Introduction

If you follow NBA basketball, the name CJ McCollum probably brings two things to mind: elite scoring ability and a scary injury history that keeps coming back to haunt him. The CJ McCollum injury story is not just about a sprained ankle or a pulled muscle. This is about a rare and serious medical condition that has sidelined him multiple times throughout his career and left fans, coaches, and analysts genuinely worried.

In this article, you will get the full picture. We cover what happened to CJ McCollum, why he keeps suffering the same injury, what a collapsed lung actually means for an NBA player, how long his recoveries have taken, and where he stands right now heading into the 2026 playoffs with the Atlanta Hawks. Whether you are a fantasy basketball manager or just a concerned fan, this breakdown covers everything you need to know.

What Is the CJ McCollum Injury That Keeps Coming Back?

The injury that has defined so much of CJ McCollum’s health narrative is called a pneumothorax, which is the medical term for a collapsed lung.

A pneumothorax happens when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall. That trapped air pushes against the lung from the outside and forces it to collapse. The collapse can be partial or complete. Either way, it is not something you play through.

Medical imaging confirmed that McCollum suffered a small pneumothorax in his right lung when the New Orleans Pelicans announced his diagnosis in November 2023. What made it more alarming was that this was not his first time dealing with this exact condition.

Why Is This Injury So Scary for an Athlete?

Think about what NBA players do every single night. They sprint, they jump, they absorb contact, and they play through physical exhaustion. Now imagine doing all of that with a lung that is not functioning properly. Even a small pneumothorax can cause:

• Shortness of breath
• Sharp chest pain
• Reduced oxygen intake
• Difficulty with high-intensity activity

For a guard like McCollum who depends on explosive movement and stamina, even a partial collapse is a serious setback.

CJ McCollum’s First Collapsed Lung: Portland Trail Blazers (2021)

The first time McCollum suffered this injury was during the 2021-22 NBA season when he was still playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.

McCollum was injured in the final quarter of a Blazers loss to the Boston Celtics. He was initially listed as probable with a rib contusion but did not play in the following game. A CT scan then revealed the collapsed right lung.

The Portland Trail Blazers announced that guard CJ McCollum suffered the pneumothorax during the team’s game against the Boston Celtics, and McCollum underwent further evaluation before a prognosis was decided.

How Long Did the First Recovery Take?

Recovery from a collapsed lung is not quick. The team said he had fully recovered two and a half weeks after the initial diagnosis, but he did not return to play for another three weeks after that. In total, McCollum missed 18 games that season.

That is a significant chunk of a regular season. Portland indicated that McCollum’s lung had become “fully healed” and he had been cleared for non-contact drills, shooting, and increased conditioning before his return.

He returned to the court on January 17, 2022, and was traded to the Pelicans three weeks later.

CJ McCollum’s Second Collapsed Lung: New Orleans Pelicans (2023)

The second occurrence was perhaps more alarming than the first. When the same injury happens twice, it raises serious questions about long-term risk and whether a player’s body is susceptible to repeat episodes.

With only seven games into the young NBA season, veteran shooting guard CJ McCollum was ruled out indefinitely by the New Orleans Pelicans after medical findings confirmed he suffered a small pneumothorax in November 2023.

McCollum, who was averaging 21.7 points and 5.7 assists through six games with the Pelicans that season, had 13 points and six assists in the loss to Atlanta right before the diagnosis was made.

What Caused It the Second Time?

This is where things get medically interesting. According to the Mayo Clinic, a pneumothorax can be caused by a blunt or penetrating chest injury, underlying lung disease, or in some cases no obvious reason at all. The team did not disclose further medical details, and no direct correlation had been drawn between the first and second pneumothorax occurrences.

The New Orleans Pelicans said McCollum would undergo an additional examination within 48 hours to determine the progress of healing.

How Did the Second Recovery Go?

Assuming recovery time would be similar to his last collapsed lung, McCollum was looking at a return shortly after Thanksgiving. That expectation proved roughly accurate as he worked his way back and continued his productive season.

Understanding Pneumothorax: What You Need to Know

Since this condition has now shaped CJ McCollum’s entire career trajectory, it helps to understand what it actually is.

