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