NBA: Six Unlikely Players That Have Saved Their Team’s Season

C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers

When the Portland Trail Blazers lost 80 percent of their starting lineup this past summer to free agency, many wondered what the team was going to do. And even though they managed to retain Damian Lillard, with the tune of a hefty contract, he didn’t have a lot of believers.

Sure, Lillard has always turned heads with his play but I don’t think anyone really thought Portland was going to remain in the Western Conference playoff picture.

They have.

And a big reason why is C.J. McCollum, who has to be considered the favorite to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player at this point in the season. He’s been a great backcourt mate for Lillard and has excelled in Portland this season.

McCollum is averaging 21 points and four assists on 45 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent from three-point range – all career highs.

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If McCollum isn’t in Portland this season, I don’t think the Blazers are anywhere near the Western Conference playoff picture.