Wizards' CJ McCollum Bounces Back After Slow Start

When the Washington Wizards traded for CJ McCollum during the offseason, the goal was clear: bring in a trusted veteran to help stabilize this young, developing roster. McCollum has put together an impressive career spanning over a decade in the NBA, including time with the New Orleans Pelicans and, of course, making his mark with the Portland Trail Blazers alongside Damian Lillard.

Through his first three games of the 2025-26 season, the star guard is averaging 13.5  points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, a notable dip from last season in New Orleans, when he averaged 21.1 points on 41.0% shooting from the field. 

CJ McCollum Surges for the Wizards

However, after a relatively slow start to the season, McCollum has come alive for the Wizards, putting together his best performance this early in the season during the Wizards' 139-113 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, posting 24 points from 8 of 20 shooting from the field, along with six rebounds and five assists.

Not quite the McCollum masterclass, similar to some of his standout performances in previous stops throughout his career; however, he showed he can get a bucket when needed for this Wizards team, which is still learning how to win.

McCollum Leading the Way for Young Wizards

On a night when some of the Wizards' young core, like Kyshawn George and Bub Carrington, struggled to find their rhythm, the team leaned on McCollum to keep them in the game with scoring and playmaking. The Wizard had a big 63-51 lead coming into halftime. However, the lead quickly vanished as the Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball, stormed back during the second half.