Portland Trail Blazers: C.J. McCollum expected to debut in the D-League

Sep 30, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) and guard Wesley Matthews (left) pose for a photo during media day at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

With the way the Portland Trail Blazers have been playing so far this season, it’s easy to forget that they have even more fire power on the way.

C.J. McCollum.

McCollum was the Blazers 10th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, but has yet made his regular season debut due to his continuing road to recovery after breaking a bone in his foot in October. But he’s now passed that stage. He’s officially cleared to play and is expected to make his professional debut in the NBA D-League this weekend with the Idaho Stampede.

McCollum was officially assigned on Wednesday, and he’ll be available when the Stampede plays the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Friday and Saturday in Boise. If all goes well for the 22-year-old, it’s expected that he’ll get re-called to the main roster. Then that’s when it really gets interesting.

McCollum averaged 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 34.6 minutes over five Summer League appearances for the Blazers.