A pneumothorax occurs when air gets inside the chest cavity and creates pressure against the lung, causing it to collapse partially or fully, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Here is a quick breakdown of the key facts:

• Partial collapse is called a small pneumothorax. This is what McCollum experienced both times.
• Full collapse is more severe and usually requires emergency treatment.
• Spontaneous pneumothorax can happen without any clear injury. Tall, thin individuals are at higher risk.
• Traumatic pneumothorax results from an outside impact like a rib injury from a hard foul or fall.

For NBA players, the contact-heavy nature of the game means chest injuries are always a risk. When those injuries affect the ribcage, a pneumothorax can follow.

Has This Happened to Other NBA Players?

Yes. Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum was diagnosed with a small pneumothorax in his right lung after medical imaging, making him one of several NBA players to suffer this type of lung injury.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham was diagnosed with a collapsed lung in March 2026, which affected one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders during a critical stretch of the season.

CJ McCollum’s Injury History Beyond the Collapsed Lung

The pneumothorax episodes get the most attention, but McCollum has dealt with other injuries throughout his career too.

Ankle Sprain (2024)

McCollum sustained an ankle sprain during a game against Miami while with the Pelicans and missed subsequent matches against the Bulls and Knicks. Although he participated in practice, his availability for upcoming games remained uncertain for a period.

Quadriceps Soreness (2025-26)

More recently with the Atlanta Hawks, McCollum was ruled out against the 76ers due to right quadriceps soreness, which was likely a maintenance situation for the second leg of a back-to-back set.

College Injury: Broken Foot at Lehigh

Even before the NBA, McCollum dealt with significant injury setbacks. His senior season at Lehigh was cut short by a broken foot, which limited him to just 12 appearances. Prior to that injury, he was averaging 23.9 points per game along with 5.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

Despite all of this, McCollum has consistently shown the ability to come back and perform at a high level. That is what makes him one of the more admirable figures in the league.

CJ McCollum’s Career Stats and Production Through the Injuries

Let us put the injury narrative into context with actual performance numbers.

McCollum has averaged at least 20 points per game in each of his last eight full seasons, making him one of the most consistent guards in the league even through health challenges.

During the 2023-24 season with the Pelicans before the second collapsed lung, McCollum was averaging 21.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. Those are legitimate All-Star caliber numbers.

After being traded to the Washington Wizards and then to the Atlanta Hawks, he kept producing. In 18 outings with Atlanta during the 2025-26 season, McCollum averaged 19.0 points, 3.4 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 threes, and 0.9 steals over 28.5 minutes per game.

The veteran guard scored in double digits in 24 straight games to close out 2025, averaging 20.9 points, 3.7 assists, 3.5 boards, 3.0 threes, and 1.2 combined steals and blocks over that stretch.

That kind of consistency after multiple serious injuries is genuinely impressive.

CJ McCollum’s Current Status: The 2025-26 Season and Playoffs

Here is where things stand right now as of April 2026.

McCollum is not listed on the injury report ahead of Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks, with his absence being for rest purposes only during the regular season finale.

In 41 regular-season appearances with the Hawks, including 25 starts, McCollum averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 28.8 minutes.

His playoff debut with the Hawks was eventful. McCollum scored 26 points on 11-of-20 shooting in Game 1 against the Knicks, though he also contributed to Atlanta’s turnover struggles with five giveaways in the defeat.

The Hawks need McCollum to be locked in. His health heading into this playoff run looks solid, which is honestly the best news the team could ask for given everything he has been through.

How Has the CJ McCollum Injury Affected the Teams Around Him?

Injuries like this do not just affect the player. They ripple through the entire franchise.

When McCollum went down with the Pelicans the first time in 2023, New Orleans had opened the season 4-2 and suffered a loss to the Denver Nuggets the very next day after the announcement of his diagnosis.

The Pelicans were already navigating injuries to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram regularly. Losing McCollum too created a roster emergency that forced the team to rely heavily on backup options.

During his time with the Blazers, McCollum’s injury came alongside absences from Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Nassir Little, and Ben McLemore, turning what was already a tough season into a total injury crisis for Portland.

The lesson here is clear. When McCollum plays, his teams are significantly better. When he does not, they struggle.

What Does the Future Look Like for CJ McCollum?

McCollum is 34 years old now. He has dealt with collapsed lungs twice, ankle issues, and general wear and tear that comes with over a decade in the NBA. The honest question is: can he stay healthy enough to contribute at a high level through the tail end of his career?

The early signs from this season are encouraging. As long as he is on the court, which has become an issue with at least 16 missed games in four of the last five years, McCollum should provide solid fantasy and real-life value.

