percentage on the team for players attempting at least three 3-point attempts per game. (41.3%).
McCollum's role as the third scoring option on the team allows him more playmaking opportunities, so his assist total could be even higher this season. In James Borrego's motion offense, ball movement and space are key to success.
CJ is accustomed to playing off-ball when the Pelicans explore 'Point Zion' offensive sets. McCollum has averaged at least 4.5 assists per game for five straight seasons. Most of those years came as an off-the-ball guard to Damian Lillard in Portland.
His example off the court will be as important as his steady play on it. He's played in at least 62 games in every season but two of his career. As the elder statesman of this team, McCollum's leadership and demeanor will go a long way to the success of the Pelicans this upcoming season.
