With the schedules for all 30 NBA teams releasing yesterday, at first glance, it's clear the NBA dropped the ball when creating the Pelicans' schedule.
The return of CJ McCollum to New Orleans is one of the biggest moments heading into this season for the Pelicans and their fans. McCollum spent 4 years with New Orleans and was by far their most healthy and consistent player during his time, making his return and an obvious storyline this season.
During his 4 years with the Pelicans, he posted an average of 21.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game and shot an impressive 45.2% from the field and 39.8% from three.
When he was traded during the offseason to Washington, it came as a shock to most, as even though fans felt it was time to cut ties with the 34-year-old, we all expected it to be tough to trade him. McCollum is only getting older, and his $30+ million salary is far from a team-friendly deal. However, Joe Dumars found a way and sent him to Washington.
With the connection CJ built not just with the organization but also the fans, you'd think the NBA would have scheduled Washington to come to New Orleans early in next season. But they didn't, as the Wizards won't make their way to New Orleans until March 8th.
What makes this worse is that the Pelicans will be in Washington 2 months earlier, on January 9th. Why would the NBA do this? What sense does it make to have Jordan Poole return to Washington before CJ returns to New Orleans?
He may not even be with the Wizards come March 8th
Another huge reason the NBA should have scheduled this game before the All-Star break is that Washington very well could buy McCollum out or trade at the trade deadline. If he can continue his 10-year streak of averaging 20+ points per game, contenders are going to be calling Wizards GM Will Dawkins.
The NBA moves extremely quickly, and players are constantly being traded, which makes it even more bizarre that this return was scheduled so late.
The Wizards are very much still rebuilding, and CJ could be a valuable asset come trade season. If there are no trade partners and McCollum is bought out, he'd be one of the best names to hit the buyout market in league history.
This is exactly why the NBA should have scheduled his return to the Big Easy before the New Year, as there is no guarantee he'll be healthy, and or playing for Washington come the 66th game of the season.