Portland Trail Blazers: A CJ McCollum for Ben Simmons trade makes sense for both teams
How CJ McCollum helps the 76ers
1. Finally realizing his potential
I’ve been a big fan of Mccollum for years. My biggest complaint is that as part of the Portland Trail Blazers, he plays out of position. When starting at PG in place for an injured Lillard, his stats jump off the page. Scoring roughly 27 ppg with FG and 3pt percentages higher than Dames, I have to think he’d instantly be one of the top Point guards in the Eastern Conference if he were to start at PG for Philadelphia. His defensive issues would also not be as obvious if he didn’t match up with shooting guards, who are typically much taller than point guards.
I still don’t understand the undervaluing of CJ. He might not be an All-Star while playing SG for Portland, but In Philly playing PG with the ball in his hands as much as Dame does, I think he absolutely will be an All-Star. Also, CJ running pick and rolls with Embiid would be a nightmare for defenses.
2. The Clutch Gene
Not a lot of players are fearless in the clutch, but CJ is definitely one of them. Not only is he fearless, but he also thrives in those situations. Maybe it’s because Dame had such a big influence on him. But more likely, it’s due to their similar backgrounds. Both were from small, unknown colleges and developed with an underdog/chip on their shoulder mentality.
However you want to explain it, one thing I’ll say is that in the last 25 years of being a Blazers fan, only Damian Lillard and Brandon Roy would I put above CJ Mccollum as to who I’d want with the ball in their hands at the end of a do or die game.
3. Leadership skills
One of CJ Mccollums’ biggest impacts on a team is his positive influence in the locker room. It’s often overlooked. He helped create the culture in Portland. Accountability along with a humbleness created a camaraderie that current and ex-teammates have talked highly about. I’m not as familiar with the 76ers culture or team chemistry. I know it can only improve with the addition of CJ.
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What are your thoughts on this hypothetical trade? Do you agree or disagree with the points in this article? Leave comments down below or on social media.