What CJ McCollum Brings To New Orleans Pelicans
What CJ McCollum brings to the table in New Orleans is not only stability in their backcourt in terms of a primary ball-handler, but someone who can be a primary or secondary scorer.
Outside of Brandon Ingram this season, the New Orleans Pelicans have relied heavily on the offensive production of Jonas Valanciunas and Devonte’ Graham, two players who are not known to fill up the stat sheets in terms of scoring every given night.
Now, after acquiring CJ McCollum from the Trail Blazers, the Pelicans currently find themselves a half-a-game back from the Portland Trail Blazers for the 10-seed in the Western Conference and 3.5 games back from the Los Angeles Lakers for the 9-seed.
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After the All-Star break, the Pelicans have 23 games remaining and while nine of those games are against teams like the Suns, Warriors and Grizzlies, a vast majority of them are against low-end teams that are currently in the Eastern and Western Conference playoff picture.
There are plenty of opportunities for the New Orleans Pelicans to claim a play-in tournament spot this season, but acquiring CJ McCollum at the trade deadline has major implications on what the future holds for them.
Along with the stability and scoring the veteran shooting guard provides in New Orleans, McCollum also allows the Pelicans to focus on their supporting cast rather than their core.
