The 50 greatest NBA players of the 2020s (so far), ranked

43) CJ McCollum

Guard CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans has a claim to being the best player in the NBA to never make the all-star team. At nearly 33, it is unlikely that he will ever make it at this point but he has had a strong 2020s so far. With averages of 21.6 points while shooting 39.8% from deep on 7.8 attempts per game as well as 4.9 assists for the Portland Trail Blazers and Pelicans, McCollum is one of the more prolific offensive guards of the last half-decade.

In fact, he has averaged at least 20 points per game for the last 10 seasons. That is incredibly impressive, helps him rank among the best players of the era, and serves as a big accomplishment in the absence of him winning a major award or making an All-Star or All-NBA team. Looking forward, McCollum is coming off a strong offensive season, which bodes well for how well he will age.

With the addition of Dejounte Murray, he might move into a bench role, which could extend his career and help him by matching him up against opposing benches where he should be able to cook. He may not play until 2029–30, but two or three more good seasons and he will shore up his spot as a top player in the 2020s.