NBA

8 Fantasy Hoops Players Expecting Bigger Roles as Starters

Jay Kim  —  @ThirtyDimes Oct 27th, 2015
Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow

C.J. McCollum, PG/SG, Portland Trailblazers

Starts Last Season: 3
Minutes Per Game: 15.7
Projected Minutes Per Game: 27.6

Yet another Blazer prospect, C.J. McCollum, deserves attention because of the opportunity in Portland. Although McCollum was a lottery pick two years ago, he had been firmly stuck behind Wesley Matthews in the Blazers rotation. Now that Matthews has departed the Northwest, McCollum will have dibs as Portland's starting shooting guard.

When Matthews injured his Achilles last season, McCollum stepped up and seized his opportunity. In the 22 games remaining after the injury, McCollum more than doubled his scoring average from 4.8 to 10.9 points per game and made 1.14 three pointers per game in the process. During the final playoffs game of the season, McCollum opened eyes by scoring a career-high 33 points including 7 out of 11 from long range.

Whether it be scoring on impeded drives to the hoop or with silky swishes from outside the arc, McCollum possesses a potent offensive game. He is a serious breakout candidate this year.

Prev