Pelicans' CJ McCollum Reveals He Used Oxygen Tank During Recovery from Collapsed Lung
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum revealed he needed to use an oxygen tank during his recovery from a collapsed lung.
"I felt like an old person," McCollum told reporters after returning to the lineup in Wednesday's 124-114 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. "I needed oxygen for a while. I asked my wife, 'Is this what it's going to be like when I'm older? Pushing oxygen to the bathroom?' I did that for four or five days and felt great in terms of my breathing. Then it was about ramping up."
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McCollum had 20 points, five assists and four rebounds in 28 minutes as the Pelicans dominated the Sixers from the opening whistle.
"I was excited," McCollum said. "I felt like a kid again. Being able to play in the games after having to watch, after being injured. The type of injury it was, I was thankful I could play."
The 32-year-old missed more than three weeks after suffering his second collapsed lung in three seasons. He missed 18 games during the 2021-22 season while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers after suffering the injury for the first time.
The Pelicans are 5-2 in games McCollum has been in the lineup this season, versus a 5-7 record with him on the sidelines. New Orleans is one of eight teams to make the Play-In Tournament knockout round and will play the Sacramento Kings in the quarterfinals.
Overall, the Pelicans are 10-9 and sit in eighth place in the Western Conference.
