Ford: Blazers G CJ McCollum Is No. 3 Candidate For 2014 Rookie Of The Year

Chad Ford of ESPN.com (Insider) ranks Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum No. 3 on his list of 2014 Rookie of the Year candidates.

3. C.J. McCollum | G | Portland Trail Blazers

The case for McCollum: As I mentioned, ROY voters love scoring, and McCollum is the most polished scorer in the draft. He shined in summer league and proved that he has the basketball IQ to play at an elite level from day one.

The case against McCollum: Before the Blazers signed Mo Williams, McCollum was my favorite to win the award. However, I now wonder whether he'll get the minutes he needs to bring it home. With Williams, Lillard (who can play both the 1 and 2) and Wesley Matthews also looking for big minutes, McCollum might not get the touches he needs to win the award.

McCollum trails Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anthony Bennett.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter