clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

CJ McCollum's Improvement Turning Heads Around The League

More analysts are taking note of CJ McCollum's strong start to the season, and his candidacy for Most Improved Player in the Western Conference.

By RyanASterling
Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

The improved play of Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum is putting everyone in the league on notice. James Herbert of CBS Sports opened the door last week, and now Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated is talking about McCollum and his strong candidacy for Most Improved Player in the early stretches of the season.

Mannix noted that McCollum radically changed his diet to become healthier, and spent time this summer in Toronto working with former NBA All-Star Steve Nash to improve his skills.

"Nash encouraged McCollum to focus on improving his balance and strengthening his core. They worked on the floater, a shot McCollum developed in high school and one that has become one of his go-to moves in the NBA."

McCollum is averaging 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists this season, his third year in the NBA out of Lehigh University.

Credit to Dan Graves and his DanShot.

More From Blazer's Edge