Bottom line: Who does CJ remind you of and what's his ceiling? I've seen Jason Terry and Vinne Johnson thrown out there, but he's better at finishing at the rim than Terry and I think he's got the potential to have a more all-around offensive game than the Microwave. Now, I'm not saying he's better than those two right now, but his game on offense is versatile. He's money spotting up from 3. He can catch and shoot. He's learning how to finish plays under the rim. He's extremely patient with the ball in his hands. And his hesitation dribble is downright filthy. After thinking about it, his game really reminds me of Monta Ellis. Not only are both undersized shooting guards, but you can not give them any space or they'll make you pay. CJ's even learning how to get to the line like a seasoned vet. I think Ellis is the more explosive player of the two, but McCollum's jumper, especially from deep, is a bit more pure. What say you, Rip City?
Ellis is more athletic and less chunky. CJ is very deliberate in his motions - he reminds me of Chauncey Billups - calm, knows what he wants and will work to get there. Billups took a while to round out into a PG. I don't know if CJ ever will, but he's getting better. David Thorpe also suggested Reggie Jackson.
I think he is a lil stronger than Ellis. But right after the Blazers drafted him, I watched footage of him. And I envisioned a combo of CJ and Damian similar to the one of that of Curry and Ellis at the time. I made this comment the other night. And he's 4 inches taller than him. There are moments he reminds me of Timmy Hardaway. Not in distribution but in the way he shoots it. His handles. His sick cross over. The way he manipulates his way to the rim at times. I just think he is an absolute terror and juggernaut on offense. If you're trying to defend him. I pity you. And In the end, I just think he will get better. He's a keeper.
CJ's improvement is perhaps the only bright spot on this season. But on the bright side, it has been dramatic, in the second half of the season, even. He should be as dominant in Summer League as Reggie Jackson was in last year's. Unless he skips it, which would be understandable. Now we need a tall PG who can defend to play alongside him, especially as Blake's no spring chicken.
I don't compare CJ to Terry and Johnson because I think CJ has All Star talent. I think CJ is Harden without the flopping.
CJ, Ellis and Gordon are all listed at 6'3" 1/4 in shoes (Per Draft Express) Ellis looks to be quicker IMO than either, but Gordon and CJ look to be better pure shooters. The Gordon comparison was my choice (and hope) since the draft.
Mitch Richmond comes to mind, but he didn't have McCollum's handles. Ray Allen dribbled inside as well, but wasn't as strong. Vince Carter moved like McCollum, but didn't roll off the pick as well. Clyde Drexler bounded to the hoop faster, but what McCollum lacks in bunny hops, he makes up in instant offense. I don't see any competition on the horizon.
No, McCollum will produce more efficiently than that in the playoffs. I was thinking more on the lines of Hal Greer.
You hope this is where all this is going. But I love watching him out there. He's very quickly becoming one of my fav...to watch. And yes BGD. Wes going down did help CJ's cause this season. As I think Arron going down short term could really benefit Crabbe.
Nolan smith? I can't agree with that, he's not even in the league no more. And barton is way more athletic than cj is
