Pelicans’ Derik Queen to be Evaluated in 12 Weeks Following Wrist Surgery

NEW ORLEANS: Derik Queen, the New Orleans Pelicans’ first-round draft selection, is anticipated to be sidelined for the commencement of training camp. This follows surgery to repair a torn ligament located in his left wrist, as the team communicated on Friday.

The injury took place on Tuesday during the Pelicans’ NBA Summer League match against the Portland Trail Blazers held in Las Vegas.

Subsequently, Queen’s condition was diagnosed as a torn scapholunate ligament, a crucial component for wrist stability, leading to immediate surgical intervention.

The procedure was completed successfully by notable orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles, California.

The Pelicans have verified that Queen will undergo a reassessment in approximately 12 weeks. This suggests that he will likely be absent for the initial phase of training camp and possibly a portion of the preseason games.

“The New Orleans Pelicans shared today that forward/center Derik Queen underwent a successful surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament within his left wrist,” the team declared.

“The surgery was conducted earlier today by Dr. Steven Shin situated in Los Angeles. Queen sustained the injury during the Pelicans’ Summer League game versus the Portland Trail Blazers on July 15. His condition will be re-evaluated in roughly 12 weeks.”

Before his injury, Queen displayed promise in the Summer League, achieving an average of 14.0 points and securing 11.0 rebounds across three games.

An accomplished player from the University of Maryland, Queen earned the title of the 2024–25 Big Ten Freshman of the Year after recording an average of 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in 36 starts. He was acquired by the Pelicans through a draft-night exchange with the Atlanta Hawks.