CJ McCollum Points Out Huge New Orleans Pelicans Problem As They Prepare for 2024 Playoffs

McCollum believes the team was too careless with turnovers during their season finale. He insists that the team must be more aware of the ball to stand a chance against the best teams in the Western Conference during the playoffs.

Per ClutchPoints’ Chris Dodson:

“I think it was a combination. They got turnovers. They got out in transition, some lobs, some dunks, some slips, some back door cuts. It was a combination of everything,” McCollum detailed. “I had some (turnovers) early and they got out and ran in transition but overall I think 19 turnovers is too many. They are going to get points off of those; they are going to get threes and dunks to feed off that. We got to do a better job taking care of the ball.”

During a game where both LeBron James and Anthony Davis weren’t at their healthiest, it’s unacceptable for CJ McCollum that his team wasn’t efficient enough in handling the basketball.

Zion Williamson must also step up against the Purple and Gold

Their turnover problems weren’t the only thing holding the New Orleans Pelicans down. Zion Williamson was a non-factor against the Lakers, and that has to change during the play-in tournament.

Zion finished with only 12 points on an abysmal 4-for-13 shooting clip. He showed up on the other areas of the game with his eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, but he also led the team with his four TOs.

If the New Orleans Pelicans are going to make a deep playoff run, their main man cannot buckle under the bright lights like this. He needs to improve his shooting efficiency against a Lakers team that is desperate to make the playoffs.