Rise to Success: Career Highlights of CJ McCollum

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how CJ McCollum made an impact.

CJ McCollum is a professional basketball player currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans. He was drafted tenth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2013 after a successful college career at Lehigh University, where he earned Patriot League Player of the Year honors twice. McCollum spent nine seasons with Portland, becoming a key player and earning the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2016. In 2022, he was traded to the Pelicans, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Trail Blazers Reached Western Conference Finals

In 2018-2019 season, CJ McCollum helped the Trail Blazers advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

2013: Drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers

In 2013, CJ McCollum was drafted tenth overall in the NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, becoming the first player from Lehigh to enter the NBA.

January 1, 2014: Assigned to the Idaho Stampede

On January 1, 2014, CJ McCollum was assigned to the Idaho Stampede of the NBA development league.

October 27, 2014: Contract Extended Through 2015-16

On October 27, 2014, the Portland Trail Blazers exercised their third-year team option to extend CJ McCollum's rookie scale contract through the 2015–16 season.

September 30, 2015: Contract extended through 2016-17 season

On September 30, 2015, the Trail Blazers exercised their fourth-year team option to extend CJ McCollum's rookie scale-contract through the 2016–17 season.

2015: Scored a Career-High of 33 Points

During a first-round playoff loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5 in 2015, CJ McCollum scored a then career-high of 33 points.

July 27, 2016: Signed a Four-Year Contract Extension

On July 27, 2016, CJ McCollum signed a four-year contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers.

2016: Opened CJ McCollum Dream Center

In 2016, CJ McCollum opened the CJ McCollum Dream Center at the Blazers Boys & Girls Club. The center is an innovative learning room equipped with computers, books, art, and learning tools.

April 16, 2017: Playoff Career-Best 41 Points

On April 16, 2017, during Game 1 of the first-round series against the Warriors, CJ McCollum scored 41 points, marking his postseason career-best and making him the eighth Blazer with a 40-point playoff performance.

November 6, 2018: Scored 40 Points Against the Bucks

On November 6, 2018, CJ McCollum scored 40 points during a 118–103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

November 21, 2019: Season-High 37 Points

On November 21, 2019, CJ McCollum scored a then season-high 37 points, along with 6 rebounds and 10 assists, in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

February 23, 2020: Surpassed Season-High with 41 Points

On February 23, 2020, CJ McCollum surpassed his previous season-high with a 41-point, 9-rebound, 12-assist performance in a victory over the Detroit Pistons.

December 26, 2020: Season-High Performance and Game-Winning Shot

On December 26, 2020, CJ McCollum achieved a season-high of 44 points and secured a game-winning three-pointer in a 128–126 overtime victory against the Houston Rockets.

August 7, 2021: Elected President of the National Basketball Players Association

On August 7, 2021, CJ McCollum succeeded Chris Paul to become the president of the National Basketball Players Association.

2021: Elected President of the National Basketball Players Association

In 2021, CJ McCollum was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), succeeding Chris Paul.

January 17, 2022: Return from Injury

On January 17, 2022, CJ McCollum returned from injury, scoring 16 points in a 98–88 victory against the Orlando Magic.

February 8, 2022: Trade to the New Orleans Pelicans

On February 8, 2022, CJ McCollum, along with Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell, was traded from Portland to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomáš Satoranský, Didi Louzada, a protected 2022 first-round draft pick, the better of New Orleans' and Portland's 2026 second-round draft picks and New Orleans' 2027 second-round draft pick.