Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard CJ McCollum (3) drives in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
3. CJ McCollum
2014-2015 Stats: 6.8 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 44% FG, 40% 3PT, 13.1 PER
With the max exodus of players who were familiar to the Trail Blazers, the team underwent a youth movement in their rebuild. Damian Lillard pretty much has the free rein to fire away from anywhere he wants and CJ McCollum also has a long leash.
This preseason, he has averaged 18 points per game while shooting 41 percent from 3-point land and it is clear this team is young and in need of scoring. If Lillard is not on the floor, then the task of putting points on the boards appears to fall to McCollum.
I know he is young and inexperienced, but the 6th Man of the Year award rarely relies on team success for a player to earn the honor. McCollum is also a candidate for most improved player as his role expands and he becomes the “fill it up guy” off of the bench for the Blazers.
Just look what he is capable of…
He is a talented scorer and with the Blazers rebuilding, it is in their best interest to get this guy as many opportunities as possible. He is easily capable of scoring 18 points a night off the bench and becoming a Lou Williams type of player.
It is sad to think about how far the Blazers will fall after watching the very entertaining teams of the past three years, but it was time to restart.
Now with a loaded roster full of young prospects, this team might not excel in the win total but one thing is for sure – they will score. With that, it means that McCollum will be expected to fill it up and that only escalates his 6th man stock.
Next: No. 2