in

Pelicans CJ McCollum Diagnosed with Pneumothorax

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 10: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Orlando Magic during the first half of a preseason game at the Smoothie King Center on October 10, 2023 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The New Orleans Pelicans have officially announced that CJ McCollum, a guard, has been found to have a minor pneumothorax in his right lung based on recent medical imaging conducted this morning.

The team has also indicated that additional examinations are scheduled within the next 48 hours to gauge the progression of his recovery.

The tall 6’3″ veteran had been having a highly productive season with the 4-2 Pelicans. In the 2023/24 season, he had played five games, averaging 21.7 points per game, 5.7 assists per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, 1.5 steals per game, and 0.8 blocks per game.

Injuries had a detrimental impact on the New Orleans’ performance last year. Initially, the team emerged as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference, but their standing plummeted due to significant injuries to star forwards Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

While both of these players are currently in good health, McCollum now adds to the growing list of sidelined guards and wing players.