CJ McCollum
A skilled shooting guard who transformed from a small-college prospect into an NBA cornerstone and a respected voice for players' rights.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American basketball player·Birthday: September 19·Millennials
Biography
CJ McCollum's path to the NBA was not a foregone conclusion. Playing at Lehigh University, a mid-major program, he announced himself to the basketball world by leading the 15th-seeded Mountain Hawks to a historic upset over powerhouse Duke in the 2012 NCAA tournament. Drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers, he spent years as a reserve before seizing a starting role and winning the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2016. Alongside Damian Lillard, he formed one of the league's most potent and durable backcourts, known for his smooth pull-up jumper and clutch scoring. Off the court, McCollum built a parallel career in journalism, earning a degree and hosting a podcast. His thoughtful perspective led him to a leadership role as President of the National Basketball Players Association, where he advocated for player interests during critical collective bargaining negotiations.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
CJ was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When CJ Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
CJ's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2016 after averaging a career-high 20.8 points per game.
- Led Lehigh University to a monumental first-round NCAA tournament victory over Duke in 2012, scoring 30 points.
- Served as President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) from 2023 to 2025.
- Averaged over 20 points per game for six consecutive seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Did You Know?
He earned a degree in journalism from Lehigh and has worked as a correspondent for ESPN.
His younger brother, Errick, also played professional basketball, including a stint in the NBA.
He hosts a popular podcast called 'Pull Up with CJ McCollum.'
“I was a mid-major guy who beat Duke; that's my origin story.”
