CJ McCollum Poised for First All-Star Nod?

Fresh off a new contract extension in a re-shuffled Western Conference, Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum has all the tools to claim his first trip to the NBA All-Star Game. McCollum, who is a mainstay in coach Terry Stotts’ starting backcourt, is set to take advantage of Klay Thompson’s absence and Russell Westbrook’s change of scenery.

According to a list compiled by CBS Sports’ Brad Botkin, McCollum ranks among ten likely candidates to qualify for the festivities set to unfold Chicago, Illinois this coming season.

Botkin detailed McCollum’s placement with the following explanation:

McCollum would be an All-Star in the East. He carried Portland for huge stretches in the run to the conference finals last season. He’s one of the best one-on-one creators and pure shotmakers in the league. He’s down the list here because, unfortunately, I think he’ll miss out on a spot again. But he’s a candidate, no doubt. McCollum replacing Klay Thompson in that “Sidekick of a superstar” role makes some sense.

McCollum was not the only Western Conference guard included on the list. Devin Booker, Luka Doncic and Donovan Mitchell finished inside the top three of Botkin’s rankings.

You can read the full list at CBS Sports.