Christian James McCollum, born on September 19, 1991, in Canton, Ohio, is an accomplished American professional basketball player currently donning the jersey of the New Orleans Pelicans in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing in at 190 pounds, McCollum commands the court as a skilled shooting guard.
McCollum’s journey to NBA stardom began at GlenOak High School in Canton, where he overcame a modest stature to emerge as a varsity player in his freshman year. His athleticism and a subsequent growth spurt led to a stellar high school career, culminating in setting records and earning accolades, including being named Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year in the 2008–09 season.
Moving on to college, McCollum showcased his talents at Lehigh University, earning the Patriot League Player of the Year honors in 2010 and 2012. Despite being a highly touted NBA prospect by his junior year, McCollum opted to complete his college education, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. His dedication to both academics and athletics exemplifies his commitment to excellence.
Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the tenth overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft, McCollum quickly made an impact. In his third season, following the departure of key players, he transitioned to a starting role as a shooting guard. This move proved instrumental, earning him the NBA Most Improved Player award in the 2015–16 season.
McCollum’s tenure with the Trail Blazers spanned nearly a decade, marked by notable achievements such as a contract extension in 2016 and consistently impressive performances on the court. His leadership abilities were further recognized when he was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association on August 7, 2021.
In 2022, McCollum embarked on a new chapter, joining the New Orleans Pelicans after a trade that concluded his nine-year run with the Trail Blazers. This transition did not hinder his impact, as he swiftly demonstrated his scoring prowess in his Pelicans debut.
Throughout his NBA career, McCollum has exhibited remarkable consistency and versatility, reflected in his various career statistics. Notably, he achieved the rare feat of scoring 50 points or more in a game, joining a select group of Trail Blazers players.
Beyond the hardwood, McCollum has diversified his interests. He hosts a podcast, “Pull Up with CJ McCollum,” where he engages in insightful conversations with guests like Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony. In May 2022, he expanded his presence in the basketball world by signing a multiplatform deal with ESPN to become an NBA analyst.
In his personal life, McCollum is happily married to his college sweetheart, Elise Esposito, since October 27, 2020. They welcomed their son, Jacobi, on January 10, 2022. With family at the forefront, McCollum has found a balance between his flourishing basketball career and his commitment to community service.
McCollum’s impact extends beyond the court into philanthropy and community engagement. In 2016, he established the CJ McCollum Dream Center, providing a nurturing space for underserved youth to learn and grow. Additionally, through CJ’s Press Pass initiative, he encourages aspiring journalists by offering mentorship opportunities and access to NBA events.
A wine enthusiast, McCollum has his own label, McCollum Heritage 91, reflecting his birth year and the street where he grew up. This passion for wine showcases another facet of his diverse interests.
Christian James McCollum’s journey from an undersized high school freshman to an NBA star, combined with his contributions off the court, underscores his dedication to excellence, continuous growth, and positive impact on the basketball community and beyond.
