The New Orleans Pelicans fans have received some positive news regarding their center CJ McCollum whom they have missed seeing in action for so long. CJ has always been an astute player for the Pelicans, adding balance and depth to the squad.
Earlier this month, McCollum was diagnosed with a minor pneumothorax in his right lung. During his NBA career, McCollum has experienced a collapsed right lung ailment twice. Fans expect him to get up and running as soon as possible once he returns.
Blazers Ex CJ McCollum Making Return from Injury Soon https://t.co/BHSwm112Y4 #Portland #TrailBlazers #RipCity pic.twitter.com/JGZjmoulv1
— Ron Bohning (@RonBohning) November 28, 2023
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, McCollum and the Pelicans hope to make a comeback on December 1st against the San Antonio Spurs or November 29th against the Philadelphia 76ers. It remains to be seen how the Pelicans deal with his comeback to the season.
CJ McCollum nous sort une belle ligne de stats hier soir ! 🔥
29 PTS
11 REB
10-17 FGEt la victoire 110-106 face au Thunder ✅
— First Team (@FirstTeam101) November 2, 2023
During the 2023–24 season, McCollum had been averaging 21.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game with the Pelicans before his injury according to StatMuse. The Pelicans have been playing some of their best basketball in the West this season, with CJ coming back and joining them it will boost their game even more.
When is CJ McCollum expected to return?
When the Pelicans play the Jazz on November 27th night, CJ McCollum will miss his 12th straight game because of a collapsed lung that he sustained against the Hawks on November 4. These injuries have come at a very unfortunate period for CJ as he needs to be consistently playing for his development.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, McCollum and the Pelicans are “aiming for his return” when they play the 76ers on November 29th night or the Spurs on December 1st at home. According to various reports, CJ returned to full practice and is almost ready to go.
Pelicans and CJ McCollum, out since Nov. 4 due to small lung collapse, set a target for his return to action: pic.twitter.com/WS6zouOhwm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 27, 2023
Following practice, McCollum informed the media that he was almost ready to get back on the court. “I feel good. I’m in a really good spot. I continue to increase my conditioning and add contact (in practice)……………. I’m looking forward to getting back out there. Not quite yet, I’m waiting on clearance from the doctor, but I should be getting cleared here pretty soon,” said CJ on his expected return.
The coaches who have worked with him have always sung praises about his attitude and way of approaching the game. He is a huge asset to the Pelicans roster and fans cannot wait to get behind him once he is back in action.