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Pelicans’ Guard CJ McCollum Out Indefinitely With Collapsed Lung

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 13: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three-point basket during the second quarter of the 2022 NBA Play-In Tournament against the San Antonio Spurs at Smoothie King Center on April 13, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

On Sunday, New Orleans Pelicans CJ McCollum was diagnosed with a small pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung. The diagnosis was made after a medical imaging exam.

No information has been provided regarding the cause of the injury.

The announcement comes after McCollum’s impressive performance against the Atlanta Hawks. Despite the showing, the Pelicans lost 105-123.

The small pneumothorax most likely means that the lung didn’t actually collapse. However, there is air in the chest cavity, which caused his lungs to shrink. The injury is quite common in football and hockey.

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McCollum was diagnosed with a collapsed lung back in 2021 while still playing for the Portland Trail Blazers and ended up missing 18 games over six weeks due to the incident.

During his first six games with the Pelicans, McCollum led the team in minutes (34.3) and assists (5.7). He was also averaging 21.7 points per game and shooting 38% from the 3. He helped New Orleans win four of its first six games.