Zion Williamson injured for a week, Brandon Ingram absent for a month and a half, a man manages to keep New Orleans afloat: CJ McCollum. Focus on the form of the veteran back of the Pelicans.
Deprived of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans are still on the Western Conference podium at mid-season. All this thanks to a group that impresses, and especially a player who provides at the moment: CJ McCollum. The former lieutenant of Damian Lillard at the Blazers behaves like a real leader of the Pelicans in the absence of the Z, a status he assumes without problem. In his last four games, CJ has been running at 29 points, 4.7 assists, 50.6% shooting and 52% long distance success. It’s very clean.
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans to the W tonight:
34 PTS
5 REB
4 3PM pic.twitter.com/a4drZew2XS— NBA (@NBA) January 10, 2023
But beyond the stats, what impresses the most is the leadership of CJ, who refuses to see his team relax despite the absences. The 2016 MIP comes out of a three-game series where he carried all of New Orleans on his back. Against the Wizards in particular, number 3 finished at 34 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, at 57% including 50% from the parking lot. A match full of efficiency and leadership. Without pressure, without panicking – as the Pels trailed by ten points – CJ led the way. A real boss game. So if New Orleans remains on the Western Conference podium today, it’s partly thanks to him. A situation that makes coach Willie Green proud, as he admitted to the press yesterday after his team’s victory against Washington.
“Every game is different, but CJ helps us find the keys to keep us in the right direction. Without BI, without Zion, he is our guide. He keeps everyone accountable. I’m not surprised. His game is a reflection of his season, but also of what he shows off the pitch.”
At the dawn of a small road-trip three games, the Pelicans have been able to limit the breakage (two wins in the last four games) and maintain third place in the West, they who were in the lead was a time. Despite two recent defeats against the Sixers and the Nets, the Birds were able to make the difference thanks in particular to the relationship between McCollum and Jonas Valanciunaswhich wreaks havoc on pick’n’roll. A bromance that unfolded at the best of times.
“I have been here for a year. I had to get to know JV and all the rest of the squad when I arrived. It took time but today my understanding of the game is better, my patience is better and we manage to play well together. It’s a very mobile, versatile interior, it works hard. I’m glad to have it.” – CJ McCollum after the win over the Wizards.
Behind a CJ McCollum in All-Star mode, we also have a whole group of role playersof soldiers, who are not reluctant to do the dirty work. It plays hard, it fights, it shares the swelling, and above all it does not look for excuses. The Pels are currently at a turning point in their season and will have to negotiate it well while waiting for the return of Z and B (sounds like the name of a sitcom from the 2000s).
One thing is certain, they can count on Cijay.