Hoops Habit
Fansided

C.J. McCollum wants to get better after his best season

By Raymond Simms

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 12: C.J. McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers is guarded by Raymond Felton #2 of the LA Clippers during a 121-120 Clipper win at Staples Center on December 12, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 12: C.J. McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers is guarded by Raymond Felton #2 of the LA Clippers during a 121-120 Clipper win at Staples Center on December 12, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

C.J. McCollum continued to be a phenomenal scorer, playmaker and leader in 2016-17, solidifying himself as a key piece of the Portland Trail Blazers’ future.

Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum had a 2016-17 season that showed his 2015-16 Most Improved Player campaign was not a fluke. He put up numbers that asserted his position as one of the sharpest shooters in the league. But even with his strong season, he still hopes to improve as a player and a leader.

One of McCollum’s best assets is his durability. He played and started 80 games for the second consecutive season. He also logged 2,796 minutes in the regular season, ninth-most in the NBA. The only games he missed in 2016-17 were the last two of the year. He was a healthy scratch after the Blazers clinched a playoff berth.

McCollum averaged 23.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game in 2016-17. Among his counting stats, his shooting improved the most. He secured career-bests all over the floor. McCollum shot 48.0 percent from the field, 50.4 percent on two-pointers and 42.1 percent from three.

He was specifically lauded for his midrange shooting ability. McCollum shot 47.7 percent on two-pointers outside of the paint. That was eighth-best in the league for players that attempted at least 100 midrange shots.

McCollum’s three-point percentage was seventh-best in the NBA in 2016-17. He also made the seventh-most total field goals in the league. However, C.J. McCollum was at his best when he went to the free throw line. He shot a league-best 91.2 percent from the charity stripe.

Those amazing numbers came about with amazing consistency. McCollum’s 76 games scoring double-digits tied for eighth-most in the league. His 51 games scoring 20 or more points tied for 20th-most in the league. Lastly, his 15 games with 30-plus points tied for 14th-most in the NBA.

But his best scoring game came on New Year’s Day. McCollum reeled off a career-high 43 points in a 95-89 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fellow star guard Damian Lillard was out that game due to a sprained left ankle. This left McCollum to shoulder the load and lead the team to victory.

More from Portland Trail Blazers

He managed to do so on 16-of-25 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 shooting from three. He also added five rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block to the ledger.

It’s not a surprise he was able to shoot so well this year. Over the years, McCollum has developed his ability to score from anywhere on the court. When driving to the rim, he is able to read pick-and-roll coverages and react accordingly.

If a gap closes, he can change speeds and turn on a dime. This allows him to either find a new opening to the basket or set himself up for a step-back jumper. When he’s off the ball, he moves within the motion of the offense to find an opening that allows him to shoot in rhythm.

But his sizable offensive contributions are contrasted by his defensive struggles. McCollum exhibits full effort on both sides of the floor. However, he continues to struggle when playing defense.

It greatly affects the Blazers on that end of the floor because of how often he plays. According to ESPN.com, McCollum had a -1.87 defensive real plus-minus in 2016-17. He ranked 426th in the league out of 468 players in that category.

But McCollum seems like the type of player that is aware of this deficiency and will seek to improve in the offseason. He stated during his exit interview in April that he always remembers the good and bad aspects of a season. Once he takes inventory, he sets out to improve his game in a tangible way.

"“Since I was 10 years old, I’ve figured out a way to get better at something, get more efficient at something. And I’ve become a good player, but I want to become a great player. I know there’s a lot of things I have to work on to get there, and I look forward to the challenge. You know, going through the struggles. Because that’s when success is that much sweeter, and I think that it’s good for the character.”"

While Lillard is the team’s star, McCollum has also proven himself to be an invaluable part of the team. General manager Neil Olshey indicated in his own exit interview that McCollum is off-limits in any trade talks this summer.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

C.J. McCollum delivered big for a Trail Blazers team that mostly disappointed. It will be exciting to see how much more he grows as a player and leader in 2017-18.

Home/Portland Trail Blazers