Yep, CJ has had a heck of a second season (full minutes), and has been swish3ing lick a mad man lately. Given that Lillard relies on a very physical, brute force blow-by game, and CJ has the crafty, shake 'n bake moves ; I could see CJ having slightly extended peak years - as his game is not as predicated on first step/speed as much as Lillards is. I've been really impressed with CJs intellect and maturity, also. He already pretty much plays like a vet - look forward to seeing his crafty moves when he actually is one.
He kind of reminds me of Tony Parker with his ability to slither into open midrange shots. Maybe not quite as clever as Parker in his prime, but far better three point range. Hard to believe TP is only 33.
Honestly, we just need 3 and D players at basically every position, with one extra guy who can create his own shot off the bench. And really it's more the D we need in our acquisitions than the 3. Call me crazy but CJ could be a 28 ppg scorer when he's in his prime. When he starts adding the ability to draw fouls to his other tools, watch out. He needs to spend this summer watching tape of James Harden.
Yeah agree Mook we need to surround these guys with defensive players. We already have a top 6 offense their first year together. CJ has great shot selection and gets such high percentage looks. He has superior shooting percentages than Dame at every distance except within 3 feet. The team ran great when CJ started at PG in place of Dame; I can't fathom how some still don't respect CJ ability as a PG. We saw Dame make improvements basically every year his first 4 seasons. Can't wait to see what CJ adds next year. The biggest offseason personnel need is improved defense.
I'm in the camp I personally believe Cj is slightly better player than Lillard. Lillard by far is the better leader which propels him imo to take the OVERALL position of whose better, that I agree on. But as far as efficiency wise and where CJ is in his career, he has to be looked at slightly better than Lillard. Just wait till next year when CJ learns to get more free throws
He's closer to Curry than Harden, I think. Steph has trouble getting to the line as well -- until this season, he's been stuck in the 3-4 FTA range. Actually even in terms of overall scoring game, I think CJ and Steph are pretty identical. Moreso than CJ and Dame, especially when you consider their handles and ability to finish, mannerisms, etc. Steph however, has recently completely removed the midrange from his shot attempts, and just bombed more threes instead. It's what's vaulted him to the stratosphere among other transcendent talents.
Well, I see the similarities to Curry if you take away Curry's insane abilities from behind the three point line. But that's kind of like saying Roy Hibbert is just as good as Shaq at everything except dunking. It's kind of a big deal.
I'd be interested to see what these will look like when they get updated with 2016 numbers. Either way, I don't see Dame dropping off as much as they show.. http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/carmelo/cj-mccollum/ http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/carmelo/damian-lillard/
Slither into midrange open shots. Shit! Seriously though, I would like to see these guards in the NBA today with the rules of the 80s and early 90s. It would be interesting to see how they would do.
Perhaps, but the difference isn't as big as the one between Roy and Shaq. CJ, after the all star game has shot 48% from 3 on over 5 attempts a game. Steph is at 45% (on double the attempts yes, but still). This isn't really a new comparison either. http://www.nbadraft.net/players/cj-mccollum
I love Dame, but I've found that CJ has become my favorite Blazer to watch this year. Here's a look at their career PER numbers - CJ is moving up fast. Hopefully he can continue that upward trend.
I'm just saying it be interesting to see all these guards & small forwards, how they would do against tougher defence. I don't think I'm the only one that's ever wondered about that.
In the same link "His most popular media comparison, Damian Lillard, averaged 4 assists per game his senior year .."