His game has evolved smartly. He has become a more efficient scorer, a better passer, and a veteran presence who does not need to dominate the ball to make an impact. That kind of adaptability extends careers.

I think what makes McCollum’s story compelling is the fact that he has never used injuries as an excuse. He returns, he produces, and he moves forward. That attitude matters as much as any medical update.

Tips for Fantasy Basketball Managers Tracking the CJ McCollum Injury

If you are playing fantasy basketball and CJ McCollum is on your roster, here is what you should watch:

1. Check the injury report daily during the playoffs. Rest-related DNPs are common for veterans in this phase of the season.
2. Monitor back-to-back situations. McCollum has been managed carefully on the second night of back-to-backs.
3. Watch for any chest or rib-related news. Given his history, any mention of chest discomfort should trigger immediate attention.
4. His minutes cap matters. The Hawks have generally kept him under 31 minutes, so do not expect monster stat lines requiring heavy court time.
5. Playoff intensity changes things. McCollum has historically elevated his game in high-stakes moments despite his injury concerns.

Conclusion

The CJ McCollum injury story is one of resilience as much as it is one of medical misfortune. Suffering a collapsed lung once is scary. Suffering it twice and still averaging close to 20 points per game across multiple teams is genuinely remarkable. Right now, McCollum is healthy, productive, and playing meaningful playoff basketball with the Atlanta Hawks. He has earned his place as one of the more durable spirits in the league even when his body has not always cooperated.

If you are a fan watching the Hawks in these playoffs, appreciate what McCollum brings every time he steps on the floor. It has never been guaranteed. What do you think? Can McCollum stay healthy and help the Hawks make a deep playoff run? Share your thoughts and pass this article along to anyone following his story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the CJ McCollum injury that caused him to miss the most time? The most significant CJ McCollum injuries have been his two pneumothorax episodes, both affecting his right lung. The first in 2021 caused him to miss 18 games. The second in November 2023 sidelined him indefinitely before a return around Thanksgiving.

Q2: What is a pneumothorax? A pneumothorax is a collapsed lung that occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall. It can be partial or complete and is caused by chest trauma, lung disease, or sometimes no obvious reason at all.

Q3: How many times has CJ McCollum had a collapsed lung? CJ McCollum has suffered a collapsed right lung twice in his NBA career. The first was in December 2021 with the Portland Trail Blazers. The second was in November 2023 with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Q4: Is CJ McCollum injured right now in 2026? No. As of April 2026, McCollum is healthy and active on the Atlanta Hawks roster. He played in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs against the New York Knicks, scoring 26 points.

Q5: How long did CJ McCollum’s recovery take after the 2021 collapsed lung? He was cleared for non-contact activities roughly two and a half weeks after the diagnosis. However, his full return to game action took longer. He missed a total of 18 games that season before returning on January 17, 2022.

Q6: What team does CJ McCollum play for now? CJ McCollum currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks. He was traded from the Washington Wizards to Atlanta in January 2026 as part of the deal that sent Trae Young to Washington.

Q7: How has the CJ McCollum injury affected his fantasy basketball value? His injury history creates uncertainty, particularly around back-to-back games and any signs of chest issues. However, when healthy, McCollum is a reliable scorer averaging around 19-21 points per game, making him a valuable fantasy asset.

Q8: Has CJ McCollum had any other notable injuries besides the collapsed lung? Yes. He suffered an ankle sprain with the Pelicans in 2024, experienced quadriceps soreness during the 2025-26 season, and dealt with a broken foot during his senior season at Lehigh University.

Q9: What was CJ McCollum’s stat line with Atlanta Hawks in the 2025-26 regular season? In 41 regular-season appearances with the Hawks, McCollum averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game over 28.8 minutes.

Q10: Is CJ McCollum prone to recurring collapsed lungs? Having experienced pneumothorax twice, McCollum does carry an elevated risk compared to players with no lung injury history. Medical experts note that a prior pneumothorax can increase the likelihood of a future one, which is why his chest health is monitored so closely.

Author Bio

Marcus A. Reyes is a sports journalist and NBA analyst with over eight years of experience covering player health, performance trends, and team dynamics. He has contributed to multiple sports media outlets and specializes in translating complex medical sports topics into clear, reader-friendly content. When he is not breaking down injury reports, he is tracking advanced NBA stats and playoff trends.

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Email: johanharwen314@gmail.com
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