Rip City Project
Fansided

Trail Blazers: Why we shouldn’t worry about CJ McCollum’s struggles

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- OCTOBER 30: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 30, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- OCTOBER 30: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 30, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum has had a slow start to the season. Now in his eighth season in the league, McCollum has been around long enough that we shouldn’t worry about his offensive struggles early on.

CJ McCollum had a brilliant playoff performance last year but has had a sluggish start to the season so far. Why shouldn’t Portland Trail Blazers fans be worried about his struggles early on?

He’s a shooter

Shooters go through dry patches, that’s just part of being a great shooter. McCollum is one of the best shooters in the league and can score from anywhere on the floor. Though there’s already been seven games so far, McCollum can have a slow start to the year as he can easily have a hot streak and propel his team to wins against more fancied opponents.

McCollum is a 45 percent shooter from the mid range but is only shooting 38% from mid range so far this year. He has forced it a little in the mid range and just needs to let the game come to him more.

He starts the season slow

Believe it or not, October is usually McCollum’s slowest month in regards to his field goal percentage. Certain players have themes like this, James Harden for example can be a slow starter also.

McCollum usually averages 43.3 percent from the field in October, this is in comparison to his career field goal percentage of 45.4 percent. This is a career theme and a sign that he will usually bounce back quickly in the next month.

He doesn’t need to peak now

McCollum and back court partner Damian Lillard have been to the playoffs six straight years for this team. 82 games is a long season and there’s no need to be peaking right away.

With a stacked Western conference they may end up in a seeding fight in the new year to try to get home court for the playoffs. McCollum is an experienced campaigner who knows he needs to peak for April and May, not in November.

With the injuries to key players and lack of other volume scorers, McCollum has so far had to carry a massive offensive load that he isn’t used to. Alongside career high usage and minutes he’s had a bigger role than usual. It hasn’t been the easiest of starts for him or the team but its a long season and he has plenty of time to show everyone how good he is. Look for him bounce back prior to Christmas, he’s far too good not to.