On Sunday, March 23, the New Orleans Pelicans took on the Detroit Pistons for a matinee showdown in Little Caesars Arena. Those who attended the game hoping to see two former number-one picks dueling may have been disappointed as both sat out with minor injuries. Zion Williamson missed his second straight game with a lower back contusion and Cade Cunningham was a last-minute scratch due to an unspecified calf issue.
While viewers didn't get to see Big Z and Cowboy Cade go head to head, they still got to see quite the show. Ultimately, the Pelicans came up short, 130-136, but it wasn't for a lack of trying.
With Zion, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, and Herb Jones all sidelined with injury, Detroit probably thought they had an easy one on their hands, even after Cunningham was ruled out. CJ McCollum had something to say about that though.
The New Orleans Pelicans continue to rely on CJ McCollum to shoulder the offensive burden
As he has done many times before, CJ McCollum stepped up big time against the Pistons in Zion Williamson's absence. At Detroit, he put up 40 points on a pristine 16-28 shooting, including 5-12 from beyond the arc. He also added seven assists, five rebounds, and a steal.
This has been a recurring theme ever since CJ arrived in New Orleans. McCollum has averaged 18.9 points on 44 percent shooting and 16.1 field-goal attempts per game with Zion playing alongside him. When Williamson's not available, he's put up 23.2 points on 46 percent accuracy while taking 18.8 shots a night for the Pelicans. His assists also shoot up from 4.7 to 5.3 per outing.
CJ elevating his play to carry New Orleans's offense when Zion's not in even extends to games when both are playing. According to databallr, McCollum has gone from averaging 20.0 points per 75 possessions when sharing the court with Z to 25.2 points when Williamson's riding the bench in the last two seasons.
Even with the arrival of Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III's ascension into stardom, CJ is by far the most talented and consistent offensive creator the Pelicans have behind Zion, especially with Ingram gone. His blend of three-level scoring, ball-handling, and playmaking ability make him the most capable player to carry the offensive load when Williamson's not in the game, whether he's taking a breather or out entirely.
In an ideal world, the Pelicans wouldn't need that extra level of insurance for Zion, but, realistically, they should always be prepared for any extended absences from their franchise superstar. For the time being, unless they've identified a different offensive force who can shoulder the offensive burden in Big Z's absence, New Orleans need to hang on to CJ tightly.