Derik Queen’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
Derik Queen, the 13th overall selection in this year’s NBA Draft, acquired by the New Orleans Pelicans through a significant trade, has recently undergone surgery to address a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. The team has communicated that Queen will be assessed again in approximately 12 weeks. This timeline coincides with the beginning of training camp and may overlap with the start of the forthcoming NBA season. Given the nature of his injury and subsequent surgery, Queen is highly likely to miss a substantial portion of his inaugural training camp and could be sidelined until the season begins, contingent on the pace of his recovery.
Details of the Injury
The injury occurred during a Summer League matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 15. This type of injury has precedent, as noted by injury expert Jeff Stotts, who highlighted that Thunder player Jalen Williams underwent the same surgical procedure following the recent season, during which he required numerous pain-relief injections to manage his discomfort while playing.
Queen’s Performance and Challenges
During the Summer League, Queen showcased a commendable offensive prowess, averaging 14 points and nearly 11 rebounds per game while achieving three double-doubles. However, his performance was marred by 17 turnovers over those three games, and he struggled at times with physicality and defensive engagement, which raised concerns about his readiness to contribute meaningfully when he returns.
Team Dynamics and Future Implications
As the Pelicans prepare for the upcoming season, head coach Willie Green faces the challenge of integrating Queen into a frontcourt that already includes Zion Williamson, Yves Missi, and Kevon Looney. Compounding the potential issues, health will be paramount for the Pelicans, especially since Queen joins teammates Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones, who are also recovering from surgeries, while Dejounte Murray will be sidelined for a noteworthy portion of the season due to an Achilles injury.
Trade Analysis and Future Outlook
In a bold move, the Pelicans traded away the 23rd overall pick as well as a coveted unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks to obtain the 13th spot in the draft, ultimately selecting Queen. If the team fails to secure a playoff berth this season, that traded pick could turn into a high-lottery selection next June in what many analysts are predicting to be a strong draft class. As such, analysts have criticized the trade as potentially one of the most regrettable deals of the offseason, placing added pressure on Pelicans’ General Manager Joe Dumars and the organization to ensure Queen justifies that investment. The implications of his absence from training camp certainly complicate matters.
