C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
Stats: 20.9 points, 4.2 assists, 41% 3PT
If you thought that C.J. McCollum was gong to make this type of jump this season, raise your hand. Now put it down because you’re lying.
McCollum, even if it was somewhat forced, went from averaging 15 minutes and seven point per game last season, to 35 minutes and 21 points per game. That is quite the leap, even for a player that had a pretty high ceiling. Add in that he’s also raised both his overall shooting and three-point percentages, and you can probably make the argument that all he’s missing to be considered a star is consistency.
And that will come.
I’m not sure where the Portland Trail Blazers would be this season, especially after losing 80 percent of their starting lineup in the summer, without McCollum.
Next: Rod Hood