CJ McCollum’s Early Struggles in Atlanta Raise Questions About Fit, Not Talent
CJ McCollum has only just unpacked his bags in Atlanta, but the early returns haven’t exactly inspired confidence. Since joining the Hawks, the team has dropped four straight, and while it’s far too early to hit the panic button, it’s also clear that something isn’t quite clicking.
Let’s be clear - McCollum is still a capable scorer and a seasoned veteran with a proven track record. He’s not playing poorly in a vacuum.
But the issue isn’t about how he plays - it’s about how his style fits into what the Hawks are trying to build. And right now, that fit looks more awkward than impactful.
This isn’t a new conversation. Fans in New Orleans saw similar dynamics play out - McCollum’s game is polished, methodical, and largely self-contained. He’s the kind of guard who thrives when the offense runs through him, but that’s not necessarily what Atlanta needs right now.
The Hawks are clearly trying to pivot toward a new identity, one that’s built around the emergence of Jalen Johnson and a more modern, dynamic offensive approach. In that context, McCollum’s deliberate, mid-range-heavy style can feel like a speed bump in the flow. He’s not disrupting the locker room or taking bad shots - he’s just not elevating the players around him in a way that moves the needle.
That’s where the frustration is starting to build. Fans aren’t questioning McCollum’s ability - they’re questioning whether he’s the right piece for this particular puzzle.
And after moving on from Trae Young, expectations were understandably high for what the return package would bring. Some held out hope that McCollum might be a steadying presence, maybe even a surprise X-factor.
So far, that hasn’t materialized.
It’s also fair to say that McCollum might be better suited for a different kind of roster - one like Washington’s, where the focus is on development, mentorship, and establishing a culture. In that kind of setting, his leadership and consistency could be invaluable. But in Atlanta, where the clock is ticking on turning potential into production, the margin for error is much smaller.
Again, we’re only a handful of games into this new chapter. There’s still time for adjustments, for chemistry to develop, and for McCollum to carve out a role that works within the Hawks’ evolving system. But the early signs are raising legitimate questions - not about the player himself, but about whether this pairing ever made sense in the first place.
Right now, Atlanta doesn’t need name recognition. It needs synergy. And until McCollum finds a way to mesh his strengths with the team’s direction, the groans from the fanbase are likely to continue.