IT ISEliminated in the first round of the Playoffs with the New Orleans Pelicans despite a good run, CJ McCollum is not content to express himself on the court. A graduate in journalism, author of a podcast and president of the players’ union (NBPA), the player adds a new string to his bow by becoming a consultant for the American channel ESPN.
This is anything but a surprise. In today’s NBA, players no longer hesitate to share their passions and accumulate another activity in parallel with their sports career. Whether we are talking regarding an artistic or media career, there can be many outlets for embarking on another activity. And when you know the guy, you quickly understand that this appointment of CJ is the logical continuation for him. It must be said that the ex-acolyte of Damian Lillard is a personality apart: right out of high school, his interest in the media world is great. He is also taking advantage of his studies at Lehigh University to obtain a degree in journalism, while preparing for his arrival in the Big League:
“I immediately liked writing articles. And I liked talking. So I joined journalism school and learned more regarding journalism and how I might use that following basketball. »
– C.J. McCollum
And this journalistic interest will follow McCollum throughout his career. He will even launch his own podcast in 2018, « Pull Up with C.J. McCollum“, in which he receives a guest with whom he looks backstage at the NBA and the life of a player in the League. He ends up getting a few appearances on ESPN as an NBA analyst. Along with his basketball career, the back asserts himself as a true leader and is also involved in the players’ union (NBPA), until taking over the presidency in August 2021 in place of Chris Paul. A set of experiences and personality traits that convinced ESPN to hire him for this summer:
CJ is one of the most respected players in the League. His commitment to this opportunity, in addition to his passion for journalism and sports broadcasting, will be clear benefits for NBA fans. »
– David Roberts, NBA manager on ESPN
On the American channel, the former Blazers will be mobilized from Game 1 of the NBA Finals this week. He will then work on a new podcast before covering the Summer League this summer. So yes, his career is quite exceptional for an NBA player, but more and more of them have crossed over in recent months. JJ Redick and Draymond Green have also created their own podcast on the sidelines of their basketball activities (even though Redick is retired now), while Pat Beverley has also made a low-key appearance on ESPN lately.
CJ McCollum is a good example of these more and more NBA players who are developing projects in parallel, and particularly in the media world. A fine career with an already successful conversion in the media which says a lot regarding the personality of the man. So while waiting to perhaps bring his Pelicans one day to the NBA Finals, he will be there to analyze the one offered to us between Celtics and Warriors.
Source texte : ESPN
