CJ McCollum plans to retire in New Orleans

"I’m not going nowhere. I’m here,” McCollum recently told Andscape. “Where am I going to go? Leave for what? I want to retire here. I’m 30 years old and I have a son who is 13 weeks old. I’m married. When you have something good, you hold on to it. 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.”

McCollum and the Pelicans reached the playoffs out of the Play-In despite not having Zion Williamson in the lineup.

McCollum will be eligible for a three-year contract extension on August 9th.

"I can’t say anything about that," said McCollum. "We haven’t talked yet. I haven’t talked to upper management. But I told my wife before I left [Portland] that ‘Wherever I go, I want to finish my career. New Orleans is on the list of places I would like to finish my career.’ I told my agent that. I’m not about bouncing around. I don’t go through free agency. I’ve been in the league nine years. Have you ever seen me be a free agent?

"When I’m committed to something, I’m committed to it. New Orleans, in my mind, I’m finishing my career here. That is how I devote myself to a city, things and people."

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiret...With-Pelicans-Eligible-For-Extension-On-Aug-9

 

Good for CJ. Happy for him.

 

I'm pretty sure he planned to retire in Portland until February

 

Turing around a franchise like the Pelicans, which he has a chance to do can get his jersey in the rafters. Kind of like what happened with ZBO in Memphis and CJ is more of a leader.

 

From lottery fodder (started the year 3-16) and being a hopeless franchise to wining two games against the Suns in the playoffs. And that's with Zion not even being back. The culture in New Orleans has changed dramatically. One decent playoff run will be enough, like it did with Memphis.

https://www.fox8live.com/2022/04/08...-changes-have-placed-destiny-their-own-hands/

they have a nice squad now. Really nice.

 

I'm sorry they didn't go 82-0 this year. Or at least undefeated after CJ went there and started to dominate the league.

And it would take him staying in New Orleans the rest of his career and continuing to be the leader that he is. He certainly has the aptitude for it. I'm saying its a good chance, if he stays, continues to build with Zion and Ingram and they make a few good playoff runs, he'll have a better chance than anywhere than leaving a lasting legacy and having his jersey up there in the rafters.

 

Yeah, they do. If I were a Laker fan I would rather have Ingram over AD right about now. His turnaround shot is unstoppable with those long arms.
It will be interesting to see how Zion fits in. Maybe they trade him? Either way, things can change in a hurry in the Association. You can't get too comfortable anywhere. Lucky for them they get paid well for that inconvenience.

 

Not fair to say 99% PG13 out is reason Pels won that game. Keep in mind, Pels we’re also missing an important player.

 

You mean he’s not going to bounce around the league, Play with other star players to win championships like KD and LeBron did?

 

Sure I can.

 

Zion staying in New Orleans is IFFY. If he loses weight and keeps it off, maybe he stays healthy. The Lakers pick MAY add an impact player. The Pelicans can turn the corner, but it’s all about Zion for now.

 

I hope CJ gets the chance to retire in NOP. I never hated CJ, but I did think it was time to move on. His playoff performance didn't help me change my mind:

CJ's Shooting:
FG%: 39% (approx 5% below his POR playoff avg)
3PT%: 33% (5% below POR playoff avg)
FT%: 69% (8% below POR playoff avg)

 

They'd probably rather retire Westbrook himself.