Last Updated on April 22, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s the information on CJ McCollum:

  • Full Name: Christian James McCollum
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: September 19, 1991
  • Hometown: Canton, Ohio, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters)
  • Weight: 190 pounds (86 kilograms)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters)
  • Shoe Size: 12 (US)
  • Shoe Brand: Li-Ning CJ 2, Li-Ning CJ 1, Li-Ning Speed VII, Li-Ning Speed VI, Li-Ning Sonic 7, Li-Ning YuShuai 12, Li-Ning Sonic 6, Li-Ning YuShuai 11
  • Jersey Number: #3 (Portland Trail Blazers), #3 (New Orleans Pelicans)
  • Position: Shooting Guard / Point Guard
  • High School: GlenOak High School (Canton, Ohio)
  • College: Lehigh University (2009–2013)
  • NBA Draft: Selected 10th overall in the 1st round of the 2013 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers
  • Player Archetype: Shot-creating combo guard / half-court scoring initiator
  • Primary Offensive Role: Pick-and-roll creator and three-level shot maker
  • Defensive Role: Team-scheme perimeter defender on opposing guards
  • Play Style: Craft-based scorer using footwork, pull-ups, and change of pace with secondary playmaking
  • Handedness / Shooting Hand: Right-handed
  • Athletic Profile: Smooth, controlled athlete with average burst, strong balance, and elite shot creation skill
  • Recruiting Status: Lightly recruited 2-star prospect
  • Draft Status Detail: Four-year college scorer who rose into lottery range after leading NCAA scoring and strong pre-draft evaluations
  • Injury Status Category: Generally durable; occasional minor foot and knee issues during career
  • Career Stage: Veteran starter / offensive leader
  • Comparison Style: Similar stylistic mold to mid-range scoring combo guards (e.g., polished shot creators rather than explosive slashers)
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Portland Trail Blazers (2013–2022)
    2. New Orleans Pelicans (2022–Present)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Parents: Errick McCollum Sr., Kathy Andrews
  • Kids: One son, Jacobi James McCollum (born in 2022)
  • Siblings: Errick McCollum (older brother) – Professional basketball player who has played overseas, including in China and Europe.
  • Athlete Relatives: Errick McCollum — professional basketball player (international leagues)

As a player archetype, CJ McCollum fits the mold of a shot-creating combo guard who serves as a controlled half-court offensive engine, blending scoring craft with secondary playmaking. Defensively, he typically handles opposing guards within team schemes, using positioning and awareness rather than length or physical disruption, often operating as a steady but low-event perimeter defender. Offensively, McCollum thrives as a three-level scorer and pick-and-roll initiator, leveraging tight handle, change-of-pace footwork, and elite pull-up shooting to create mid-range looks, punish drop coverage, and space the floor off the catch. His physical traits—average guard size, balanced frame, and smooth rather than explosive athleticism—reinforce a deliberate tempo built on skill and shot creation. Overall, his play style centers on controlled isolation scoring, patient pick-and-roll reads, and late-clock shot making, allowing him to function as a reliable half-court creator who stabilizes offensive possessions.

Profile Notes & Context

  • CJ McCollum’s height with shoes was 6 feet 3.25 inches as a rookie and up to 6 feet 4.25 inches today.
  • CJ McCollum’s playing weight was 197 pounds as a rookie and 190 pounds during the 2023-24 season.
  • Similar players to CJ McCollum include Bradley Beal, Jordan Poole, Jalen Brunson, Tyler Herro, Anthony Simons, Jamal Crawford, Lou Williams, Monta Ellis, Mike Bibby, and Jason Terry.

Sources:
The Ringer — The Pelicans Finally Have the Guard They Needed in CJ McCollum
SB Nation — CJ McCollum gives the Pelicans the half-court shot creation they desperately needed
Rip City Project — CJ McCollum’s offensive versatility remains his greatest strength