Following a massive playoff performance, what’s still standing between Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum and his first ever All-Star appearance?
Recently turned 28-years-old, CJ McCollum is in the best form of his life. After his fourth consecutive 20 point per game season, McCollum proved his worth in the playoffs with a statement 41 point performance against the Nuggets.
Regular season success seems to come naturally for the Portland Trail Blazers now, but if McCollum can put up another high scoring season, he will go head-to-head with the following players in All-Star voting.
All-Star Locks
Stephen Curry
If healthy, Stephen Curry is a lock for the all-star game. With Kevin Durant gone to the east and Klay Thompson injured, Curry is likely to put up 28 plus points a game and be in the running for MVP. The lead vote getter of the west guards last year, Curry is already a six-time All-Star.
James Harden
James Harden should also be a lock for the big game. One of the most durable scorers in the game, he finished second in west guard voting last year. On a contending Rockets team, Harden is one of the most popular players in the game and already a seven-time All-Star.
Damian Lillard
McCollum’s own teammate Damian Lillard is a four-time All-Star who is also at the height of his ability. After one of the best seasons of his career, Lillard is likely to be one of the highest vote getters this time around. Tallying 25.8 points per game last season, he is also one of the best scorers in the league.
Contenders
DeMar DeRozan
With the top three being locks, guys like DeMar DeRozan are who McCollum needs to beat out to get to Chicago in February. DeRozan is a four-time All-Star but all of those selections were when he was in the weaker Eastern Conference. He wasn’t far away from making the West team last year, but on a stronger Spurs squad he may not garner as much attention this year.
Devin Booker
Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker hasn’t made an All-Star team thus far in his four-year career. Entering his fifth season in the league, he will be looking to finally dispel the notion he can’t lead a team to wins and play a major role on a contender. Booker had the sixth most player votes last year but was well down the list when it came to the fan vote.
Jamal Murray
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is still only 22-years-old but will look to take a massive step forward this year. After a huge playoffs last season, Murray will look to garner more fan votes in an ever popular Nuggets team that should be in the race for that vaunted top seed in the playoffs.
CJ McCollum ranked slightly behind the above players last season. Ranking 12th on the players vote he well need to increase his fan vote from 19th. On a Blazers team that is likely to win 50 plus games he will need a stellar season as the clear number two option to teammate Lillard. But with previous playoff performances in fans minds and an ever-increasing national spotlight, we could see McCollum’s name called come February!