Doesn't mean he isn't all star caliber. He's arguably the third best shooting guard in the league behind Klayand Harden, and second best if were just talking pure scorer. Dont ignore intangibles either. He's the type of guy you build your franchise around.
An expensive player like McCollum would leave New Orleans where they are now--capped out (or close to capped out if Cousins departs) with no ability to add around their best player--only with a worse best player. If they end up having to deal Davis, I think they're going to want to start over with a bunch of good building blocks.
Maybe? There are still some very talented guards in the East. Wall Lowry Thomas DeRozan Beal etc etc etc I don't think he'd be a lock. It depends on where he'd play...... but the Pels aren't even in the East so it's a moot point.
That's not what matters. You say "CJ isn't even an All-Star." Like it's some detriment and when there's a good chance that he'd be one in the East. He's much better than Beal.
Why is the East relevant? The Pelicans are in the west.... Whether you like it or not, personal accolades like All-NBA team nods and All-Star selections are a measuring stick. If the Pelicans are dealing one of the top 5 players in the league, they're going to be looking for guys like Klay Thompson, not guys like CJ McCollum. They're going to want either proven stars or high lottery picks. Not guys that could maybe make an All-Star team in the LEastern Conference.
I don't agree with that. Fans put stock in All-Star nods, but I don't think teams care about those arbitrary lines--talent is talent. In the Pelicans' case, their problem is that their attempt to quickly surround Davis with talent didn't work out and they've ended up capped out with little good depth or supporting cast. Trading Davis for a "proven star" (who's already been paid, like McCollum or Klay) would simply keep them in that same state, just with a star worse than Davis. If they trade Davis, I think they'll be aiming at a full blowing-up, with as many assets as possible to jump start a new core.
Tatum, Brown, Rozier, Cap Filler, BKNs 2018, LALs 2018/SAC 2019, MEMs 2019 1st, and LACs 2019 1st. Maybe BOS doesn't give up that much, but that would be a hell of a haul. At least gotta get Tatum and the BKN/LAL picks. New Orleans could end up with three top 5 picks next year to go along with Tatum.
He's not unfair. I'm not saying we can offer a better package than Boston. I'm just saying I might rather have CJ than Klay. I also think Klay's an AS because of team success not individual.
Klay is an excellent defender, an elite shooter/scorer and taller than CJ. Klay on Portland scores 27/game and guards the opponents best guard. If I had to make a guess id say no GM would prefer CJ over Klay.
Great Klay is a better defender. He also relies on his teammates to score more than CJ. If I'm starting a team from scratch give me CJ any day. He can create for himself at will. Klay can't. Not saying Klay isn't great because he is. He's better overall than CJ. But if you're rebuilding, CJ is a better piece.
Because he'll score 24 and give 25? If he's better overall, as you say, it would be foolish not to start a team with him over CJ
I can't think of a reason to start a team with CJ over Klay to be honest. They both score at a high level but Klay defends. CJ is able to create his own shot I guess but that's about it.
Because if you surround Klay with a bunch of average talent his game will suffer. He's a better overall player right now, as a member of the warriors. CJs game would not only be the same wherever he was, it might be even better. Just think back to the games Lillard missed. CJ elevated his play. Averaged 30+ with a spike in every other category as well. I don't see Klay taking his game to another level being the main guy.
