Portland Trail Blazers 2-guard battle: CJ v GTJ
Chris Phillips
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The Portland Trail Blazers recently got guard CJ McCollum back from a long-term injury. In his absence, Gary Trent Jr. put up career-best numbers. In which direction do the Blazers turn?
The Portland Trail Blazers were as high as the second team in the West. They now find themselves as the sixth seed if the playoffs started today. They’re only 5.5 games behind the Utah Jazz and 3.5 behind the second-place Phoenix Suns. Like the little boy who was recovering from his dentist visit said, “Is this real life?!” More importantly, the return of Jusuf Nurkic is closer.
In this article, we’ll talk about CJ McCollum‘s return. Mainly because, between him and Nurkic, CJ is most likely to start. Meanwhile, Nurkic will be on a minute’s restriction upon his return. Moreover, Enes Kanter has been doing a really good job as the Portland Trail Blazers starting center.
This is not to say anything negative about Gary Trent Jr. being a starter. But let’s face it, CJ is better than Gary. So, CJ should start.
“Not so fast, my friend.” as Lee Corso says. Looking at Gary Trent Jr.’s numbers from coming off the bench to starting, there is a difference. As a starter, GTJ’s numbers are 42 percent shooting, 39.9 percent from three, 81.8 free throw percentage, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 18.1 points.
Off the bench, Trent’s production is 45 percent shooting, 44 percent from three, 66 free throw percentage, 1.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.4 steals, and 11.5 points. Something for context, GTJ is getting about 12 additional minutes as a starter. So, this accounts for the variance in his percentages and counting stats.
Since January 16, when CJ injured his foot, the Trail Blazers are 13-9. Compared to 8-5 on the year with McCollum. Granted, in those first 13 games, the Blazers were working things out and finding their rhythm. However, during this time, CJ was amid a career year. Posting a stat line of 47 percent shooting, 44% from three, 84 free throw percentage (while also upping the number of times he got to the line), 3.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 26.7 points. All these numbers are above his career average.
Giving Dame some help
Again, this is not meant to be a negative on GTJ. He stepped up his play and also having the best year of his career. The biggest issue is that Damian has also had to step up his play. To use a car reference, he is currently running in the red section. Damian needs help, but he needs greater help than Trent can provide. The Blazers have done a commendable job “staying afloat” during CJ and Nurkic’s missed time.
Head coach Terry Stotts made the correct decision in inserting McCollum back into the starting lineup. Currently, CJ is getting minutes in the 20’s range, with the most being 28 against Dallas. That was also the best game of his return.
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Who do you think the Portland Trail Blazers should start at shooting guard? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.