ICYMI: CJ McCollum On His Pelicans Future

The New Orleans Pelicans' season is over, but down the stretch they surprised a few people, and they showed great promise for next season. When CJ McCollum came over from the Portland Trail Blazers at the trade deadline, he filled a huge need for the Pels, and indeed, he put up career highs in his time in The Big Easy. In 25 games, he averaged 26.2 points, 6.2 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and shot 49.5% from the field. 

As of August 9th, he's eligible for a 3-year extension with the Pelicans, and McCollum has no plans of going anywhere. 

Please keep this man in New Orleans forever. @CJMcCollum pic.twitter.com/WJw1wiR9EH

— Boot Krewe Media (@BootKreweMedia) April 26, 2022

"I'm not going nowhere. I'm here. Where am I going to go? Leave for what? I want to retire here... When you have something good, you hold onto it." 

McCollum, who had spent his entire 9-year career in Portland until February, says he and his family are settling in and really enjoying their time in New Orleans. "This is something fun for both sides. We’re going to grow. I’m still learning the city. I’m going to find a house,” he told Marc Spears of Andscape.

The Pelicans won two Play-In games to advance to the playoffs, then gave the top-seeded Phoenix Suns all they could handle in a 6-game series. 

If Zion Williamson can come back healthy next season, the Pelicans will be a team to be reckoned with. 

Photo Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports