The Portland Trail Blazers are at a crossroads. With Damian Lillard set to return to the court, the question on everyone's mind is whether they should bring back CJ McCollum. The former backcourt partners, who once formed one of the league's most offensively productive duos, are now at different stages of their careers and with different teams. But the Blazers are in need of a scoring boost, and McCollum could provide just that.
McCollum has had a rollercoaster ride since leaving Portland. He's had good years, like his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he averaged 24.3 points and 39.4% from three. But he's also had rough patches, like his time with the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks. However, his recent performance in the NBA Playoffs with the Hawks, where he played key roles in their wins, shows that he's still a savvy veteran scorer.
The Blazers are looking to add some offensive punch to their roster. With Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson as their primary point guards, they need a player who can score at all three levels and provide some bench depth. McCollum fits the bill perfectly. He's an offensive-first guard who can score from anywhere on the court, and he has the experience to know when to take over games.
However, bringing McCollum back to Portland wouldn't be without its challenges. The Blazers already have a crowded backcourt, and adding McCollum would require some tough decisions. They'd likely need to move Scoot Henderson and find a way to share the court with Lillard sparingly. But if they can make it work, the rewards could be significant.
McCollum would have to take a pay cut, earning half of what he made this season. But given his performance in the Playoffs, he may be able to command a higher salary elsewhere. And if he's content with earning similar money to his former partner in crime, a return to Oregon could be a win-win for both him and the Blazers.
There's also the romantic factor to consider. Seeing Lillard and McCollum make a deep run together in Portland would be a dream come true for fans. It would be a testament to their friendship and a reminder of the good times they had together. But it would also require a lot of trust and understanding from both players, as they navigate the challenges of sharing the court.
In my opinion, the Blazers should bring McCollum back. He's a proven scorer who can help them take the next step. But it won't be easy. They'll need to make some tough decisions and navigate some tricky dynamics. But if they can make it work, the rewards could be huge. And who knows, maybe we'll finally see Lillard and McCollum make a deep run together in Portland, even if they're not the starting backcourt.
One thing is for sure: the Blazers are in need of a scoring boost, and McCollum could provide just that. But it's up to the front office to decide if they're willing to take the risk and bring him back.
