During a recent episode of The Young Man and the Three podcast, CJ McCollum openly criticized the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), highlighting persistent issues despite the increase in player salaries. Now playing for the Washington Wizards, McCollum emphasized that although the new deal shows financial growth for many players, there are still significant structural problems that need to be addressed.
Joined by Cam Johnson, Duncan Robinson, and Georges Niang, McCollum discussed the advancements seen in contract values, especially for mid-level and veteran minimum salaries. However, he drew attention to complications around the second salary tax apron and restrictions limiting player movement. According to McCollum, these factors present barriers that affect both teams and players, even as the overall financial landscape improves.
McCollum Addresses Draft Rewards and Salary Caps
One of McCollum’s main concerns centers on how teams are treated for effective drafting. He urged that franchises who manage to draft high-quality players should not face penalties that prevent them from retaining their talent. Using Oklahoma City as an example, he explained how some teams must navigate these limitations despite having strong rosters composed largely of homegrown players.
You shouldn’t be punished for drafting well. We’ve seen some teams be really fortunate in the draft. And now you get to that position—Oklahoma City’s going through it now—where you’ve gotta play a lot of players who are really good, and you drafted them,
McCollum said.
You shouldn’t be punished for drafting well, you should be able to pay and keep and retain the players that you’ve drafted.
McCollum also stressed the importance of continuing open dialogue between players and league officials to strengthen future agreements. Reflecting on his time as the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) president, he cited accomplishments like improved licensing rights and the 2K video game deal. Nonetheless, he made clear that ongoing challenges mean the progress seen so far is not enough.
Understanding Greatness Through Consistency and Sacrifice
Beyond his views on the CBA, McCollum shared insights on what defines greatness in the NBA. He believes that while talent is important, true greatness is found in consistent effort, discipline, and the willingness to sacrifice personal time. Using legends like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as examples, he highlighted how their dedication to training and mental toughness set them apart from many others.
There’s a lot of good players in the league. But the great ones? The difference between the great ones is consistency over long periods of time, right? Excellence at a high level, whether that’s shot making, defense, being in shape, or taking care of your body. The great ones are willing to sacrifice more than the good ones,
McCollum said.
By sacrifice, I mean it takes a lot to be great: discipline, it takes a lot of time away from your family.
He recounted examples of James icing his knees during club visits and Kobe’s obsessive training habits as demonstrations of mental resilience and passion. For McCollum, these qualities distinguish players who maintain elite performance levels and reach new heights beyond natural ability alone.
Implications of McCollum’s Critique on the NBA’s Future
CJ McCollum’s candid remarks underscore the complexity of balancing increasing player compensation with fair policy frameworks in the NBA. His call to refine salary cap rules and player movement regulations indicates a push for more flexibility and fairness in the league’s financial ecosystem. Fans, teams, and players alike will be watching closely as negotiations continue, hoping for improvements that align better with the interests of all parties involved.
As the NBA evolves, McCollum’s focus on discipline, sacrifice, and ongoing advocacy reflects a deeper desire to see the sport grow not only in financial terms but also in respect for player agency and competitive fairness.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did CJ McCollum get a collapsed lung?
A. Yahoo! Sports reports that the pneumothorax happened following a rib injury, although no direct link between the two has been established. Pneumothorax is often caused by chest injuries, lung conditions like COPD or LAM, or burst air pockets. It can also happen to patients receiving mechanical ventilation.