McCollum says his leadership style came from his parents. His mom emphasized the importance of communication and holding others accountable. His dad taught him that if you want to get respect from people, you have to give it back. Sometimes, he learned, that meant having to be direct — and blunt. “CJ backed me up on that and then he was the person that was the a–hole,” Lillard says. “He’ll say what needs to be said. I’m wearing different hats with everybody on this team. CJ was just like, ‘Do y’all wanna win? You B.S.-ing. You need to work on your game.’ I think he’ll bring that type of presence.”