When the Washington Wizards acquired CJ McCollum this summer, it was a strategic addition with meaningful intent, bringing in experience for a team that’s still learning what winning looks like in the NBA.
McCollum joins a young roster full of promise but still searching for an identity. His arrival isn’t about taking over, it’s about bringing steadiness that only a veteran can. Already, teammates describe a presence that commands respect through consistency and professionalism.
Forward Justin Champagnie said McCollum set the tone from the start. “CJ is a very vocal leader,” he said. “He talks to the guys, especially the young guys, kind of gets them in the right spot. And he doesn’t really play around. He’s truly professional.”
That professionalism is quickly becoming his reputation in Washington. It shows in how he communicates during practice, how he prepares as an athlete, and how he carries himself on and off the court. For players trying to navigate the early stages of their careers, having someone like CJ McCollum around every day is a masterclass in habits that last.
Champagnie pointed out that watching how McCollum approaches his work has already been a learning experience. In a league that tests players mentally as much as physically, examples like that carry weight.
CJ McCollum isn’t the only veteran offering guidance. Khris Middleton, who arrived last year, has joined him in creating a culture of accountability and openness. Rookie Will Riley said both veterans have been approachable from day one. “Anything you come to them with, they’re gonna answer for you,” he said. “They’re not trying to make us feel like rookies too much. They’re really great vets.”
Riley shared that when he asked Middleton how he’s stayed in the league so long, the answer was simple: be coachable. It’s a message that reflects the same steady approach McCollum has built his career on.
For most of his 11-year run, McCollum has been known as a scorer and reliable guard. But in Washington, his value is measured in something less visible. This stage of his career isn’t about shot volume or minutes played. It’s about perspective and mentorship.
He’s seen the highs of playoff pushes and the grind of seasons that don’t go as planned. He knows the rhythm of a NBA season. Those experiences now shape the example he’s setting for the Wizards’ young core.
McCollum has praised the Wizards’ organization, calling it one of the most structured and professional environments he’s been part of. For a franchise intent on long-term growth, that endorsement from a respected veteran carries weight. It signals alignment between leadership and locker room which is the kind of foundation general manager Will Dawkins values.
The Wizards’ future will depend on how quickly their young core develops, but CJ McCollum’s impact won’t be measured in stats. It’ll be seen in the habits he leaves behind and the unspoken lessons that will support the future of the franchise.