3 reasons why the CJ McCollum trade is amazing for the Pelicans

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 19: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans is defended by CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during a NBA game at the Smoothie King Center on November 19, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana, 3 reasons why the CJ McCollum trade is amazing for the Pelicans. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

3 reasons why the CJ McCollum trade is amazing for the Pelicans: Third star

Everyone in the NBA talks about adding a “third star.” Look at the Los Angeles Lakers this past offseason, the Boston Celtics right now, and even the Trail Blazers before dealing CJ McCollum.

Well, now the New Orleans Pelicans have just that – three stars to build around. Well… sort of. They have two stars right now and another one on the way.

As mentioned, Williamson has yet to play a game for the Pelicans this season, and right now, it’s looking like he won’t be back in action at all this year.

However, once he returns, the Pelicans will have a core of Zion Williamson, McCollum, and Brandon Ingram. Plus, they still have Jonas Valanciunas, who’s been playing at close to an All-Star level this year.

What’s the one thing everyone said the Pelicans needed to put around Williamson? Shooting. They got that. (Defense is also necessary… but they can figure that out.)

Both Ingram and McCollum are elite scorers on the perimeter, and either is fully capable of being the go-to scorer on any given night. Having those types of players around Williamson is ideal.

It may not be the flashiest or most star-studded Big 3 in the business, but it is undoubtedly a Big 3, nonetheless. Once Williamson gets healthy, New Orleans has a great core, at the very least.

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