Few NBA players discuss their preparation more than Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum. An absolute technician with the ball in his hands, the 6-4 guard out of Lehigh who grew up idolizing Allan Iverson often credits the hard work that he puts in for whatever success he’s experienced through seven seasons with the Trail Blazers, particularly when it comes to his ability to create his own shot.
“I work really hard on my craft,” said McCollum after Portland’s 126-122 victory versus the Grizzlies in the Western Conference Play-In Saturday afternoon. “I spend a lot of time in the gym working on moves, working on difficult shots, figuring out ways to create space, becoming a tough-shot taker and a tough shot maker, especially down the stretch.