CJ McCollum: 'I haven't had conversations with Zion directly' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP - Scanpix Credit AFP - Scanpix

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum made an appearance on TNT's All-Star Saturday show in advance of his participation in the NBA's 3-Point Contest where he revealed that he hasn't spoken yet to ailing Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson even though McCollum joined the Pelicans 11 days previously.

C.J. McCollum

MIN:35.35PTS:21.49 (47.38%)REB:4.46As:4.61ST:1.02BL:0.51TO:2GM:41ProfileNBA2021/2022

"I haven't had conversations with him directly," McCollum said. "I've spoken with some people close to him and look forward to sitting down with him sooner than later."

That admission calls into question, once again, the status of Williamson, who has separated himself from the team to rehab his injured foot in Portland.

McCollum's addition to the roster would have seemingly benefitted Williamson more than any other player on the Pelicans. The nine-year Portland Trail Blazers veteran remains one of the most outstanding long-range threats in the NBA.

McCollum, 30, is shooting 38.4 percent from three-point range and has hit 39.7 percent from long range throughout his career. Since joining the Pelicans in the lineup on February 10th, McCollum has averaged 28.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over five games.

Any potential excitement over McCollum's addition has not been shared directly.

Of course, the biggest outstanding question is how the rehabilitation is -- or isn't -- progressing. A report surfaced last week from NOLA.com that Williamson isn't responding to treatment as hoped and he could need a second surgery. Other reports suggest a return might be imminent.

Williamson, 21, was an All-Star in 2020-21 when he averaged 27.0 points per game but has missed this entire season.

"I know about as much as you do right now," McCollum said. "But I'm gonna get to the bottom of it."

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.