Pelicans’ CJ McCollum: ‘I Would Love To Play In Europe At Some Point’

It’s not exactly been a banner season for the injury-plagued Pelicans, but CJ McCollum remains an avid follower of the EuroLeague — especially with his brother, Errick McCollum, playing for Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce.

“I have the EuroLeague app. I have many different apps and ways to watch Errick’s games, whether that’s in the EuroLeague or the Turkish league,” McCollum told Amerikanos24.

McCollum is a product of Canton (Ohio) GlenOak High School and believes the EuroLeague’s visibility has grown significantly, particularly in the U.S. 

“It’s more televised, easier to access. Public knowledge and perception have changed in terms of the quality of the game,” he said, referencing stars like Luka Doncic who transitioned from Europe to NBA success.

One of the league’s top performers, Kendrick Nunn, has caught McCollum’s attention. “There’s no doubt he’s an NBA player,” McCollum said. He credited Nunn’s ability to adapt to European basketball’s emphasis on off-ball movement, passing, and cutting over isolation play.

McCollum predicted Fenerbahce as EuroLeague champions but also sees Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and Monaco as Final Four contenders.

“They’ve got a good backcourt, strong big men — and obviously, my brother,” he said of Fenerbahce.

As for his own future, McCollum is open to a EuroLeague stint — under one condition. “Absolutely, I would love to play in Europe at some point,” he said. “But family dynamics play a role… My wife is a dentist, my kids are growing up.”

Still, he remains intrigued by the idea. “I love Serbia, I respect Turkish basketball, and I’ve been to Spain,” he said. “Those are places I’d love to explore — whether I’m playing or not.”