The Washington Wizards recently made headlines by trading for CJ McCollum, expecting to elevate their guard game. However, the off-season acquisition has not led to the anticipated improvements. Instead, McCollum has faced challenges, posting the lowest scoring average of his career.
McCollum’s Struggles with the Wizards
After four games this season, CJ McCollum is averaging only 13.3 points per game. His shooting percentages are troubling, standing at 32.1% from the field and 25.9% from three-point range. This stark deviation from his consistent performance over the years raises concerns.
Declining Performance Stats
- Current average points per game: 13.3
- Field goal percentage: 32.1%
- Three-point percentage: 25.9%
Historically, McCollum maintained a scoring average between 20 and 23.1 points per game for a decade. In his last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, he averaged 21.1 points and made 37.3% of his three-point attempts. This significant drop in numbers highlights the unexpected struggles he faces with his new team.
The Trade Context
This summer, the Wizards traded Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to acquire both McCollum and Kelly Olynyk, who has since been traded to the San Antonio Spurs. The Wizards aimed to bolster their offense with McCollum’s veteran experience to support a young roster. Nevertheless, his performance has not met their expectations.
Defensive Concerns and Offensive Impact
At 6’3″, McCollum’s defensive abilities are limited, and he has not contributed significantly on either end of the court. While he maintains a low turnover rate, his passing has been ineffective, with only 20 assists across four games.
Future Prospects
Despite the current struggles, there is room for improvement. McCollum’s success could hinge on better synergy with rising stars like Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr, potentially allowing him to regain his scoring touch. However, if his performance does not improve, he may face re-evaluations of his role as a starting guard in the NBA.
Questions have arisen about why the Pelicans agreed to trade him for what seems to be a poor return. As McCollum’s situation unfolds, it’s evident that he is at a critical juncture in his career.
