CJ McCollum is already leaning into his mentor role with the Washington Wizards, highlighting the age gap between himself and many of his new teammates by noting that several are too young to sample wine from his winery. The 34-year-old guard, acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans during the offseason, spoke about his guidance duties at the team’s media day.
“The guys are asking questions,” McCollum said, adding that younger players can learn “by osmosis” just by watching how he prepares. He pointed to 20-year-old point guard Bub Carrington as particularly curious about NBA routines. Carrington—expected to start this season—said sharing a locker room with McCollum feels surreal because comparisons to the veteran began when Carrington was in high school and his brother attended McCollum’s alma mater, Lehigh.
Washington’s roster underscores the generation gap. Second-year guards Carrington and AJ Johnson are both 20, while first-round picks Tre Johnson and Will Riley are 19. McCollum said he has tried to explain “why I prepare the way I do” and believes constant dialogue benefits both sides.
Whitmore Gets Long-Anticipated Opportunity
General manager Will Dawkins revealed he spoke with Cam Whitmore before the 2023 draft to gauge the D.C. native’s interest in playing for his hometown team. Nearly two years and limited minutes in Houston later, Whitmore has arrived via trade. “He understands he’ll get opportunities here, but they have to be earned,” Dawkins said, praising the 20-year-old forward’s power and explosiveness while stressing the need for consistency.
Injury Notes and Camp Competition
Corey Kispert, who underwent thumb surgery in March, told reporters the procedure did not disrupt his summer training regimen. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that competition for wing minutes will intensify in camp while Bilal Coulibaly recovers from thumb ligament surgery.
Source: Hoops Rumors
