CJ McCollum Calls Out Pelicans For Lack Of Preparation

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New Orleans Pelicans v Minnesota Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 09: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on April 9, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
CJ McCollum's frustration on lack of preparation from the Pelicans could be seen as a subtle shot at a certain teammate.

CJ McCollum will join his former Trail Blazers teammates as spectators of the postseason. The New Orleans Pelicans came up just short in their play-in tournament elimination game on Wednesday. But the Pelicans do have somewhat of an excuse. Pelicans star Zion Williamson was unavailable for the win-or-go-home matchup. However, it does seem like Zion could have been available after his dunk show before the game. Williamson's injury has been a major point of discussion for the Pelicans franchise.

Also, Zion's injury seems to be a discussion within the team. McCollum had this to say to the media on how the Pelicans can prepare for next season. "We've got to be available. We've got to do what we need to do off the court in terms of preparation, getting treatment, getting the right sleep, the right type of hydration, having the right type of diet." Obviously, McCollum's comments seem like a little shot at Zion's availability. Williamson has recently mentioned that physically he is healthy. However, he just doesn't feel like Zion yet.

CJ McCollum Not Pulling Punches On Pelicans Issues

Assumptions have been running wild with Williamson missing Wednesday's play-in tournament. Now his teammates have begun to wonder why he isn't on the court. The Pelicans could potentially be a great team in the near future. However, a lot of that potential success depends on Williamson. McCollum's comments could be good advice for any player struggling to stay healthy. But his words just seem to fit the perfect description when picturing Zion Williamson. Ultimately, the point McCollum was trying to make in the first place.

Undoubtedly the Pelicans felt like they were better than a play-in exit. With talents like McCollum and Brandon Ingram, this team could have easily avoided the play-in with Zion's help. But unfortunately, the former number one overall pick wasn't ready for the moment. Do you believe that CJ McCollum's comments were directed at Zion? Will Zion ever play for the New Orleans Pelicans again? Please leave us your thoughts on the topic in the comment section. As always, stay right here with us at HNHH for the latest NBA news.

About The Author
Tyler Reed
Tyler Reed is a current Sports Writer for HotNewHipHop. He started back in March of 2023 with the company. During his time Tyler has shown his expertise in all things sports. Ranging from NBA news, all the way to boxing and MMA. He has bylines with several outlets, such as Busted Coverage, where Tyler has covered the NFL, College Football, WWE and beyond. Tyler has also written for Detroit Jock City, Wildcat Blue Nation and Swarm and Sting for the FanSided Network. Tyler is a massive Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Reds fan. Being from Kentucky, he chose connections to sports franchises that he enjoyed watching as a child. Unfortunately, his professional fandoms have only brought him pain. Tyler's hobbies outside of work include exercising and binge-watching the same shows he has watched for the last decade while endlessly scrolling through social media. His favorite hip-hop artists are Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Kentucky's own Jack Harlow.
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