Injured Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum recently spoke out against retired NBA players who continue to criticize talents from this generation.
In a lengthy Twitter post, the 29-year-old Blazers combo guard made a compelling case about why players have the right to make decisions about where they play. According to the former Lehigh University standout, it's every professional athlete's right to express their displeasure with their current situation, just like any other profession in the world.
I never understood why ex-players would encourage current players to take less $ and to just stay in places they’re clearly unhappy. If someone wants to leave their job they have a right to voice their displeasure just like any other job. More star-power = more of a voice.
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 4, 2021
In a follow-up tweet, the outspoken Blazers scorer also apparently took a shot at some former players who now moonlight as analysts.




Haters come in all shapes , sizes and career fields 😂😂🤣 they know better but still don’t do better https://t.co/f5ViM7Vehr
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 6, 2021
While not dropping any names, CJ McCollum is likely pertaining to TNT's controversial crew, particularly Hall of Famers Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley. These two influential figures have not been shy about expressing their discontent with the game's current state today. Shaq and Chuck have definitely earned the ire of some players for their often harsh takes about their games and decisions.
For what it's worth, O'Neal has recently come under fire for putting Utah Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell on the spot.
Both Shaq and Barkley also had unsavory words for ex-Houston Rockets superstar James Harden following that blockbuster deal that sent him to the Brooklyn Nets. McCollum, meanwhile, is certainly not talking about his current situation, considering he is contented with his standing with the Blazers. Before suffering a fractured left foot, the 6-foot-3 guard was averaging 26.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game, all while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and a 44.1 percent clip from past the arc.