CJ McCollum: “Let’s Figure Out How to Win!”

CJ McCollum Demands Team Focus: “Let’s Figure Out How to Win!”

CJ McCollum is tired of the status quo. The New Orleans Pelicans star guard made it clear that he’s not interested in any more excuses or settling for mediocrity. His message is simple and direct: it’s time for the team to come together and find a way to win, not just for the fans, but for his own family’s stability.

Acceptable vs. Unacceptable

McCollum spoke about establishing clear standards for the team, defining what kind of play is acceptable and what needs to be improved. This involves open communication between players. He emphasized that teammates need to feel comfortable pointing out mistakes, like a missed pass or a bad decision. “If I miss Nikiel on the play, like he has to be comfortable enough to tell me like CJ you missed me. I was open in the corner,” McCollum explained. This kind of honest feedback is crucial for growth.

Taking Ownership of Mistakes

The veteran guard also stressed the importance of owning up to his own errors. He recalled a specific play where he missed two open teammates, Jock Landale and another player, with a bad pass. “I drove and I threw it right in between both of them. I was like, ah, that’s on me,” he admitted. McCollum understands that these missed opportunities are costly, especially when players like his teammates are shooting well. “He was wide open, he’s shooting 50% from three like the last month and a half. That’s three points for us that we have to have,” he stated, highlighting the value of every possession.

Building Trust Through Communication

McCollum believes that building strong relationships on and off the court is essential for success. He wants his teammates to feel confident in their abilities and trusts them to make the right plays. If a player like JJ Redick makes a great drive and finish, McCollum wants to acknowledge that but also ensure he’s aware of other open players. “I just want you to be aware. I’m not saying you got to pass it, and he doesn’t take that as disrespect,” McCollum clarified. This approach aims to foster a supportive environment where players can thrive.

A Shared Goal: Winning

The ultimate goal, according to McCollum, is winning. He’s stated this clearly to his teammates since arriving in New Orleans. Having achieved financial success and played at a high level throughout his career, his focus has shifted. “I just want to see you guys be successful, and your success is my success, right? Like as a team, the more we win, the more we all get what we want at the end of the road,” he explained. This team-first mentality is what he hopes will drive the Pelicans forward.

Family and Future

McCollum’s personal motivation is also a driving force. He’s expressed a desire for stability for his family, making it clear that constant relocation is not an option. “I’m not trying to keep moving my family, so let’s figure out how to win,” he declared. This statement underscores his commitment to the Pelicans and his determination to build a winning culture in New Orleans. The team now faces the challenge of translating this focused mindset into consistent victories on the court.

“I’m not trying to keep moving my family so let’s figure out how to win.” – CJ McCollum

The team’s ability to embrace McCollum’s message of accountability, communication, and shared purpose will be key to their success moving forward. The focus is now squarely on executing and finding ways to secure wins, building a foundation for a brighter future in New Orleans.

Source: "I'm not trying to keep moving my family so let's figure out how to win" — CJ McCollum #nba (YouTube)