New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen is predicted to overlook at the least the beginning of coaching camp after having surgical procedure Friday to restore a torn ligament in his left wrist.
The process was to handle a torn scapholunate ligament. It was carried out by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles, in accordance with The Related Press.
Derik Queen Suffered His Harm Throughout The NBA Summer time League
Queen, who turns 21 in December, sustained his damage Tuesday whereas enjoying in opposition to the Portland Path Blazers in an NBA Summer time League recreation. The Pelicans stated he can be evaluated once more in roughly 12 weeks.
For the reason that 2025-26 NBA season suggestions off Oct. 21, this implies Queen may probably miss the start of New Orleans’ marketing campaign. The damage setback is unlucky after a promising begin to his skilled profession.
Queen, a Baltimore native, averaged 14 factors and 11 rebounds throughout three NBA Summer time League video games, taking pictures 43.8% from the sector and 50% from 3-point vary.
The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Queen was chosen thirteenth general by the Atlanta Hawks within the 2025 draft out of the College of Maryland, and the Pelicans acquired his rights in a commerce.
Queen Gained Massive Ten Freshman Of The 12 months At Maryland
In 36 video games (all begins) with Maryland throughout his freshman 2024-25 season, he averaged 16.5 factors, 9.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 30.4 minutes per contest whereas taking pictures 52.6% from the sector and 76.6% from the foul line.
In accordance with Faculty Basketball Reference, Queen completed seventh within the Massive Ten in factors (594), third in whole rebounds (323), second in defensive rebounds (239), and ninth in blocks (39).
He was additionally fifth in discipline targets (210), third in free throws (167), second in defensive ranking (92.4), third in win shares (5.9), and the large man led the convention in defensive win shares (2.8).
As well as, Queen was chosen to the first-team All-Massive Ten and gained Massive Ten Freshman of the 12 months honors, changing into the primary Terrapin to win the award since Joe Smith in 1994.
Queen To Play Alongside Zion Williamson With Pelicans
Throughout the 2025 Massive Ten Match, Queen scored 31 factors in opposition to the eventual Massive Ten champion Michigan Wolverines within the semifinal. It was probably the most factors ever scored within the event by a Maryland freshman.
He even led the Terrapins to their first Candy 16 look within the NCAA Match since 2016, averaging 16.9 factors and 9.0 rebounds per recreation on 52.6% taking pictures.
Placing apart his collegiate accomplishments, Queen’s dimension and scoring talents makes him a superb addition on a Pelicans squad that options former No. 1 general decide Zion Williamson.
Regardless of his athleticism, scouts are involved that he wants defensive enchancment to make it on the NBA degree, however regardless, his presence may be very a lot wanted in New Orleans’ frontcourt.
