Brief Introduction of Cj Mccollum
Christian James “CJ” McCollum is a distinguished American professional basketball player, currently playing for the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is widely recognized for his exceptional scoring ability, sharpshooting from beyond the arc, and his skilled playmaking as a guard. McCollum’s journey to NBA stardom is a testament to his perseverance and dedication, having been lightly recruited out of high school before making a name for himself at Lehigh University. He famously led his 15th-seeded college team to a historic NCAA tournament upset over the 2nd-seeded Duke Blue Devils in 2012. Drafted 10th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2013, he developed into a cornerstone of the franchise, forming a dynamic backcourt duo with Damian Lillard. His remarkable improvement was recognized when he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2016. Beyond the court, McCollum is highly respected for his intelligence and leadership, having served as the president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). He is also a multifaceted individual with a keen interest in journalism and business, showcasing a commitment to personal growth and community impact.
Cj Mccollum Overview
| Full Name | Christian James McCollum |
| Date of Birth | September 19, 1991 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 34 |
| Birthplace | Canton, Ohio |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Elise Esposito |
| Family | Errick McCollum (Brother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Cj Mccollum
Born and raised in Canton, Ohio, CJ McCollum’s early life was marked by a determination to overcome physical limitations. As a freshman at GlenOak High School in 2005, he stood at just 5 feet 2 inches tall. Despite his small stature, his athleticism and skill earned him a spot on the varsity team. McCollum experienced a significant growth spurt during high school, growing five inches by his sophomore year and another four inches by his junior year, which put him on the radar of college recruiters. In his junior year, he had a breakout performance, scoring a school and Stark County record 54 points in a single game. He dedicated himself to improving his shooting, and by his senior year, he was averaging an impressive 29.3 points per game. McCollum graduated as the all-time leading scorer in GlenOak High School history with 1,405 career points and was named the 2008-09 Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year.
Despite his high school success, McCollum was not heavily recruited by major college basketball programs. He ultimately chose to attend Lehigh University, a private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which was the first to show significant interest in him. At Lehigh, he majored in journalism, a passion he continues to pursue. He made an immediate impact on the basketball court, being named the Patriot League Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in his freshman season, the first player in league history to receive both honors in the same year. He led Lehigh to the 2010 NCAA Tournament as a freshman. In 2012, as a junior, McCollum led the 15th-seeded Mountain Hawks to one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history, defeating the 2nd-seeded Duke Blue Devils with a 30-point performance. He decided to return for his senior year to complete his journalism degree, a decision that underscored his commitment to his education. A foot injury cut his senior season short, but not before he became the Patriot League’s all-time leading scorer.
Cj Mccollum’s Career
CJ McCollum’s professional career began when he was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, becoming the first player from Lehigh University to be drafted into the NBA. His rookie season was hampered by a foot injury that caused him to miss the first six weeks. After a brief stint with the Idaho Stampede in the NBA Development League, he made his NBA debut and showed flashes of his scoring potential.
The 2015-16 season proved to be a breakout year for McCollum. Following the departure of several key players, he was promoted to the starting shooting guard position alongside Damian Lillard. He seized the opportunity, increasing his scoring average from 6.8 points per game the previous season to 20.8 points per game. This dramatic improvement earned him the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award. McCollum and Lillard formed one of the most potent offensive backcourts in the NBA, leading the Trail Blazers to numerous playoff appearances, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2019.
After nine seasons with the Trail Blazers, McCollum was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in February 2022. In New Orleans, he continued to be a prolific scorer and provided veteran leadership to a young team. In September 2022, he signed a two-year, $64 million contract extension with the Pelicans. During his time with the Pelicans, he recorded several high-scoring games, including a 42-point performance with 11 three-pointers against the Philadelphia 76ers. In a move that signaled a new chapter in his career, McCollum was traded to the Washington Wizards in July 2025.
Cj Mccollum Personal Life & Family
CJ McCollum is married to his college sweetheart, Elise Esposito. The couple met while they were both students at Lehigh University. They tied the knot on October 27, 2020. Elise is a dentist, having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. The couple has a son named Jacobi, who was born on January 10, 2022. McCollum’s older brother, Errick McCollum, is also a professional basketball player who has had a successful career playing in Europe.
Awards and Achievements of Cj Mccollum
- NBA Most Improved Player (2016)
- Patriot League Player of the Year (2010, 2012)
- Patriot League Rookie of the Year (2010)
- AP Honorable Mention All-American (2010, 2012)
- Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year (2009)
Cj Mccollum Net Worth and Income
Information regarding CJ McCollum’s exact net worth in 2025 is not publicly available. His primary sources of income are his substantial NBA contracts and various endorsement deals. Throughout his career, he has signed lucrative contracts, including a four-year extension with the Trail Blazers and a two-year, $64 million extension with the Pelicans. His long and successful NBA career has undoubtedly resulted in significant earnings.
Legacy and Influence
CJ McCollum’s legacy extends far beyond his on-court achievements. He is highly regarded for his leadership and intelligence, which was evident during his tenure as the president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) from 2021 to 2025. In this role, he advocated for the interests of his fellow players and was involved in key negotiations with the league. McCollum is also a respected voice in the media, leveraging his journalism degree from Lehigh. He has contributed articles to various publications, hosted his own podcast, and served as an NBA analyst for ESPN. His “CJ’s Press Pass” program provides mentorship to high school students interested in journalism. Furthermore, McCollum is dedicated to philanthropy, having established the “CJ McCollum Dream Center” to provide resources for underserved youth.
Interesting Facts about Cj Mccollum
- McCollum experienced a remarkable nine-inch growth spurt during high school, going from 5’2″ as a freshman to 6’1″ by his junior year.
- He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Lehigh University and has actively pursued a career in media alongside his basketball career.
- McCollum is a known wine enthusiast and even has his own wine label, McCollum Heritage 91.
- He was the first player in Patriot League history to be named both the conference’s Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
- Before becoming teammates, CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard became friends through Twitter.
Controversies
CJ McCollum has maintained a relatively controversy-free career. While his tenure as NBPA president involved navigating complex and sometimes contentious issues related to the league’s collective bargaining agreement, he has been praised for his thoughtful and articulate approach. Any criticism he faced in that role was generally related to the inherent challenges of representing the diverse interests of all NBA players.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Cj Mccollum
As CJ McCollum embarks on the next phase of his career with the Washington Wizards, his journey continues to be an inspiring one of perseverance, intelligence, and multifaceted talent. He has consistently defied expectations, from being an undersized high school player to becoming an NBA star and a respected leader among his peers. His impact is felt not only through his impressive scoring and playmaking on the basketball court but also through his thoughtful contributions to journalism, his advocacy for players’ rights, and his commitment to community upliftment. McCollum’s story is a powerful reminder that with dedication and a passion for growth, one can achieve excellence in multiple arenas. His legacy will undoubtedly be that of a skilled basketball player, an influential leader, and a man who successfully carved his own unique path in the world of professional sports and beyond.
