CJ McCollum, the talented shooting guard for the New Orleans Pelicans, is struggling with a health problem for the second time in two years. This NBA veteran is fighting an agonizing condition – a second collapsed lung. This recurring health setback has alarmed not only the Pelicans, but also basketball fans worldwide.
McCollum’s willingness to overcome this ailment and continue his basketball career demonstrates his fortitude. His medical condition and its implications will decide the Pelicans’ stalwart’s future.
What lung condition does CJ McCollum suffer from?
CJ McCollum, the former Portland Trail Blazers guard who now plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, had been diagnosed with a pneumothorax, a medical condition in which his right lung collapses. This issue returned during his career, first becoming apparent during the fourth quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics.
Very odd and unusual injury in the NBA. Gerald Wallace and Terrence Jones both suffered rib injuries that also included a pneumothorax. Average missed time? 6.5 games https://t.co/CAsZuLSvMR
— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) December 8, 2021
McCollum was forced to miss subsequent games against the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors due to the injury. A pneumothorax, defined as air entering the gap between the lung and the chest wall, causing partial or full lung collapse, has previously injured athletes including NFL players Drew Brees and Rob Gronkowski. While pneumothorax incidents in the NBA are uncommon, examples from the past highlight the gravity of McCollum’s issue.
Heath update on CJ McCollum
CJ McCollum, the New Orleans Pelicans guard, has been diagnosed with a small pneumothorax in his right lung following a recent imaging test, as per the Pelicans. According to the Mayo Clinic, a pneumothorax happens when air enters the gap between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to partially or totally collapse.
Pelicans say CJ McCollum has been diagnosed with a small collapsed right lung. He will undergo additional examination in the next 48 hours to determine the progress of healing.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 5, 2023
This is McCollum’s second encounter with this disease in his career, with the first being in December 2021 during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. McCollum required many weeks to recover after the incident, missing 18 games before returning to the floor. CJ McCollum has already made an impression with the Pelicans, averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in six games.
However, the medical setback casts doubt on his availability. The Pelicans are currently awaiting additional testing that will evaluate the healing process, with developments to come. Notably, the team has been plagued by absences this season, including Trey Murphy, Jose Alvarado, and Naji Marshall, making McCollum’s situation much more difficult to negotiate.
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