CJ McCollum: Heating Up as the Pelicans Push Forward
CJ McCollum: Heating Up as the Pelicans Push Forward
Posted on March 5, 2025,
As the NBA season barrels toward its final stretch, New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum is proving once again why he’s a veteran force to be reckoned with. With the trade deadline behind us and the Pelicans still in the mix, McCollum’s recent performances and off-court presence have fans and analysts buzzing. Here’s the latest on the 12-year vet as of March 5, 2025.
On the Court: A Resurgent Week for McCollum
CJ McCollum has been on a tear lately, and his most recent outing against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, March 2, was no exception. Fresh off a rest day for the second half of a back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns on February 28, McCollum returned with a vengeance, dropping 25 points (10-18 FG, 5-12 3PT) and dishing out eight assists in a 128-121 victory. FantasyPros highlighted his “great shooting splits,” noting that he’s a “quality fantasy asset” even as the Pelicans navigate a tough 16-44 season. His efficiency and playmaking were on full display, a testament to his ability to bounce back stronger after a breather.
Earlier in the week, McCollum faced the Suns on February 27, scoring 19 points (7-18 FG, 3-9 3PT) with four rebounds and two assists in a 124-116 win. RotoWire pointed out a slight dip in his post-All-Star break efficiency (37.3% FG, 27.6% 3PT over four games), but his 34 minutes of action showed he’s still a key cog in New Orleans’ lineup. With Dejounte Murray sidelined for the season due to an Achilles injury, McCollum’s usage has ticked up, and he’s embracing the challenge.
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tracked his status closely: ruled out for rest on February 28 but back to 100% playing probability with a 34-minute prediction for the Jazz game. His consistency—averaging 21.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists since February—underscores his value as the Pelicans fight to turn their season around.Off the Court: Trade Rumors and Perspective
Despite his on-court heroics, McCollum’s name has been a fixture in trade chatter. Back in January, after a 50-point explosion against the Wizards, he shrugged off the rumors with a quip about Bill Simmons trading him “every week” since his third year in the league, per Sports Illustrated. “My value is going to be exactly where it needs to be,” he said, showing his seasoned perspective. He loves New Orleans—his family does too—but he knows some things are out of his hands. The trade deadline passed without a move, so for now, CJ remains a Pelican, much to the delight of the Smoothie King Center faithful.
Looking Ahead: A Chance to Shine
The Pelicans’ schedule doesn’t get easier, but McCollum’s recent form suggests he’s ready to lead. His next test comes against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, March 5 (assuming no last-minute rest decisions). Earlier this season, he torched the Kings for 43 points in an overtime thriller on February 13, per Heavy.com, hinting at what might be in store. With Zion Williamson’s status often in flux (he missed the February 28 Suns game for reconditioning), McCollum’s veteran savvy will be crucial.
There’s also buzz about McCollum’s All-Star snub potentially being rectified if the NBA revisits a mini-tournament format, as noted by Motorcyclesports.net. A perennial 20-point scorer, CJ could finally get his moment in the spotlight alongside peers like Jamal Murray. For now, though, his focus is on lifting the Pelicans, who sit at 16-44 but have shown flashes of brilliance—like their seven players scoring double digits against the Suns last week (NBA.com).
Fan Pulse and Final Thoughts
Fans on X are loving CJ’s resurgence.
@NickSabatoGNN
sarcastically jabbed at his rest day against the Suns, but the sentiment online is clear: when McCollum plays, he delivers. His 70% hit rate on games with 7+ three-point attempts (per @ISLANDBETS
) makes him a fan favorite and a fantasy darling.So, what’s next for CJ McCollum? More buckets, more leadership, and maybe a few more sly digs at trade rumors. Catch his highlights on NBA.com or Pelicans Film Room on X, and drop your thoughts below—can CJ carry New Orleans to a late-season surge? One thing’s for sure: at 33, he’s far from done.
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