Pelicans rookie C Derik Queen has wrist surgery

Field Level Media|published: Fri 18th July, 17:17 2025

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Derik Queen stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 13th pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New Orleans Pelicans first-round pick Derik Queen is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist, the team announced Friday.

The 20-year-old center, selected 13th overall in last month's draft, will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. The timeline stretches into training camp and potentially jeopardizes his availability for the start of the season.

Queen sustained the injury to his scapholunate ligament during the Pelicans' NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday in Las Vegas. He averaged 14.0 points and 11.0 rebounds in three games during the summer circuit.

Queen was the 2024-25 Big Ten Freshman of the Year at Maryland after averaging 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in 36 games (all starts).

He was acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks in a draft-night trade.

--Field Level Media

Latest