Trail Blazers: 7 Reasons for the 2015-16 Season

Blazers: 7 Reasons for the 2015-16 Season

Feb 19, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after hitting a three point shot over during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard scored 51 points as the Blazers won 137-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 26, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) shows his muscles after making the winning basket over the Philadelphia 76ers at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

5. C.J. McCollum

It really says something that I couldn’t put the NBA’s most improved player higher on this list.

From boosting nearly all of his stats and becoming such a dangerous playmaker in the process, McCollum surpassed all of the high expectations set upon him at the beginning of the season.

Whether it’s crossing up Dirk Nowitzki in one of the best crossovers this year or sealing a victory with a three or a clutch drive, his dangerous playmaking has become a threat that other teams can’t ignore.

Remember early in the season, when there was talk of trading McCollum for Kevin Love, or the doubt of Lillard and McCollum meshing together. How wrong we all were, as he not only compliments Lillard’s game, but having him run point guard with the second unit has allowed Crabbe, Henderson and Davis to score much needed points. McCollum’s scoring threat has been prolific towards our strong bench play.

There is no way Portland makes the playoffs without C.J. McCollum’s scorer’s mentality.

Next: Number Four