Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans: 3 big questions and a prediction

Phoenix Suns (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)
Phoenix Suns (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)
2 of 5
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans CJ McCollum (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Can CJ McCollum equal out Devin Booker or Chris Paul?

One of the biggest reasons for the New Orleans Pelicans’ recent turnaround this season took place after the acquisition of CJ McCollum at the NBA Trade Deadline. He has been great in this new role for the team and he has been exactly what the team has needed in the backcourt.

The big question in this series is if McCollum can equal out one of Devin Booker or Chris Paul. If the Pelicans are going to have any chance to even win a game in this series, this will have to be the case. And, quite frankly, that seems like a far-fetched idea.

McCollum is a really good player and a great complement to Brandon Ingram, but I’m not sure he’s at Booker’s level. Or even Paul, despite being on the latter portion of his career.