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CJ McCollum is working wonders for the New Orleans Pelicans

By Jack Simone

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /
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CJ McCollum is working wonders for the New Orleans Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 02: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court prior to the start of an NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Smoothie King Center on March 02, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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) /

The New Orleans Pelicans started the year with a 1-12 record. They had no Zion Williamson, the team was struggling, and from the jump, it seemed as though this season could end up being a wash.

Jonas Valanciunas was the only source of positive content coming from New Orleans, with the occasional Brandon Ingram game giving them a nose boost, too.

However, the Pelicans made a serious move at the trade deadline, and so far, it’s been paying dividends in a big way. CJ McCollum has been nothing short of spectacular for New Orleans.

CJ McCollum is working wonders for the New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans gave up Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and other assets in exchange for McCollum at the deadline. It was a move that many saw as a huge win for New Orleans.

And those people could not have been more right. However, even the ones who were high on the trade at the time could not have foreseen just how perfectly McCollum would fit in with the Pelicans.

Since joining the team, McCollum has averaged 26.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three-point range.

In that time span, McCollum has recorded a 36-point game against the San Antonio Spurs, a 30-point game against the Memphis Grizzlies, a 38-point game against the Dallas Mavericks, and a 32-point game against the Phoenix Suns.

New Orleans has won their last four games, including victories over the Devin Booker-led Suns and the red-hot Utah Jazz, who had won nine of their last ten games heading into the contest.

McCollum is leading the team with his scoring on the court, but the experience he has allows him to lead them off the court. He’s the perfect type of player to help lead this young New Orleans team.

They are currently sitting at 27-36 on the year, only half a game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for ninth in the West. With the way they’ve been playing, they should definitely be in the play-in tournament this year.

The Pelicans traded for McCollum in an attempt to put a great team around Williamson for the immediate future. And so far, that’s looking like one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.

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