New Orleans Pelicans star C.J. McCollum not only continues to grow his career on the court, but also off it. Along with his duties as president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), McCollum is paving another path in his basketball journey.
McCollum recently was hired by ESPN as a multi-platform NBA analyst. He sat down for a virtual conference with the media on Monday to discuss his new role.
He will make appearances and provide analyses on shows such as First Take, SportsCenter, Get Up, and NBA Today.
While most players commit to such positions after their playing career, McCollum is taking on those responsibilities as he continues to pursue an NBA championship.
And he has the experience to go with it.
Prior to being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2013, McCollum majored in journalism at Lehigh University.
During his time as a student, McCollum covered an array of sporting events including tennis, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and football. He also conducted interviews with players and helped edit game footage.
“I have a great appreciation (for) the entire process of journalism. I think this is something that I can’t fail at because it’s just a matter of pursuing something and trying.” McCollum said Monday. “Whatever happens is going to happen and my life will continue to go on. I will be happy regardless.”
That experience and groundwork he gained at Lehigh will serve him well as he takes his journalism skills to the highest level.
Opportunities at ESPN
McCollum’s first day on the job under his new title was Thursday for Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals. He provided commentary for “NBA Finals: Celebrating 75,” ESPN2’s alternate presentation of the NBA Finals broadcast.
It was there where McCollum had the opportunity speak with Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson. The two most recently broadcasted Game 2 of the series together on Sunday.
McCollum discussed his experience in dissecting the game with one of basketball’s most storied icons. He believes the lessons Johnson taught him will be incredibly valuable once he suits back up for the Pelicans.
“As a player, you are always striving to get better,” McCollum said. “There (are) always little things I’m working on, little nuggets I’m trying to take away from people. Especially the greatest players to every play the game.”
McCollum also emphasizes how amazing it was to be working with some of ESPN’s most recognizable faces, including Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim on First Take.
“I think it’s an honor to be able to work for the worldwide leader in sports alongside some of the greatest in the business,” McCollum said. “I get to join a lot of the shows I watched as a kid. (I also get to) be a part of the process (and) the analytical side of evaluating a game.”
Bringing an important perspective
With McCollum being a current player in the NBA, there is an imperative balance he must bring to the table. He must provide a thorough analysis while not condemning other players or teams in the league.
This is a mindset McCollum has been aware of from the start of his time at ESPN.
“I think there is a balance in everything. With my journalism background, I understand the ins and outs of it (providing that balance). I understand that you can’t make everyone happy,” McCollum said. “It’s just more about analyzing the game… The percentages are the percentages. The stats are the stats. You win or you lose.”
His additional responsibilities as president of the NBPA further explain his unwillingness to heavily criticize players. Instead, he finds reasoning as to why the circumstances for said player are what they are in a given situation.
Lessons learned in Portland
McCollum spent eight full seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers before being traded to New Orleans in February.
Now as one of the veteran players on a young Pelicans squad, McCollum talked about some of the key values he learned during his tenure in Rose City.
He has brought those with him to the bayou.
“I think the biggest thing is building trust. Then you’re able have a higher sense of accountability. You’re able to hold people to a higher level of accountability,” McCollum said. “If you work hard, do things the right way and have that trust and (strong) relationship(s), then everything else is easy. I think that’s what I’ve done.”
McCollum will enter his second season with the Pelicans in the fall.
Future endeavors
Along with his current responsibilities at ESPN, McCollum also plans to develop a podcast with the network. He will also be an analyst during the NBA Summer League, beginning in July.
McCollum will continue his work in Boston on Wednesday for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
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