Star Pelicans guard diagnosed with a collapsed lung

The Pelicans announced in a press release that medical imaging has revealed star guard CJ McCollum recently suffered a small collapsed right lung. The team will assess him across the ensuing two days to appraise his recovery.

The 6-foot-3 vet had been enjoying a prolific season on the 4-2 Pelicans. Across his five games in 2023-24 so far, he had been averaging 21.7 PPG on .440/.380/.742 shooting splits, along with 5.7 APG, 4.8 RPG, 1.5 SPG and 0.8 BPG.

Injury issues sank New Orleans’ season last year. After it had initially emerged as one of the top clubs in the West, the team nosedived through the standings following major injuries to star forwards Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

Though both those players are currently healthy, McCollum joins a growing list of rotational guards and wings who are currently sidelined. 

Point guard Jose Alvarado is still recovering from a right ankle sprain that he suffered right before the start of the season. Small forward Naji Marshall is set to be reassessed in two weeks as he works his way back from a knee issue. 

Wing Trey Murphy III will miss several more months, as he continues to recuperate from surgery on a slightly torn left meniscus.